I am very much a believer in being the best you can be, at what you do best. You can spread yourself out trying to pursue many things and most likely end up being merely mediocre at most of them. Or, you can focus on a few key things that you already do well, and …
One of the most critical foundations for productive learning and leadership excellence is understanding and accepting reality. Not what we wish, not what we hope for or what we want to believe. It is truly amazing how many leaders do not clearly understand reality. Or staunchly refuse to believe and accept reality. In the end these …
One of the very best gifts that we can give to others is absolutely free, and yet extremely valuable. When given thoughtfully and sincerely, this gift will bring smiles and lift spirits. It will not only please and affirm the recipient, but also bring joy and satisfaction to the giver. Giving this gift is like …
I have long advocated the importance and effectiveness of focusing on your strengths instead of your weaknesses. I strongly believe that in order to achieve greater success, you should identify, improve, and leverage your strengths. I think this is especially true in leadership. Leaders who leverage their strengths are much more confident and …
In chapter 2 of Sometimes You Win—Sometimes You Learn, author John Maxwell discusses the critical importance of humility. He writes, “Pride is concerned about who’s right. Humility is concerned about what’s right.” I love the immense wisdom contained within this short but powerful statement. Following this reality is a key element to achieving true leadership excellence! Maxwell goes …
“Maybe the most important promises that you ever make are not promises to someone else, but they’re promises to yourself.” – John C. Maxwell In one of his “Minute with Maxwell” videos, renowned author and speaker John Maxwell speaks about the word promises, touching on the critical importance of not just making promises, but …
Last month Shawn Ellis, host of the Better Life/Better Business Podcast, interviewed Janice Marturano, author of the new book, Finding the Space to Lead: A Practical Guide to Mindful Leadership. In the interview they discussed the concept of mindful leadership and its role in the pursuit of leadership excellence. Marturano, who is the founder of …
Leadership expert and author John Maxwell has written yet another book worthy of study, reflection, and action. The book is titled Sometimes You Win – Sometimes You Learn: Life’s Greatest Lessons Are Gained From Our Losses. Like many great books, there are not necessarily a lot of new revelations, but rather critical reminders of what is truly …
As much as I’d like to, I can’t do everything. I’ve lived enough years to come to terms with the fact that there are simply some things I am not cut out to do. I will never be a figure skater, violin virtuoso, astrophysicist, or computer hacker.
Yes, I believe in my potential and my ability to learn new things. Yes, the possibilities are virtually limitless. But even out of all the things that…
...Nobody likes to hear that they’re wrong. Criticism, no matter how “constructive,” usually hurts. Even the most tactfully phrased comments made with the best of intentions can still deflate, discourage, or anger the unlucky person on the receiving end.
I think people in leadership particularly dislike criticism. Even leaders who claim to welcome honest feedback still bristle or ache a little when that honesty hints at a mistake or a flaw…
...As I’ve said many times, I strongly believe that “Leadership Excellence is the Ultimate Strategy for Success.” I also believe that an organization’s culture is paramount to its overall impact and success. And as is true with so many things, an organization’s culture starts at the top. Building and exemplifying a strong, positive company culture …
In the first chapter of his recently published book titled Sometimes You Win – Sometimes You Learn, John Maxwell correctly explains that many, if not most people believe and live the philosophy of “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. The message is: hope to win, expect to lose, and live with the results either way.” …