“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 …
“Here’s conventional wisdom: Success makes you happy. Happiness permits you to be generous. In fact, it actually works like this: Generosity makes you happy. Happy people are more likely to be successful.” – Seth Godin I believe there is truth in both statements. Success, happiness, and generosity all go hand in hand—but not necessarily …
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 …
“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 …
“Yes, talent is important. So is education and experience. But in the end, it is our character that makes or breaks us.” – Michael Hyatt We typically don’t think much about a house’s foundation until we start noticing cracks in the walls or doors that are sticking. Unfortunately at that point there’s already …
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 …
We tend to put a much higher premium on action than we do thought. Though we’ve often heard the adage, “It’s the thought that counts,” we all know that just thinking about something isn’t the same as doing it. Even people who ‘get paid to think’ have to communicate those thoughts so that someone can …
“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 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 …
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…
...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.” …