We’ve all been there. Whether it was at the office, in line at the grocery store, or while shopping for Christmas presents, we’ve all witnessed or experienced those moments when someone becomes rude, unreasonable, or downright mean. At the end of it we walk away shaking our heads, a little angry and maybe a little hurt, but mostly just saddened that people choose to treat each other like that.
And if we’re painfully honest with ourselves, then we have to admit that we’ve been ‘that person’…
...It’s that time of year again. There’s just something about the beginning of a new year that inspires us to make big plans and set impressive goals. No matter that we didn’t quite reach last year’s goals, or that we have a history of reneging on personal resolutions within approximately a week and a …
Wow, what a year! 2013 has been one of a kind. This past Spring I enjoyed several weeks of traveling and photographing America the Beautiful in my Inspirational Vehicle (my motorhome). This Summer I wrapped up my traveling, launched my new website, and buckled down to focus on completing my book. This Fall my …
I read a blog post by Seth Godin earlier this year that reminded me that risks and opportunities often come in the same package. One example can be found in the form of ‘strangers.’ Godin said this: “From an evolutionary perspective, strangers represent danger. They are not only a direct threat, but carry …
Generosity is a beautiful thing. I have been privileged to be an observer, a receiver, and a giver of generosity in many ways throughout my life. Generosity and simple, sincere kindness go hand in hand, and I will never cease to be amazed at the power of kindness. Whether it’s observing a …
Like most people, I tend to spend time with people who are like me. The friends and colleagues who I most often find myself hanging out with and speaking to usually share similar interests, have the same values as I do, come from a background like mine, or are in the same season of life as I am.
As speaker and author Bill Treasurer explains it…
...Cemeteries are sad but often very beautiful places. With exquisite gravestones, carefully manicured landscaping, and lovingly placed flowers, they provide a beautiful, peaceful setting in which to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away.
Unfortunately, most of us have experienced the loss of a loved one or respected colleague at least once in our lives…
...No one likes failure. No one sets out to fail. Even when you fearfully anticipate failure, you still try your best to avoid it. But failure, to some degree, is inevitable. Nobody can do everything perfectly every time. Even the most successful people have and will experience failure.
Highly successful author and speaker Seth Godin shared this piece of wisdom on his blog…
...We live in a world of “easy.” Billions of dollars are spent in every industry designing and marketing “easier,” “simpler,” and “more convenient” products and methods—most of which we take for granted.
When was the last time you considered how nice it is to have running water or a flushable toilet? Do you think about how quick and convenient it is every time you microwave last night’s leftovers? When you drive an automatic transmission car, do you mentally thank the automobile engineers for designing a car that doesn’t require the use of your left foot?
Most likely you don’t think twice about these everyday conveniences…
...Whether your writing is intended for a wide audience, such as through books, articles, or blogs, or your writing is usually more limited to emails, memos, and project reports, it’s important that your words connect and compel.
That email may not be intended to inspire, and that project report may not move someone to tears, but you are writing for a reason. It’s important that your writing’s intended purpose is communicated…
...While you might assume “quitting” isn’t found in the vocabulary of highly successful people, I believe there is significant wisdom in “knowing when to quit.” So what if you feel the time has come to move on from your current job, how do you “quit successfully?”
Dea Lawrence recently wrote a great article for imediaconnection.com on this very topic. In the article Lawrence shares and expands upon 10 tips for quitting your job with grace…
...In my newly released book Presidential Leadership: Learning from United States Presidential Libraries & Museums, I share inspiring stories that highlight the leadership strengths of some of the world’s most influential leaders – former U.S. Presidents. Today I want to share some characteristics of inspirational leaders along with a selection of quotes that appear in …
During a phone conversation with one of my colleagues this week, I jokingly said, “I’m unteachable—especially when it’s something I don’t like doing!” We both had a good laugh about my playful stubbornness, but there was some truth in that statement:
It’s hard to be teachable when you don’t really want to learn what’s being taught.
Not long after our conversation ended..
...Congratulations to the three lucky winners of the book giveaway! Each winner will be contacted by email and then sent their free autographed copy of my new book, Presidential Leadership: Learning from United States Presidential Libraries & Museums.
The three winners, selected by luck of the draw, are…
...>>Today I’m giving away three copies of my newly released book, Presidential Leadership: Learning from United States Presidential Libraries & Museums! For details, please see the end of this article.
My new book, Presidential Leadership, is a testament to my long-held belief in the power and importance of leadership excellence. I also believe that one essential element of leadership excellence is being an inspirational leader.
There is no motivating factor as powerful as…
...My new book, Presidential Leadership: Learning from United States Presidential Libraries & Museums is published and available on Amazon! Here are a few things people are saying: “Should you not have the time, energy, or money to travel to the presidential libraries and museums around the country, reading Dan Nielsen’s book is …
This week I want to share an excerpt from my book, Presidential Leadership: Learning from United States Presidential Libraries & Museums. The story below can be found in chapter 11, where I highlight selected leadership strengths of former United States President George H. W. Bush through true historical narrative: “One of the first major …
Franklin D. Roosevelt had plenty of excuses that he could have used to justify taking the easy route and avoiding risk. But he needed no excuses, because he did not take the easy route, and he embraced risk as the welcome companion to opportunity. When struck with a debilitating disease at the age …
Abraham Lincoln is one of the most highly respected and admired leaders in history. His example of strong but gentle leadership has been studied and applauded for generations.
When I reached the chapter about Lincoln in my writing of the book Presidential Leadership: Learning from United States Presidential Libraries & Museums (available October 1st!), I didn’t know where to start. There was so much to say. Which leadership strengths should I focus on? What angle should I take? How do I pick?!
As I considered the possibilities and dug into my research, I happened across…
...