leadingwideopen.com

  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 [...]

  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 [...]

  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. [...]

  Recently had a meeting with the department heads of the team I lead and our discussion centered on how to invest in those we lead. That discussion led to a list of eleven ideas: 11 Ways to Invest in those you lead: Take them to a conference that will help equip them and then [...]

Leaders who are looking to build a movement know how to make decisions. Failing to make decisions leads to the team feeling deflated and confused. A disciplined and motivated leader recognizes that making decisions is critical to the success of the organization. They also realize that “how” a decision is made is equally important as [...]

His feet were positioned correctly and his gloved hands gripped the cold metal. He had seen others do it and now it was his turn. I stood behind him holding the seat as he tried to find his balance. We both had one goal in mind and we worked together to accomplish it. I’ll admit [...]

No one enjoys negative feedback and it usually comes when you least expect it. We all face people who come with concerns because they think their way is the “right way” or the “one way” to do it. Handling negative feedback in a gracious manner is not easy but when handled with the right attitude [...]

Life had taken an unexpected turn. He was outnumbered and outmaneuvered. Ten to one is hard to overcome. His hands were tied. Joseph watched as his brothers negotiated a price. Money exchanged hands and he was on his way to Egypt. Each step he took led him away from the familiar comforts of home. Everything [...]

There are some who think the latest round of NFL negotiations between the players and owners took a hit recently. It looks like a few are coming to the table with egos bigger than the Redskin’s stadium. It probably shouldn’t be surprising that in this tough man’s sport there are some who may think negotiation [...]

What is a Multiplier and how does a leader help others become smarter? Some leaders feel threatened when those they lead appear more intelligent. Then there are those who look on the bright side. They celebrate when someone on their team has implemented a bright idea that has brought benefits to the organization. Liz Wiseman [...]