GOING THE EXTRA MILE IN LIFE!
May 29, 2025
By Mark David
When we hear people talking about going the “extra mile”, most people take it as working harder than others; I would like to shine another light on this simple but powerful habit.
May 29, 2025
By Mark David
When we hear people talking about going the “extra mile”, most people take it as working harder than others; I would like to shine another light on this simple but powerful habit.
April 30, 2025
By Mark David
A few months ago, Will Hermens, a technology leader at Nike, reached out with a suggestion to do a blog on the importance of notetaking in corporate America. His insight sparked a conversation and ultimately this collaboration.
We trust what follows will support you in your leadership journey. Mastering the art of notetaking can move you from being good at your work to being excellent.
In today’s fast-paced world, capturing clear actions, owners, and due dates is non-negotiable for leaders who want to drive results, accountability, and speed.
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March 28, 2025
By Mark David
A hologram is a three-dimensional image formed by the interference of light beams from a laser or other coherent light source. When you, as a Hologram Leader, shine a light on yourself, you will reveal the full spectrum of who you are—your values, strengths, and leadership essence. This authenticity not only defines your presence but also attracts those who align with your vision, creating a powerful force of support and momentum around you. In leadership, a Hologram Leader is not just an individual with a single light source but creates a magnetic force field—a leader who therefore attracts a network of talent, expertise, and collaboration wherever they go.
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Feb 24, 2025
By Mark David
I’ve been in leadership long enough to know that no matter how advanced technology gets, one thing remains true—people want to follow someone they trust, respect, and feel understood by. That’s where emotional intelligence (EI) can be a key differentiator. Sure, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can analyze data and automation can streamline operations, but neither can build relationships, inspire action, or navigate the complexities of human emotion. That’s up to you!
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Jan 30, 2025
By Mark David
The new year is upon us, and with it comes a fresh opportunity to lead with purpose and intention. As we step into 2025, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and work. Time moves quickly, and before we know it, we’ll be looking back on another year that either lived up to our expectations or simply passed us by.
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Dec. 26, 2024
By Mark David
As we approach 2025, it’s a time of reflection and renewal—a moment to commit to living at the highest level of personal and professional success. What better way to set yourself up for a transformative year than by embracing powerful strategies and concepts that will guide you to the apex of your life? Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone striving to reach new heights, the following ten ideas are designed to help you make 2025 your best year yet.
Nov. 21, 2024
By Mark David
As we enter the holiday season, I invite you to take a moment and reflect—not just on the people and experiences you are grateful for, but on you. This simple practice, using the MDC system, is a way to honor yourself, your life, and the energy you bring to the world every single day. Over the next few weeks, I encourage you to dedicate 10 minutes each day to this practice. It will be a gift of gratitude to yourself that pays you back in ways you may not even expect.
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Oct. 24, 2024
By Mark David
Simple ideas are often the most challenging to bring to life. After over 50 years of studying human behavior and success, I’ve consistently found that the path to sustained happiness and fulfillment lies in alignment: embracing and embodying the person you were born to be. True success is deeply rooted in living out your unique potential.
Sept. 19, 2024
By Mark David
Eleanor Roosevelt once said that the decisions we make shape our lives. How true is this statement? Our lives are indeed a culmination of all the choices we’ve made and will continue to make. Here are a few strategies to help you become a better decision maker, ultimately enriching your life!
Aug. 21, 2024
By Mark David
Silent heroes are the unsung individuals who keep your company running smoothly and successfully. They are the ones who fulfill the promises your company makes to its customers.
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July 18 2024
By Mark David
This calendar year has presented a tumultuous journey for numerous companies I support here at MDC. As we navigate through this tense environment of ongoing rounds of layoffs, reorganizations of teams and the normal de-hiring process occurring it can resemble a game of musical chairs. It’s evident that perseverance is key attribute one must have. Congratulations if you’re still in the game. Now, you are faced with addressing this cultural hangover.
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June 20, 2024
By Mark David
This month I’m focusing on the “How” portion of communicating with the Universe.
Remember 100% communication with the “U” consists of:
This last portion of communicating is the hardest part for most individuals. It’s a hard habit to break to allow oneself to give up control to gain control. You need to just let go and know the “how” (answers) will appear.
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March 28, 2024
Pause for a moment and let this sink in: ‘Stop Going to Work, Start Going to Living!’ This powerful truth has sparked a profound shift in how countless individuals approach their daily lives. For the ones who have not yet begun this journey to change their mindset we hear them saying the following to often:
– Work is a grind!
– Is it Friday yet? I’m over this week already.
– The week’s been tough, but the weekend is my light at the end of the tunnel.
– I feel like a hamster running on a wheel.
– Feeling the burnout; time for a weekend escape.
– I can’t wait until I retire so I can start living
– Counting down the minutes until I can clock out.
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Feb. 29, 2024
You get what you coach is such a simple statement. It’s so basic and easy to comprehend.
Great coaches are great communicators. They inform their direct reports exactly what they expect. As it relates to the end results, the why it needs to be done and a general understanding of the framework of the “How” it can be achieved.
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Jan. 25, 2024
This January blog gives you a very simple approach to follow to stay consistently on track. When you break down the actions of the individuals, teams, organizations, or companies they all have prioritized their lives with these attributes.
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Dec. 29, 2023
In the tapestry of time, December unfolds as a dual-sided door: one facet reflecting the challenges and triumphs of 2023, while the other beckons the uncharted possibilities and promises of 2024. As you stand on the brink, departing from 2023 and entering the realm of 2024, always keep in mind the empowering principle: whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can undoubtedly achieve. Grasp the transformative journey ahead with unwavering confidence in your movie and potential. Enter 2024 with crystal clarity about your aspirations—whether they be visionary ambitions, goals, desires, dreams, OKRs, or the intentional seeds you’ve sown into the universe. Let your confidence radiate through a genuine smile, knowing that you’re stepping into a new chapter fully equipped with purpose and determination.
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Nov. 22, 2023
The holidays will be upon us throughout the November, December, and January months. It is amazing how busy we all are today and many of us are finding the weeks to be flying by! Here is a suggestion that I recommend to you, as it will enhance your connection with your loved ones, however you define them, and help you appreciate and strengthen those relationships even more.
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Oct. 26, 2023
Burnout of your best people is a widespread reality in corporate America today. The reason is
simple – Your top performers (Your Top 20% who gets 80% of the work done) are always selected to pick up the heavy load.
Sept. 14, 2023
Today’s work ethic translates into a much broader definition than how many hours you are working. Today the proper work ethicsconsists of the following:
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Aug. 24, 2023
How do these dynamics unfold in today’s Corporate America?
Today I’m writing about a topic that seems to be on everyone’s mind. Leaders today refuse to accept that they are out of touch with their front-line worker. My definition of the front-line work force is the people that get the work done that keeps the lights on and makes the profit for a company to succeed. My definition of today’s leaders are individuals making decisions in a vacuum to accomplish what they want, without first checking in with how it will affect their front-line workers. This last part is amazing to me. Instead of taking a moment to confirm how their decisions will have the proper alignment in the company, they would rather make the decision to do what they want and have the backlash of negativity. This backlash is most construed as the message of: “If you don’t like it, leave.” This is where the fear is coming from. They think the front-line worker is so scared that they will just put their head down and take it. And of course, they’re right. The reality is this is Corporate America across the board; the fear is palpable. Here’s an idea: take the negative energy of fear and shift it into an energy of faith fueled by passion and commitment. Challenge yourself to become an incredibly valuable person and transform yourself by having the faith in yourself to truly become a subject matter expert that commands trust and respect with great earning potential. Immediately stop that fear, and put all that wasted energy into transforming yourself into your true potential. Here are a few steps to take to become filled with faith and gratitude for yourself:
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July 27, 2023
As you read the title of this blog, kindly take note that by “stop working,” I refer to abstaining from investing excessive effort in endeavors that hold minimal significance in the grand tapestry of life. Moreover, I want to emphasize that your unwavering dedication and long hours of hard work are what keep the lights on for the company. For this month, I propose a novel approach: channel your efforts towards crafting solutions that can yield a substantial positive impact. Carve out dedicated time for strategic thinking by refraining from low-productivity activities. Shift into a creative mode, and the benefits of adopting this approach are numerous; here are just a few:
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June 29, 2023
When you first read the title of this blog, for most of us, it may invoke an automatic reaction of “That’s nuts of me, how selfish!”
It’s no secret that most good hard-working people put themselves last. They put their families, pets, work, friends, associations, and community first. By the time they crawl into bed at night, they’re exhausted. Before they know it, the next day bell rings and the merry-go-round starts all over again. This pattern happens every day including weekends. Everyone and everything are always pushed to the front of the line.
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May 25, 2023
Zero Based Thinking (ZBT) is a fantastic leadership technique to support the company, organization, team, or individual success. What is ZBT? The leader looks back historically at a point in time that you went from zero, (you have nothing), to one, (you have something). Here is a very simple and effective way to use it. Let’s say you hire an individual 4 months ago. You look back 4 months and one day ago. You baseline how your team is doing. Now you’re at zero. Going forward, you hired person X to deliver specific behaviors to bring forward specific results.
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April 13, 2023
Why are individuals leaving your firm today?
Here are 3 main reasons in order of importance:
March 23, 2023
Here are 15 leadership characteristics that are negative and positive in nature. When I’m referring to negative and positive characteristics think of them this way; The negative weakens your team’s energy levels. The positive strengthens your team’s energy levels. As an inspirational leader, you want to continually increase everyone’s energy. It creates outstanding results.Use this list to compare how you relate to them. The positive side needs constant focus and attention. You never get to do any of them perfectly. That’s why you’re always working to strengthen them. The negative side needs to be eliminated, shored up or fixed.
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Feb 16, 2023
I get asked in January of every year, “Can you give me a quick way to be successful?” Here is a three-step system that can carry you over the finish line:
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Jan 26, 2023
As a coach, I get asked many times “How can you be continuously happy – especially in these times filled with stress and anxiety?” The answer is easy to describe ~ the doing is where it gets tough.
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Dec 29, 2022
The fourth capability of my Top 20% of clients is the relentless pursuit to go after what they want. They roll up their sleeves and are ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done!
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Nov 18, 2022
My third selection of trending capabilities, that makes up my top 20% clients, is being a dynamic force. The definition of being a dynamic person is they have a positive attitude, along with being full of energy and new ideas. They are not afraid to be forceful to create the proper change that is needed today. They act instead of hesitating.
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Oct 13, 2022
Stamina is my number two of the four trending capabilities that make up my Top
20% of clients. The stamina that they all possess is presented in four forms:
Stamina, by definition, is the ability to sustain prolonged effort on focused areas of your life.
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Sept 18, 2022
One of the best parts of my work is reviewing the trending data. Looking at data and comprehending the
truth. I do this by viewing all data clinically, objectively and keep in outside of myself. Therefore, I’m not
aligning it with my perception of how the world should be (Ego).
I have discerned that there are 4 trending capabilities with my wildly successful (personally +
professionally) clients. These 4 capabilities keep rising to the forefront of how they are leading,
managing, coaching, and mentoring their organizations/teams. Today, I will share with you my #1 pick.
Aug 11, 2022
Dear Friends,
I wanted to share with you a paragraph from a book I have been reading and studying. As many of you know, the sport I play and love is racquetball. The book’s title is ‘Winning Racquetball: Skills, Drills & Strategies”. It has helped me advance my skills on the court and the advice shared has been transferable to off the court as well.
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July 12, 2022
Congratulations – you and your family are going on a well-deserved vacation. Over the years I have gotten great feedback from my students that have used these practical suggestions I have recommended. These are great tips whether taking a 3 day or one month sabbatical.
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June 16, 2022
As we move into the month of June, of the calendar year of 2022, lets confirm that key adjustments to
your behavior is being made to you’re thinking, acting and becoming.
April 9, 2022
When these three words come to mind – Knowledge, Experience, Wisdom, they resonate as being the core profile features of all the individuals I coach. As a coach, everyone I work with is a composite of these impactful words.
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March 31, 2022
Many of today’s realities seems to make no sense at all. I would like to focus on the invisible leaders as they populate most companies. Let me give you a perfect example: Most yearly companywide engagement scores report back to their leadership team that upper management is disconnected from the front lines they lead. And yet nothing to very little is done about it. The bottom line to improve the total company morale is simple, show people you care about them – That’s it. Demonstrate you have their best interests in mind when making all decisions. Todays’ leaders know they are in a talent war. There are not enough highly qualified people to fill everyone’s vacancies. To build a highly productive team, organization, and company its mandatory that you keep your best people and attract your industries top professionals. Money alone won’t do the job of filling your new hire demands. History has taught us, if a person is coming just for the money they will be gone soon to the next highest bidder.
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February 24, 2022
I recently went to my 9-year-old grandson, Jonathan’s, baseball tryout. The tryouts were for a competitive baseball team held indoors at a facility. As I waited with my son-n-law and the other parents I found the following on the bulletin board for all to read. It was titled “Unproductive Behaviors”. It describes how to play the game of baseball correctly. But as I read it, everything they referred to related to what we do as adults in our corporate life’s. Enjoy it, Learn from it, use its teaching to improve your daily success.
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January 13, 2022
Happy new year to you, your families and all the employees at your company. As you embark down the road of 2022, make this a great year of being successful. The easiest way I know how is by focusing on this reality of, The more you are You, the more you will Do.
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December 23, 2021
December is the last month of the year. It’s a great time to get ready for the new adventure that is Infront of you. I wanted to give you a poem by Robert Lewis Stevenson. He is famous for his books called Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. His books immediately pull you into their stories, as if you were a witness to the book’s description of reality.
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November 18, 2021
It’s truly amazing that the holiday season is upon us. Once again, we all will be moving so fast that the next time you lift up your head it will be the middle of March 2022. The holiday season add another lane of oncoming traffic merging into your already 100 mile per hour day. Knowing all of this to be our collective realities take my advice. Find a few moments every day and take a deep breath and Relax.
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October 21, 2021
In today’s challenging times, one must use the words optimism and opportunity as guideposts to be successful. Let us examine both words.
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August 5, 2021
July 8, 2021
It’s Summer! Time to use some of those vacation days you’ve earned to unplug, relax, recharge and spend some well-deserved time off with your family. Or not. 😉
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June 3, 2021
I get asked many good questions in my coaching practice and a question I receive from time to time is, “What is the quickest shortcut you know to becoming successful?”
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May 6, 2021
Time management has never been more important, as we go back to our post-COVID days. Many individuals are out of time management balance.
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April 1, 2021
Remember the famous 9-word speech given by Sir Winston Churchill at a university commencement. After taking off his top hat and putting down his cigar, Churchill looked at the eager eyes riveted on him. He began, “Never give up.” Then he paused. After a spell he repeated, “NEVER give up.” This was followed by another long pause. The final three words of his speech sent chills up and down the spines of the graduating students. “NEVER… GIVE… UP!” Churchill commanded.
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March. 4, 2021
The People Power principle is defined as … Two or more people who have the same common goal will come up with the idea, recommendations and solutions that neither party would have come up with as individuals.
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Feb. 4, 2021
Let’s talk about foreign languages. When I ask if you speak a foreign language, most people would think of speaking the language of another country, such as Italian, Russian, German, etc. But that’s not what I’m talking about.
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Jan. 7, 2021
Here are a few specific areas to implement your patience…
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Dec. 3, 2020
Imagination is something that you must develop, it just doesn’t happen for most people. It’s a skill that people I work with are consciously strengthening their capability to perform.
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Nov. 5, 2020
Self-coaching is an easy principle to execute on a daily basis – the key is to concentrate on creating positive energy within yourself. Creating positive energy is a matter of being in alignment with your goals, feelings, thoughts, and actions.
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Oct. 15, 2020
Many people get stuck in the weeds each day. “In The Weeds” is where all the noise is. It is layer upon layer of data that in many cases is OLD and not relevant to today’s challenges. Today’s world is moving at an incredible speed – faster and faster it goes. It’s hard to believe summer is over and we are heading into fall.
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Sept. 10, 2020
When you think of living a successful life, one consistent factor that proactive individuals do is to plan to be successful.
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August 6, 2020
In order to become a great leader, you must first understand the characteristics and traits that make a great leader.
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July 30, 2020
I’m so happy to share that I collaborated with a longtime client and friend, Doug Heikkinen to create a podcast based on my most recent book, The Gifted Leader. Our conversation was focused on raising awareness around the need to energize the culture of your organization, team and even your family, especially during these current challenging times.
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July 9, 2020
I believe that all successful people have a foundation of success that’s built on knowing that their #1 daily goal is to create, within themselves, the perfect level of positive energy each minute of every day.
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June 4, 2020
Recognize where you are in relation to your goals and potential.
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May 7, 2020
What does it mean to leverage your strengths? In the simplest terms, it means using more of what you are good at to get more of what you want.
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April 2, 2020
Every day we have the opportunity to accept the challenges the world gives us. It’s important to stay focused on both the macro and micro at the same time. We can’t let the noise of the day overtake us – we must welcome all of it and have the courage to see the truth it brings to us.
March. 5, 2020
We all have the same amount of time each day. Twenty-four fantastic hours. The difference between successful and unsuccessful leaders is what do you do and achieve in each hour. Therefore, it comes down to the decision you make that becomes your actions. Teach your people to make the correct decisions and they will trigger the right behavior that will get them the results they desire.
Feb. 6, 2020
‘E’ stands for an event that is happening in your life – either positive or negative. Your job is to have emotional immunity and stay open to learning from the event. As the event is unfolding, ask yourself what is the lesson here. Once you establish the lesson and how it applies to your life, use the next part of the formula
Jan. 2, 2020
Most 12-Step programs usually start off their meetings with the ‘Serenity Prayer’ which is about accepting the things you cannot change. Therefore, one must comprehend the truth of their reality. Based on truth, we can make the correct decisions.
Dec. 5, 2019
This time of year rings in excitement, energy and magic. Whether it’s the nature of the season which generates more smiles and goodwill, spending more time with family and friends or simply watching children react to the magic and possibilities of the season, this time of year creates a wave of energy that takes flight.
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Nov. 7, 2019
In today’s world, where most individuals are rightfully cautious, there are times that we all should be more proactively, aggressive. When life defines these specific times, we should go in a 100% maximum action state.
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Oct 11, 2019
“No one is coming…” is one of my all-time favorite quotes. I’ve been saying these words to myself and my clients for the past four decades and I’ve taught it to all my students. Most individuals would agree that it makes a lot of sense.
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September 5, 2019
Alignment between your words and actions is powerful. Your actions back up whether your words are true or false.
You earn people’s respect not by what you say, but by your actions. Which is why, if you’re in any sort of supervisory, management or leadership role, your people are counting on you acting in accordance with what you say.
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June 27, 2019
Having spent the better part of my career working to help companies achieve their best results, I have learned quite a lot about what works and what doesn’t in terms of company culture.
I’d like to share with you what I believe are ten key components for creating and keeping a positive culture; where the flames of success are fanned to burn bright.
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June 6, 2019
What does “Slowing Down to Get Ahead” really mean?
I believe it’s the realization that we’re all better off doing the majority of our work, averaging 60-80% of max speed vs. running at max speed all the time.
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April 25, 2019
Top 1% performers accept this concept but many individuals resist this reality. PONO is about reducing and eliminating expectations. In its place, Top 1% performers substitute expectations with preferences. I would prefer this to happen vs. I must have this happen. You do this by giving yourself multiple options vs. a single absolute.
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December 15, 2016
Good leaders have the attitude, “I will never dodge or avoid a problem.” They embrace the idea that a big part of leadership is anticipating, confronting and proactively solving problems with their people. In fact, if your team ever stops bringing difficult problems to you, it’s a good sign they have either lost confidence that you can help, or concluded you no longer care. (more…)
Here are four mental reminders that will contribute to your success as a leader and coach:
Sincere praise is a powerful (but often overlooked) coaching and leadership tool. It’s powerful because it is not only needed but also appreciated by every person at every level throughout the entire organization. Simply put, everyone appreciates being appreciated. Here are a few insights about praise and recognition that are sometimes overlooked: (more…)
Nothing energizes a team or organization faster or better than a big idea. If your company or department lacks enthusiasm—if your team members are bored—it’s time for a bold move. (more…)
Some favorite expressions of small children: “It’s not my fault. I couldn’t help it. They made me do it. I didn’t mean to. I forgot.”
Some favorite expressions of small adults: “It’s not my job. No one told me. I can’t do everything. Don’t blame me. It couldn’t be helped.”
HA! is one of my favorite little acronyms. (more…)
Most people manage the “what” and the “how,” but the best leaders manage the “why.” By helping their people understand and embrace the “why,” leaders are better able to inspire enthusiasm, trust and loyalty. Here’s how it works: (more…)
There’s a big difference between wanting, believing, hoping and expecting. As a coach, you may “want” something to happen. You may “believe” it can happen. You may “hope” it will happen. But if you and your team don’t fully “expect” it to happen, it probably won’t. (more…)
Years ago the IBM Company asked 500 executives from several different industries to write down their personal definition of “communication.” The definitions were different in several ways, but they were similar in one: Most people agreed that communication had something to do with being “two-way.” (more…)
Is the leader supposed to strike fear into the hearts of his or her followers? Is the leader supposed to make sure that everyone is toeing the company line or conforming to the code of conduct? The truth is, tyrants make terrible leaders; and fear is a very ineffective long-term motivator. (more…)
Lots of companies these days post their Core Values on a poster or plaque in their entryway. Since I’m on the road a lot, I get to see quite a few of these lists, and I am always impressed by the care and thought that obviously went into them. (more…)
Somewhere along the line, someone probably advised you never to make snap decisions. When faced with a difficult choice, we are cautioned to “give it some thought,” or to “mull it over,” or to “sleep on it.”
That may be good advice, but it’s not very practical. In a perfect world, you would have all the time you need to make every decision. In today’s world, however, many decisions must be made quickly, based only on the best information currently available. (more…)
You have a unique combination of goals, people, challenges and opportunities. We customize our approach to fit your specific needs.
