Book Notes: The Slow Fix
In the 2011 Grand Prix Formula One race in Monaco, Lewis Hamilton’s car collided with another racer. There was damage to the rear wing end plate of his car. Under any other circumstances, his racing day would have been over. Changing tires during a pit stop is one thing, but repairing something more complicated like […]
The Abilene Paradox: When Agreement is Bad
Not sure where your team is heading? Wonder what will be waiting for you when you get there? Sounds like you might just be on the Bus to Abilene. Here’s how to recognize if you’re on that Bus and how to get it turned in the right direction.
Do You Really Need Charisma to Lead?
Not everyone has the charismatic superhero personality that captivates a room, and attracts followers like metal filings to a magnet. For the many of us who may be a little short on vitamin C (charisma), are we doomed to permanent follower-ship while the outgoing back-slappers take over the world? I’d say don’t give up hope. […]
After Action Review: Is There an Elephant in the Room?
After every major event, good organizations and teams take a moment and very deliberately review what happened in an After Action Review. In this way, they can keep getting better. It’s a great process, but there’s an elephant in the room that can keep it from working. Today we’re going to talk about what that […]
Be a Finisher, Not Just a Starter
Why is it not enough to be a self-starter? Getting started on something is great. There are lots of great inspirational quotes you can read about starting:
How to Confirm Your Plan with a Recon
Today we’re going the extra mile. Quite literally. Next weekend our Scout troop is going winter camping in the hills of Pennsylvania. I think we have a pretty good plan for the trip, but I always like to confirm my ideas by walking the ground ahead of time whenever possible. It’s a reconnaissance. Join me, […]
The Humble Leader Paradox
How does a humble leader lead without becoming a door mat? I believe the Servant-Leader mindset is the best sustainable approach to leadership. But if you are not careful, it is easy to fall into the idea that to lead, you are supposed to be running around doing everything you can to make everybody happy. […]
How to Train the New Guy
Being the leader is a challenge, but it can be even more challenging when you have new people join the team who don’t yet know how to contribute. In the next two minutes I’m going to show you a way to pull the new guys on to the team and quickly turn them into productive […]
How to Write an Inspiring Vision Statement
A vision statement is supposed to be like the North Star, serving as a light that guides your organization into the future. Today we’re going to talk about how you can put together a great vision statement that unifies and inspires your team, and helps you achieve the future that you dream of.
How to Give Constructive Feedback
You know, one of the first counseling sessions I received as a leader was also one of the toughest. I learned that I was falling short of my commander’s expectations in several ways, and it was hurting the team. When it was over, I ended up thanking my commander and was determined to get better. […]
How Backwards Planning Can Move You Forward
The first time I heard the term “backwards planning” I thought it was a mistake. The last thing I wanted was to be backwards about my planning. But that’s not what they meant at all. Today we’ll talk about what backwards planning is and how you can use this technique to develop a successful plan […]
Feel Sorry on Your Own Time
The football arcs high above the field seemingly in slow motion, reaching its zenith, then nosing over and beginning its plummet to the field below. On the 15 yard line the rookie receiver waits. No fair catch – he’s got time to grab it and start to run. He’s already thinking about where he’s going […]