“Don’t expect your boss, co-workers and customers (clients) to make you happy – realize that happiness is an inside job. Our happiness has less to do with forces outside of us and more to do with what’s inside of us. The way we think about work, feel about work, and approach our work influences our … Read more
“It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable.” – Moliere I’ve written in this space many times before (here, most recently) about accountability. It’s a favorite word of leaders, writers, speakers, politicians, you name it. Everybody likes to talk about how they’re in favor … Read more
“Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I have never heard of anyone ever stumbling on something sitting down.” – Charles F. Kettering The last couple of posts in this space (here and here) were about getting unstuck. The idea was about … Read more
“In times of turbulence, the greatest danger isn’t the turbulence – it’s to act with yesterday’s logic.” – Peter Drucker One of the things that’s great about humans is that we can learn from our past mistakes. One of the things that’s not great about humans is that we can become mesmerized by our past … Read more
“Fall seven times and stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb People throw around a lot of different words and phrases to describe great leaders. You hear about things like work ethic, integrity, communication skills, vision, strategic thinker, etc. The list could go on and on, but most lists would be missing one of the most … Read more
“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.” – J.R.R. Tolkien I had the good fortunate a few weeks ago to be chatting with a group of extremely high-performing leaders. A lot of interesting topics came up, but one that really stretched everyone’s minds was … Read more
“It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.” – Thomas Sowell I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with a group of outstanding leaders on a regular basis. We get together and talk about a lot of different topics, mostly big picture stuff. It’s an opportunity for those leaders … Read more
“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” – Judy Garland Last week in this space the conversation was about understanding who you are and who you aren’t, and then getting help where you need it. Based on the feedback that came in, that topic struck a nerve. … Read more
“Astrophysicists assure us the universe has no center; therefore, you cannot be it.” – David McCullough, Jr. A lot is expected of leaders. Sometimes people in leadership roles feel like they’re supposed to know how to do everything, how to handle every situation, what to say to anyone at any time, etc. It can be, … Read more
“When bobbing for apples, an idealist endlessly reaches for the best apple, a pessimist settles for the first one within reach, while an optimist drains the barrel, fishes out all the apples and makes pie.” – Vera Nazarian Moderation doesn’t always seem to be in vogue. Maybe that’s always been true, but it seems especially … Read more
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