We can talk about it until we’re blue in the face. We may write about it, speak on it, and build entire initiatives around it. If we have enough juice, in some circles we might even be able to insist we be called one. But when it comes to what it really means to be … Continue Reading
If I were to heed mom’s advice — if you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all — I would do a lot less talking. For some of us (I won’t speak for you), it is easy to go negative. Quickly. From the half-empty glass to service that is far too slow; from the … Continue Reading
The comfort zone is a dangerous place to hang out. One can rock along day-to-day with little to no disruption. Sure, once-in-a-while there might be a hiccup or two; but for the most part life is pretty good. The figurative trains run on time, Performance seems as good or better than last year. The climate / … Continue Reading
There are exceptions; but the fact is that for many lawyers, marketing is an annoyance, if not anathema. And there is good reason. CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING (This week’s post is a guest shot at Managing Law Firm Transition, the blog authored by my friends Roger Hayse and Andy Jillson of Hayse LLC. Thanks to Roger … Continue Reading
I remember when we used to be able to disagree. Friends could vigorously debate, and go home friends. We could go to school, work alongside, and build neighborhoods with folks with whom we held differing views, values and convictions. We could even talk about it. Those were the days. But that kind of dialogue may be dead. These … Continue Reading
Face it. Most of us have hands-on experience with the truism, those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Or how about this one — repeating the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. Yet, with desperate conviction we strive to instigate or choose to engage … Continue Reading
Consequential change — the kind that seeps so deeply into the fabric of everyday that it establishes a new benchmark for normal — does not happen overnight. We want to believe differently. When awakened to a need or convinced of a cause, we are tempted to believe that a speech, a manifesto, a march, or … Continue Reading
It is easy to be a critic. About anything. To point out what is not right. To spot weakness. To identify shortcomings. To react. Sure…there is value in having a few keen observers close at hand to set things straight. But is full-time-critic really the way we want to drive conversation? Is it worthy of … Continue Reading
An Atheist, A Christian and a Buddhist Walk Into A Bar. . . The title of the blog post by Andy Braner appeared in my Facebook news feed, and made me dive deeper for the punchline. But, as you’ll see if you’re inclined to do the same, it wasn’t a joke at all. It was … Continue Reading
Extraordinary leadership — the kind that inspires and motivates over the long haul — comes with an uncanny awareness of both circumstance and self. Most of us have known that rare individual who always seems to say the right thing at the right time. We think of it as a gift — being able to … Continue Reading
Note: Kevin McKeown is a colleague, a friend, and a thought leader on blogging, social media and leadership. I hang on his content, appreciate his contributions to any conversation, and asked him to share the way he thinks in the form of this Guest Post. Eric, thanks for asking me to share why I believe … Continue Reading
Words matter. If the goal is to connect and build bridges, you’ll choose them carefully. They set tone, dictate parameters and conjure experiences that shape interpretation. The right words can comfort, support, strengthen and inspire. They can tap into memories and stir new dreams. Yet, for all their power, they are imperfect and incomplete. Packaging … Continue Reading
We can talk about it until we’re blue in the face. We may write about it, speak on it, and build entire initiatives around it. If we have enough juice, in some circles we might even be able to insist we be called one. But when it comes to what it really means to be … Continue Reading
We measure everything. The length and weight of a newborn. The speed of an eleven year old’s fast ball. IQ and EQ. And complex algorithms measure everything from personality type to areas where one is likely to succeed. Or fail. In a recent post — Speedometer Confusion — Seth Godin speaks of the challenge of … Continue Reading
Full disclosure — Allen Fuqua is a friend as well as a respected colleague. He ushered me into the legal marketing arena, and I had the pleasure of being a member of his team for 7 years. He takes seriously his skills as both a mentor and strategist. Allen is currently the CMO at Winstead, … Continue Reading
I am biased — but in my opinion one of the more innovative looks at issues of leadership is authored by my friend and colleague, Kevin McKeown. His Leadership CloseUp Blog adds perspective, humanity and real-world chops to the conversation of leadership. So I was honored when Kevin invited me to do a Guest shot … Continue Reading
There are few things we value more than winning. From t-ball to spelling bees to the professional sports franchise we adopt, nothing matches the thrill of finishing on top. It impacts (some might suggest, disproportionally) self-image, the way we relate to those around us, and commerce. While it’s tempting to go off on the relative value … Continue Reading
As marketing executives, leaders and advisors focus on analyzing and strategizing, we will do well to give serious time and thought to how we mentor, train and lead our teams. Steve Bell is the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of the law firm of Womble Carlyle. His track record — not only as a business developer, … Continue Reading
Headlines, conference keynotes, water-cooler conversations — whatever the venue, today there is more than a little talk about Leadership. As often as not, the focus is on the lack thereof. In political seats, board rooms and executive suites, in neighborhoods and homes — in the midst of confusion, disruption, and uncertainty, we bemoan conditions. And … Continue Reading
On the other end of the call Rebecca Helterbrand from TEDx San Antonio was saying, “congratulations…you’ve been selected…” And before I had time to process the news, she had me taking notes on “several important dates.” Required dates. Meetings and rehearsals. Mark them down. Don’t miss them. That was my introduction to an unwavering commitment … Continue Reading
He never talked about war. He talked about the people — the “young men” as he called them, though he was barely 21 years old himself. As a kid, he skippered a Naval LST in the Pacific at the height of that war to end all wars. That’s where and how he grew up. Navigating … Continue Reading
So often we act as though leadership is wrapped up in a title, charisma, or eloquent messaging. Yet, many times the individuals I most want to hear from — those whose thoughts and opinions influence me the most — are doing less talking than almost everyone around them. The best leaders I know seem to … Continue Reading
Days like yesterday — April 15 — make it easy to become preoccupied with the worst. Yesterday. December 14, 2012. September 11, 2001. April 19, 1995. The worst moments. Unthinkable realities. Inhumanity. But in the midst of the April 15 bombing in Boston, we bore witness to poignant examples of the best of us. The first … Continue Reading
Some impressions are indelible. The golden sun, slowly dropping from view on a perfect horizon; the smell (and taste) of mom’s fresh-baked cherry cobbler; the eyes of a child in an early instance of wonder. For most of us, a few experiences are deeply etched into the memory banks. They conjure vivid memories that repeatedly … Continue Reading
