”Let’s be honest. You ate too much high octane food during the holidays. The weather outside was bitter cold, so you ditched your exercise program. You haven’t darkened the door of the gym since the week after Thanksgiving. And the scale doesn’t lie: you’ve gained a few pounds.” This is the conversation I had with myself in the mirror on New Year’s day.
Archive for Leadership
Seven Questions to Ask About Last Year
Here are some of mine: Running the half marathon in April, even though I almost didn’t at the last minute Cutting our company’s expenses to maintain the health of the business Having eight of the top ten books on the November Christian bestsellers list Getting my oldest daughter married and seeing their relationship grow What do you feel you should have been acknowledged for but weren’t? … Here are some of mine: Laying off so many of our employees, including some very dear friends Failing to articulate the vision and be a better source of encouragement to my team Not really unplugging from my vacation in October like I had planned Losing focus on my exercise regimen and having to keep re-starting it What was missing from last year as you look back?
Five Characteristics of Weak Leaders
General McClellan had significant character flaws that I believe serve as a warning signs to anyone in leadership. Ultimately, these cost him dearly: He lost Lincoln’s confidence, his job, and a run for the White House (against Lincoln). Worse, they prolonged the Civil War and cost the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides of the conflict.
Four Things Your People Need in Tough Times
This recession has been a tough ride for most organizations. Many leaders I have met with in the last few months have grown weary of trying to keep things moving forward with fewer resources. They keep thinking things will improve, but “flat” seems to be the new “up.” In times like these, it is tempting for all of us to stay in our offices and become introspective. But we absolutely cannot do that. Our people need us now—more than ever.
Leadership and the Law of Replication
When I was about three or four, I distinctly remember my Mom saying to me, “Mike, you don’t need to walk with a limp. … Regardless of her admonition, I still walked with a limp for another year or so, simply because I wanted to be like my dad.
The Total Customer Experience
Being great at what you do is about more than being a competent professional or a skilled craftsman. It’s not enough to deliver a great product or service. It is about the total customer experience, from the first encounter until the last—and everything in between.