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I get excited when I discover a new idea. I enjoy seeing their soaring effects as improvements are pursued. But believe it or not, there are times when my latest “great idea” or new “sure fire fix” isn’t well received (Every organization needs a good bad idea, by Ron Edmondson). It is during such times [...]

My mom didn’t let me get away with it. She knew whose responsibility it was.  I was the one responsible for the clothes stuffed under my bed. I had left the wet towel on the floor. I hid the trash in the garage instead of taking it to the dumpster. I was the obvious culprit [...]

I recently read an insightful book by Joel Kurtzman, Common Purpose: How Great Leaders Get Organizations to Achieve the Extraordinary. Mr. Kurtzman pulls together his years of experience at several distinguished organizations and shares what he has learned about leading an organization to accomplish the extraordinary. He also interviewed 50+ leaders and compiled the best [...]

I was bursting with excitement as I ran through the crowd searching for my Mom. I had a burning question, and it was all I could do to hold it in. My face must have shown the disappointment when I found her in a serious conversation with another mom. I knew I needed to wait [...]

Every team has a set of values that influences their efforts. If a leader values individualism over collaboration, team members will gravitate toward self-reliance and personal independence. The leader who values authenticity will experience team dynamics with a high level of trust. Whether these values are shared intentionally or exist as a by-product of a [...]

The past few weeks one of the leadership teams at Oak Hills Church has been wrestling with what we want our staff meetings to accomplish. We have been discussing how often, how long, and why we are bringing all the staff together. Currently we meet two times each month for about an hour. There were [...]

Getting the right people on the team is essential if anything of significance is going to be accomplished. It doesn’t take much to stymie the team and stall the progress. A degrading attitude, an ulterior motive, or a lack of willingness to help pull the load will lead to frustration and resentment. The leader who [...]

Holding a position of authority requires a keen understanding of how to use it effectively. Authority should be used for the good of the team. I worked for a Marriott hotel when I was 19 years old. My job was to check every room service order before it was served to the guest and to [...]

Robert Sutton asks a solid question: “What makes a boss great?” When I read a post like this it reminds me how much dedication and work it takes to be a great boss. In truth, I don’t even like the word “boss”. I prefer the phrase “Team Leader” over “boss” any day. Regardless, the twelve [...]

My friends know I’m not a great cook, but I always enjoy hanging out with those who possess culinary flare. I have one friend in particular named Mike who has perfected the art of making a Flour-less Chocolate Cake. It has an amazing taste. I am often amazed at the science that Mike brings to [...]

I recently answered 10 questions provided by Ron Edmondson through his blog. Ron is the Co-Pastor of Grace Commnity Church in Clarksville, Tennessee. He provides insight in many areas relating to marriage, parenting, leadership and ministry. I have benefited in several ways from what he has shared and I am sure you will too! You [...]

She barely reached five feet tall but possessed rock-solid confidence. She knew what needed to be done and how to make it happen. I could always count on her for good advice. Meet Kim Woods, my former manager at Victoria British. I was 18 years old when I worked as a Customer Service Representative for [...]

Daniel 3:1-30 I kicked off the winter of 2001 by standing watch as a United States Naval police officer in London, England. Eighteen men had been called to active duty, and we were all reluctant to assume the expected military bearing. We were even less enthusiastic about leaving our families and civilian lives behind. The [...]

Several months back, I carried my sleeping son into his bedroom when something peculiar happened. I had turned on the closet light and cracked the door to allow just enough light to see. While digging around to retrieve the wad of blue sheeting stuffed under the blanket at the end of his bed, I noticed [...]