In order to get the best out of people, you have to see the best in them. You cannot truly respect someone until you value who they are. And it is impossible to make someone truly feel important if you secretly feel they are a nobody. Early on in my leadership journey I was fortunate […]
Failure can diminish hope very quickly. It has a way of stripping people of all ambitions and can easily open the door to premature thoughts of giving up and quitting; but, great leaders know that failure can be turned into a beautiful thing. It is actually the best growth lesson that can quickly teach us […]
Everyone produces differently. Some people thrive in a more structured environment, while others tend to do better in a non-structured environment. Leaders that know what kind of flow their team needs, will come to get the most out of them. When individuals feel trusted to work in their most productive environment they will produce more […]
The real test of empowerment is what happens when you are not around. Does your team have the authority and ability to get things done? You have to give authority for others to make decisions. By not releasing authority you can stall the process of progress. However, when others are trusted to make decisions they will rise […]
One of the most empowering strategies a leader can use to raise up others is in the form of asking questions. A great leader asks great questions. I have found that the most successful leaders are the ones who ask more questions than they answer. Just the other day I was meeting with a friend […]
The greatest leaders lead by listening. Woodrow Wilson said, “The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.” Leaders are not always the first ones to speak up, however they are the first ones to listen to what the people are saying. This equips them with the knowledge to then speak up and […]
Most people think followers should ask questions and the leaders should give them the answers. However, there is a better leadership model that flips the system and produces greater results.
One of my favorite movies, Braveheart, with actor Mel Gibson, shares the story of William Wallace, a nobleman who rose up to fight for Scottish independence from France. There was also a man named Robert the Bruce who fought alongside William Wallace. In the movie, he betrays William, but then later rises up to lead […]
In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey taught that to begin with the end in mind is to start with a clear understanding of your target. Begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired outcome, and then continue by flexing your proactive muscles to make […]
Leaders can’t just cast vision, they must cast a worthy vision. Check this out…
