As I’ve been working on writing my latest book, Be An Inspirational Leader: Engage, Inspire, Empower, I have (obviously) been thinking a lot about great leadership. In one of the chapters in the book I explore the topic of being accountable as a leader and what that looks like. There are many facets to being …
It was my honor to serve as an on-site health industry consultant for the registrants—particularly first time registrants—at the Healthcare Supply Chain Association/Healthcare Industry Supply Chain Institute Expo held last week in Washington DC. Curtis Rooney, President of HSCA, and Mike Copps, Executive Director of HISCI, and their teams did an outstanding job planning, executing, and …
Most of us have some degree of “people-pleaser” in our personality. Even if you don’t worry too much about making everyone happy, it’s likely—at least subconsciously—that you care about how others perceive you. It may be a bit backwards, but if we are honest with ourselves, sometimes as much as we desire to be …
What did you daydream about when you were a kid? Did you dream of adventure? Did you ever want to be a superhero or a princess? Did you pretend to be Elvis or Audrey Hepburn or Indiana Jones or Princess Leia? Did you ever declare that when you grew up you were going to be …
When you were in high school, did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? Did you think you knew what you wanted to be when you grew up? How about now—wherever you ended up, whatever career you’re currently pursuing, have you ever thought about how differently things might have been had …
This week’s Tips for Greater Success is a guest article by Emily Sirkel, COO of the Dan Nielsen Company. I love moving. I also hate moving. Part of me is always eager for an adventure, for something new and different and hopefully better. But then there’s the part of me that realizes I …
No matter what job you have, most likely your position doesn’t require all of your talents. There are certain skills, hobbies, and unique abilities that you could bring to the table, but there just doesn’t seem to be a need for them in your current position. It might be singing, dancing, painting, writing, photography, …
We all have opinions. Some more thought-out than others, some more strongly-held than others. Some grounded in facts, others grounded in tradition or emotion. But at the end of the day, we each have unique opinions, perspectives, and ways of seeing the world. Differences in opinion lead to conflict. There’s no arena that better …
Cumulatively, every year, I spend months traveling all across America the Beautiful in my motorhome—which I call my ‘Inspirational Vehicle.’ While many people call motorhomes Recreational Vehicles (RVs), I prefer the term Inspirational, because with it I enjoy so many activities that I find inspiring. I am inspired by travel, photography, reading, writing, memorizing, …
Years ago, when I was working for VHA, there was a small family-owned and operated deli on the first floor of the building where our national offices were located. The deli was a convenient place to have coffee or a soda with a colleague, or to have lunch. I ate there frequently, as did …
Have you ever run a marathon? I personally have not, but I know people who have. But of those I know who have run a marathon, not one of them has ever won a marathon. However, if you know anything about marathons and race culture, then you probably know that you don’t have to win …
As nice as it is to receive a gift or be the recipient of a favor, I really think there is no greater joy than being the one serving others. And the benefits of serving others go far beyond receiving a heartfelt ‘Thank you.’ Simply knowing I’ve helped someone or surprised them with something special …
I have always considered every person to be a leader. Not in the sense of a senior leader of a company, with direct reports and senior leadership responsibility, but in the sense of influencing others. For me, leadership is all about influence. We all influence others at home, in our family, in our …
It has been many years since I’ve had young children living in my home, and many more since I was a child myself. Even my grandchildren aren’t that little anymore. But one of my colleagues recently had her first child, and I’ve had the privilege of interacting with her little girl a few times in …
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Excuses are like armpits… everyone has them, and they all stink!” I’m not sure who first coined this amusing analogy, but it does have some truth in it. Of course some excuses really are valid, but many just plain ‘stink.’ Whether it’s to explain why someone is late or …
Do you have a high-definition mental blueprint of what you consider to be ultimate success for your life? Personal success? Professional success? Even organizational success? In his book titled The Little Book of Talent, Daniel Coyle presents 52 tips for improving the skills you select that will lead to your vision and your definition of …
Have you ever had a boss that you simply couldn’t stand? I’m sure we’ve all been there—unfortunately, “I hate my boss” is a far too common sentiment! But what about the opposite—have you ever had a boss whom you found it a pleasure to work for? Sandy Morford, CEO of Renovo Solutions, has …
Some people are habitual procrastinators. It doesn’t matter what it is—doing the dinner dishes, paying a bill, or writing a term paper—they put it off until the last minute. But even if you’re not a notorious deadline pusher, it’s likely there are at least a few things you tend to procrastinate about. Maybe it’s starting …
There are certain success traits that sometimes feel unattainable. Especially when you read those lists of “25 traits essential for success,” or “top 10 characteristics of successful people,” etc.—it can be overwhelming! There are just too many ‘essential’ success traits to possibly develop and practice them all. Also, I am a firm believer in …
As a kid, did you ever make a club with your friends? You might not have had an official clubhouse, like on The Little Rascals, but you probably had a special place you hung out, and certain rules about who could be part of the club. Or maybe you didn’t create a club, but …