“Consistency is the most important skill you can learn. Be known for it.” – Joe Holka Consistent people show up. You can set your clock by them. Consistent people do their jobs. They don’t need a quality inspection. They understand their roles and perform them. Consistent people interact predictably. No unexpected mood swings. No hypersensitive responses. They are marked by their emotional maturity. Consistent people value teamwork. They model it. They expect it in return.

Dr. Henry Cloud, one of my favorite authors, says this: “Think of your past for learning, or to feel gratitude.  Never for punishment…. of you or anyone else.” Do you beat yourself up for what you should or could have done and didn’t? Do you carry around mistakes you’ve made longer than you should? Are negative experiences now defining what you will do in the future? Are there people whose past actions cause you to

What is your “attitude’s” reputation?   How would the people close to you describe your attitude? Take a few minutes and reflect on it. Jot down the words.   Positive. Caring. Service-oriented. Friendly. Adventuresome. Fun-loving.   It could go the other way: Bad. Lazy. Negative. Scared.   The lists can be long and varied. But the people who influence outcomes and lead most effectively are aware of their attitudes.   They are aware because somewhere in their history they took control of their attitude. They decided what

“Patience is choosing to control your emotions rather than letting your emotions control you.” – Mark Merrill Are you a person who desires to be more patient? If so, how are you attacking it? This quote from writer Mark Merrill suggests emotions are at the center of patience. Here’s my experience with patient people: They can wait. They resist the impulse to react to situations and act only when they come up with a plan.

I heard Cynt Marshall, the president of the NBA Dallas Mavericks, describe her leadership style in three words: Listen, Learn and Love. Leaders often feel compelled to talk. They have the floor. They expect to fill up the air with words. Marshall’s formula reminds the leader to hold back. An effective leader understands that there is untapped knowledge, insight, ideas, and solutions amongst the team. A leader who “listens” allows that information to come forth.

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