"I'm a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have theheart to let him down.” – Abraham Lincoln Today, during a podcast interview, I found myself quoting a close friend who left us toosoon—Tim Kunsman. Tim was someone who saw my flaws, my failures, and still choseto believe in me, even when I couldn’t believe in myself. He didn’t need perfection from me. He just believed I would keep going –...
Today, teamwork is more than a workplace trend—it’s a cornerstone of how organizations operate. It has inspired academic research, consulting industries, and even military strategy. Business leaders have taken the concept off the athletic field and made it central to their vision of success. But long before “teamwork makes the dream work” became a catchphrase, Henry Ford summed it up simply: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” No matter where you...
In the fast-paced world of frontline operations, success often hinges on how well a teamworks together. True teamwork is not about everyone doing the same thing—it’s abouteveryone doing their part with a shared purpose. Frontline leaders are the heartbeat of this dynamic. Your influence can turn a group ofindividuals into a high-functioning team. It starts with clarity. Define the mission clearly.When every team member knows the “why” behind their role, they find deeper meaningin even the most...
For generations, leaders of all sorts, have been portrayed on stage and screen as “theBoss.” As in “Show them you’re the Boss!” Then, in 2020, Ted Lasso premiered onApple+ TV. He was a new, kinder, kind of Boss. Ted is an American football coach, hiredto coach a UK Soccer team. Everyone thinks he will fail. BUT, Ted’s deep reservoir of optimism and, most of all, kindness, literally won the day,garnering many accolades and awards for the show....
We all know that one coworker—let’s call them the Dramanator. You’re just trying to refillyour coffee, and suddenly you’re caught in a soap opera about Janet’s missing stapler.Again. Dramanators aren't always villains—they're often just energy vampires in businesscasual. They magnify molehills into mountains, complain like it’s cardio, and somehowmake every meeting about their feelings. As Gary Chapman wisely put it, “When aworkplace becomes toxic, its poison spreads beyond its walls and into the lives of itsworkers and...
“To say that a person feels listened to means a lot more than just their ideas get heard.It’s a sign of respect.” – Deborah Tannen Over the years, I’ve become a big fan of high-fiving folks for a job well done.Recognition lifts morale and keeps the wheels of the organization turning smoother thana greased mower deck. But here’s the deal: behind every pat on the back is somethingmore important—listening. Not the "uh-huh, sure, got it" kind of listening. I...
Charlie Munger didn’t just talk about resilience—he lived it. Known to most as Warren Buffett’s right-hand man, Munger's path to success was far from a smooth ride. While his achievements are well-documented, fewer people recognize the personal hardships he endured along the way. After serving in the military, Munger faced a painful divorce, the heartbreaking loss of a son, and financial difficulties. But perhaps one of the most challenging moments came in his early 50s when a...
"Trust the Process" became a popular phrase in sports over the past 10 years, especially whenteams faced rebuilding years. The Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Astros, enduring toughseasons while reshaping their teams, urged fans to trust the long-term vision. Leadersreassured investors and supporters: “Things may seem bleak now, but we have a plan in placeto make it better.” This idea extends beyond sports—it applies to business, organizational change, and evenpersonal challenges. Focusing on what you can control—the process—can...
What is Leadership Focus, and Why Does it Matter? Studies show the average attention span of humans in the 21st century has dropped to just 8.25seconds—less than that of a goldfish. This shift has led experts to declare that focus and concentration arenow the true superpowers for professionals, more critical than skills or IQ. For leaders, focus means more than just “keeping an eye on the ball.” It involves understanding yourorganization’s mission and vision, identifying the most important...
You’ve likely heard the story of four people—Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. Itillustrates what happens when leadership is absent: Everybody looks to Somebody or Anybodyto take responsibility, but with no leader to guide the process, Nobody steps up. The result ischaos, finger-pointing, and failure. Sadly, this scenario plays out in organizations every day.Accountable leadership should be standard practice, but too often, it’s not. What is Accountable Leadership?Accountable leadership means leaders take responsibility for their actions and those...