The late John Wooden, an extraordinary leader and basketball coach, had a powerful leadership statement: “Don’t tell me what you’re going to do. Show me what you will do.” This leadership philosophy and expectation is as relevant for organizations, teams, colleagues, friends, and family as it is for individual leaders like you and me. “Don’t tell me what you’re …
“Success is a lousy teacher. It makes smart people think they can’t lose.” – Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates. If that statement is true—and I believe many, if not most times it is the absolute truth—each of us should take very serious pause to closely examine the huge ramifications of that statement and that truth in our lives and …
In chapter 12 of his recent book titled, Sometimes You Win – Sometimes You Learn, John Maxwell writes the following: “To me, a mature person [and leader] is someone who has learned from losses, has gained wisdom, and possesses a strong emotional and mental stability in the face of life’s difficulties.” If you read this column regularly, …
“What are you becoming?” This is a critical question every leader should frequently ask him or herself—and answer in detail. This is also a question every leader should frequently ask each and every direct report and team member. Not only is the question critical to achieving your potential and reaching your personal and professional goals and dreams, it is …
As leaders, we are constantly coaching, teaching, and influencing those whom we are privileged to lead. Leadership is very serious business! Your leadership will have a long-lasting positive or negative impact on each person and each organization you lead. We really don’t have a choice. If you are a leader—and everyone is a leader—you are …
“Most of the time we don’t choose our adversity, but all of the time we can choose our response to it.” John Maxwell wrote this powerful statement of truth in his latest book, Sometimes You Win – Sometimes You Learn. How true it is that “most of the time we don’t choose our adversity, but …
In chapter 7 of his recently published book titled Sometimes You Win – Sometimes You Learn, John Maxwell addresses the critical importance of a teachable spirit and a consistent, lifelong personal and professional attitude of teachability. Maxwell writes, “people often ask me what most determines if they will reach their potential. My answer: a teachable spirit.” Maxwell …
Former cabinet member John W. Gardner said, “The first and last task of a leader is to keep hope alive—the hope that we can finally find our way through to a better world—despite the day’s action, despite our own inertness, shallowness, and wavering resolve.” Create, nurture, and keep hope alive—this is a universal …
What is the focus of your learning? Think about it carefully. As a human being and as a leader, what is the focus of your learning? In chapter 5 of his recently published book titled Sometimes You Win – Sometimes You Learn, John Maxwell writes, “The desire to improve themselves is the DNA of all successful …
Leaders can be motivated by many things. Some leaders pursue a position of leadership simply because it’s a normal career path. Others become leaders in hopes of greater salaries and better benefits. And of course there will always be the leaders who are seeking power and control. But by far the best leaders are …
“After more than forty years leading and mentoring people, I have come to the conclusion that responsibility is the most important ability that a person can possess. Nothing happens to advance our potential until we step up and say, ‘I am responsible.’ If you don’t take responsibility, you give up control of your life.” The …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Author and speaker Jim Clemmer says, “The basic foundation of leading is optimism.” If you stop to reflect on that statement, it really does make sense. In order to be a leader, you must lead someone somewhere, and optimism is at the heart of forward progress. Conversely, pessimism is the language of stagnation. It’s …