Julius Caesar Watts memorably said that “character”—meaning good character—is about “doing what’s right when nobody’s looking.” Watts would know a lot about people looking on. From the Oklahoma Sooners to the Canadian Football League to a Baptist pulpit and on to elected office, at both state and national levels, and then back into the private […]
Archive for integrity
Why Keeping Commitments is Critical to Your Influence
3 Reasons Integrity Is Key to Your Success
When we think of someone with integrity, we think of someone we can count on to come through on what they promise. Unfortunately, that’s not always a safe bet today. Over the last several years I’ve noticed a change in the way we use the word integrity. Having integrity requires staying true to your word—even […]
The Reflex of Character
Get It Right When There’s No Time to Think
The foundation of effective leadership is character. Nothing else has more impact. Nothing else has greater reach. And nothing else can make up for its lack—not education, experience, talent, or contacts. Every now and then you hear a story about someone’s character that brings this principle into sharp focus. Gail and had this experience when […]
Candid Answers to Tough Leadership Questions: An Interview
Last spring, Jim Bradford , Dean of Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University, interviewed me on my leadership philosophy and practice. … How social media fits into my role as a CEO and why I think it is critical to my company’s success.
How to Foster Honesty in Your Team
Most leaders talk to their teams about how they value honesty. However, judging by their behavior, very few of these leaders actually encourage it.
Leadership Question #1: Who Has Impacted Your Leadership the Most?
“Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life?” Here’s my answer.