I can’t do my job well without the assistance and participation of others.  Someone must give me direction about what to do.  They must give me clear targets for which to aim. They must give me feedback on how I’m progressing.  They must help me hone an edge by upgrading and redefining my targets as stuff changes.  Someone must help me.  I’m not all things to all people.  Mine is not a “one-person” job.  We […]

“When you can’t get out of it, get into it.” Sometimes situations can’t be ignored or avoided. While it might be inconvenient, uncomfortable, or not optimal, you possess the skill, ability, and insight to lead or fix the situation. The situation needs your participation and your leadership. You can’t get out of it. So, it’s wise to dig in. Go hard. Go fast. Dig in. A half-hearted effort at a full throttle issue will only prolong frustration and […]

Disciplines for better leadership. – Parker Palmer Talk less, listen more As leaders, we can feel like it’s our responsibility to talk: Meeting starts, everyone turns to the leader. I’m known as a talker. But, I’ve learned the virtue of asking questions. Calling on those who haven’t spoken. Seeking opinions from those who I sense may not agree. Assuming I know the answer because I’m the leader has gotten me into jams. Count on this […]

“Many successful people still have no idea what they want to do. They just have a bias for action that has allowed them to capitalize on opportunities and compound effectively over time. If you have a bias for action, you’ll always be fine.” – Sahil Bloom This quote is a “paradox.”  On one hand, we teach the importance of goals and being intentional about striving for them.  On the other hand, it asserts that successful people get there “by happening to the world” every day.  As I reflected upon the […]

“We can be leaders in everything we do in our work and in our daily lives when teaching others or learning from others.” – Chris Lowney Lowney’s quote points you toward two activities – teaching and learning. Teaching is an obvious leadership task.  But it’s underrated.  So many times, leadership is associated with exercising authority.  Leaders direct.  Leaders determine.  Leaders decide.  Leaders boss.  We all know that. But leaders do some of their best work when […]

“The realist sees reality as concrete.  The optimist sees reality as clay.” — Robert Brault   “PalletOne leaders happen to the world.”   Here’s what I mean by this statement:   We aren’t in charge of the circumstances we face.  Stuff happens.  Sometimes it is bad stuff.    When stuff happens, we control what we think about it.  We control what we do about it.    So, that brings us back to Brault’s quote.   Do you see the circumstances you […]

I listened to a podcast where New Orleans Pelicans Coach Willie Green was being interviewed about his rookie season heading an NBA team. I appreciated his understated style, but a couple of insights shared about leadership and team development resonated with me. He was asked about the biggest thing that surprised him about being the head coach.  He noted that he didn’t realize he would have to “talk” so much. Leaders have to “talk.” You […]

I listened to leader consultant Tim Kight interview Mark McCullough, who is an executive leader in the huge utility company American Electric Power. McCullough has worked for AEP his entire career. He started as a manager trainee at the bottom and has worked his way up to being the leader of over 5000 teammates and 8000 contractors. Kight asked McCollough to describe a formative experience.  He described an explosion.  The incident occurred in a power plant.  McCullough was […]

Mark Merrill writes about marriage and family.  I read with interest a list of five manners he says parents should teach their children. Selflessness – In a successful marriage, selflessness takes the lead.  Parents who are focused on putting each other first, teach their kids an invaluable relationship skill.  Model putting the “other” first and you will teach your kids the fundamentals of affirmation and respect. Please and Thank You – Please says “I’m not entitled.”  Thank […]

“What you do speaks so loudly, I can’t hear what you’re saying.”  – Ralph Waldo Emerson Author Ralph Waldo Emerson said it originally, but you might have seen Alabama legendary football coach Nick Saban say it on television recently.    If you are a football fan, you probably have a strong feeling about Saban.  Some find glory in his successful tenure in Alabama.  Some resent his success and are glad his team fell to Georgia in Monday’s championship […]