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  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 [...]

  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 [...]

  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 [...]

  Have you ever wondered what it takes to produce excellence?  Excellence is the result of giving our best for the benefit of others. There is a huge difference between “getting by” and “giving our best.” These two approaches bring about very different results. Those who do just enough to “get by” go through life [...]

  Everyone benefits when people know that open and honest input is valued. Where there is candor, there is no fear of retribution. Team members who can freely share what they think and feel, enjoy the benefit of a deep trust relationship. They do not hold back for fear of receiving disapproving glares from other [...]

  Leaders understand the value of asking questions. Insightful leaders ask the right questions at the right time. What questions are you asking those you lead? Here are five questions that strengthen relationships between team members and invite healthy conversations. 1. How is your family? I am not sure who coined this phrase.  Its been [...]

  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 [...]

Candor: Speaking the truth openly. Displaying a willingness to say it like it is. All leaders need team members who are willing to say it like it is. People who honestly share what they see and feel bring candor to the team. It’s not uncommon for a leader to find they are surrounded by people [...]

Leaders must be able to make decisions if progress is to be experienced. Handling decision-making effectively is essential to building momentum and enjoying success. Decisions are the fuel that propels the team toward the goal. A leaders role in the decision-making should be approached thoughtfully. If most decisions have the leaders fingerprints on it, a [...]

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 [...]