Blog

Being wise is more important than being right. Leadership is far more paradox than it is perfection. A leaders goal is to be authentic, not perfect. These are just three mantra's that I believe and live by. They shape my thinking, decision making, my priorities and direction. There are many more but these three are at the top of the list … [Read more...]

Leadership becomes great when we see our skills as talents. Given to us. For others. Leadership is fundamentally stewardship, isn't it? We steward who we are and what we have been given. We steward the mission before us and the people around us. In doing so we then steward the future. Megan and I remind ourselves constantly that we're not … [Read more...]

Hillel the Elder famously said "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?" If not now, when? As true now as it was then. Pathfinding isn't about busyness but it is about urgency. Pathfinding isn't just about activity, but it is about focus. Pathfinding isn't just about process, … [Read more...]

Elite athletes amaze me. Especially between the big events. All that work, all that training, all that discipline for the sake of a few seconds that on the day, can make all the difference in the world. Months of effort for minimal time that can give maximum impact. Incredible to be so disciplined for three seconds, until you know what that three … [Read more...]

When you tell your story in advance you can lead towards it and live into it. It's like you are first the author, then the central character of the best narrative you can think of. Joseph Campbell, the father of the modern story said, ";A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than themselves." The privilege of dreaming … [Read more...]

Sensemaking is about finding clarity so you can move forward with confidence. Max DePree says "The first job of a leader is to define reality." (The last is to say thank you if you're wondering.) When you know where you ARE, you are better positioned to decide where you want to go NEXT. Like your GPS, it works on the endpoint in relation to your … [Read more...]

An experience that delivers true value, embedded transformation and establishes an influential future is what makes the difference in leadership development. It's not information. Motivated leaders can get that anywhere. It's not inspiration. Great leaders have that on the inside. It's not direction. Smart leaders know where they're … [Read more...]

Stamford Leadership Professors Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus captivated me with their book "Leaders - Strategies For Taking Charge" in the nineties. For its time, it had so much depth and consideration on what leaders DO to lead well, lead consistently, and lead with longevity. One idea has stuck with me over the years as we consider growing as a … [Read more...]

As we lead people and teams longer trust is becoming more human. More of a relationship to value and appreciate than a line to be above or below. Trust is a precious friend that I honour, esteem, and protect. Trust is important enough to hold dear and laments loss and delight in its presence. And at the same time, trust is vulnerable, can be … [Read more...]

Trust may be vulnerable but must not be weak. Trust must be AntiFragile. Leaders know how to advance trust in adversity, deepen trust from mistakes, and increasingly grow the capacity and capability of trust in the teams they lead. When trust is AntiFragile it is robust, resilient, and flexible. In his wildly enlightening book Antifragile … [Read more...]

Talking TO and NOT ABOUT is the price of entry for the restoration of trust. Leaders initiate the restoration process in the face of discomfort and challenge. Fredrik Nael said "It takes both sides to build a bridge." Both sides have to want to, and be able to, restore the trust that has been broken. It's true of any relationship, personal or … [Read more...]