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We all have to answer to someone.  Anyone who has a job has a boss and we all want our boss to like us.  When we experience the favor of those in authority we walk with a bounce in our step and a smile comes more frequently. Gaining the favor of the person you report [...]

  Makeup, Silly Putty, spatulas, and bandages all share something in common. A single key ingredient softens makeup and protects skin from harmful UV rays, makes Silly Putty stretchy, adds flexibility to spatulas and waterproofs bandages. And yet, each of these items possesses unique strengths. Beyond their common key ingredient, the similarities are hard to [...]

  Sitting poolside, legs kicking and splashing in the water, our three year-old daughter giggled as she churned out waves. One of her buddies sat beside her creating bubbles by paddling his legs. We dads sat a few feet away enjoying conversation and laughter filling the air. We weren’t ready for what happened next. My [...]

  What words do you think of when you read “tenderhearted”? Does weak, spineless, or wimp come to mind? Many leaders consider tenderness to be a weakness. Only thick-skinned leaders get things done right? That’s what Mike thought. Mike was my boss at a hotel where I once worked. A thick-skinned and demanding leader, he [...]

  Parent’s aren’t perfect but sometimes we sure act like we are. I remember a time when Dad called my brother, sister and me into our living room. By his tone, we knew he was angry and we were in big trouble. I’m sure I avoided eye contact as he asked which one of us [...]

  I have been spending time reading and pondering the life of Eli, a spokesman for God who lost his voice. And no, he didn’t have laryngitis. The Bible records the story of Eli in the opening chapters of first Samuel. Eli held a prominent position of influence but lost his voice when he lost [...]

This year holds amazing accomplishments ready to be enjoyed. It will require solid leadership built on the foundation of trust and a firm belief in the giftedness of those you lead. Leaders who see the possibilities and encourage an open discussion will be positioned to celebrate an amazing 2012. The best is yet to come [...]

  If you’ve been in the workforce for very long, you’ve likely come across a manager or coworker who fits this description: “He is a dreadful manager. . . . He acts without thinking and with bad judgment. . . . He does not give credit where due. . . . Very often, when told of a [...]

  I remember the subtle comment from my brother-in-law as we got into our car for the 13 hour drive home, “Be careful and no tickets.” I thought to myself, “that won’t happen, I always stay close to the speed limit.” We waved goodbye as we pulled away. It had been a great Christmas. The [...]

  Children who understand what their parents expect are more likely to meet those expectations. I Heard it said once, if you don’t know what the target is you’ll miss it every time. Parent who fail to help their children find the target leave their children wondering what it takes to please or satisfy their [...]

  Do you remember that gift you dreamed of as a child? I have vivid memories of my eyes feasting on brightly colored pictures of toys in back of the Sears catalog. With pen in hand, I circled every toy I hoped to unwrap on Christmas morning, including a bright red fire engine with a [...]

  Every leader needs to be accountable. We all need to answer to someone. Accountability indicates responsibility. When we are required to provide an explanation for our actions, we realize personal agenda’s should not drive decisions. Accountability encourages finding the best solution for the movement over what is best for one individual. Leaders who resist [...]

  I recently asked my son to list the top 5 things he believed a leader should be and this is what he gave me: A True Leader is: 1. Willing to listen to what other people on the team have to say 2. Keeps up morale 3. Gives his best in all things 4. [...]

Have you ever worked for a boss who wouldn’t confront those who are make up their own rules? As the leader, the boss is ultimately responsible for calling out the self-serving. The story is told of a man in a high position of leadership named Eli. Among his many employees, were two managers who also [...]