Had his peers fully understood the extent of his limitations, few would have expected him to attempt what he did. None would have blamed him if he hadn’t even tried. But he wasn’t a man to back down from a challenge. He realized that the odds were stacked against him and enormous obstacles stood in …
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…
...With all due respect, if you think you are indispensable, in any area of your life, please read the quote again. No one, including you and me, is indispensable! Life is much better when we understand and accept this truth.
...The hostility of the crowd was almost palpable. The room was filled with scowls and angry mutters that escalated into full out boos and hisses as the congressman took the stage. His stomach turned as he approached the middle of the platform, and he took hold of the podium with both hands to still their …
With few exceptions, your life is your creation as a result of your choices. Your life is what you have chosen it to be. The only way to change your life is to change your choices!
...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 …
As a healthcare leader, you understand the critical importance of improvement. In all aspects of the healthcare industry, you are always seeking improvement, whether it be more efficient methods, greater financial margins, better quality of care, or simply the daily forward progress of an individual patient’s health concern. Improvement makes the healthcare world go round. …
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 …
Today’s article is the ninth in a series learning from the book by Paul Smith, Lead With A Story: A Guide to Crafting Business Narratives that Captivate, Convince, and Inspire. In chapters 15 and 16, the author provides excellent advice and riveting stories that leaders can use to motivate, inspire, and build courage among team members …
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…
...Here is a mission, a goal, an intentional strategy worth pursuing with all the energy, wisdom and talent you have. Become the embodiment of profound generosity and love. Achieve this mission and you will profoundly change and improve your own life, as well as the lives of the people you impact and serve.
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