Leverage is an often used buzz word when business conversations focus on productivity, growth and profitability. Oxford Dictionaries define it as the exertion of force by means of a lever. In practical and slightly less mechanical terms — it is the use of resources at your disposal to change the equation that shapes the your … Continue Reading
I remember when we used to be able to disagree with each other. We could have a debate, and go home friends. We could work alongside others, and even build a community with folks with whom we shared differing views. Things weren’t perfect, for sure; but it wasn’t unheard of for diverse groups to manage … Continue Reading
In 2001 Erik Weihenmayer reached the peak of Mount Everest — an impressive feat in-and-of itself. But one thing should be noted: Erik is blind. I first learned of his story several years ago, and was reminded of it thanks to a recent story on NBC’s Today Show. But Everest is only part of the story. … Continue Reading
At some point, given the right topic, almost everyone will have a moment worth sharing. The challenge, at least as it relates to productive dialogue, is that many of us believe the frequency and scope of our insight is so grand as to warrant the lion’s share of attention in any given room. But when … Continue Reading
Thankfulness is a decision. Like many decisions we make, it has a ripple effect. It is borne of a perspective that transcends experience, and resists seeing life through any single lens. Thankfulness has no agenda. It is comfortable in any room…at ease in any position or station…predisposed to give, with no expectation. Thankfully, it is not … Continue Reading
Whether we talk about it or not, each of us has a value proposition. It frames days, shapes attitudes and is the fabric of the moments that define us. Either intellectual honesty and emotional integrity are guideposts to which we aspire, or we find it convenient to rely on shades of gray and situational ethics for cover. … Continue Reading
Some accomplish it with a pen — mightier-than-any-sword. Some with eloquent oratory. For some the tool is as simple as an invitation — how may I help you? Or the offer of a cup of cold water A few speak volumes with the sheer force of example. Whatever the avenue or methodology, the voice of real leaders encourages … Continue Reading
We can talk about it until we’re blue in the face. We may write about it, design programs and build entire initiatives around it. If we have enough juice we might be able to insist on a moniker or title that insinuates we have arrived. But when it comes to what it really means to be … Continue Reading
Vision is the lifeblood of any march toward the future. Without it, the status quo offers a comfort zone that is difficult to give up — especially when things have been pretty darn good for a very long time. Before we go further we should clarify terms. A Vision is not about a 100-word so-called … Continue Reading
There is still time to give a gift that can change everything in the coming days, weeks and throughout the new year. The gift? A fresh start. A new beginning. Give it to everyone with whom you interact — family, colleagues, team members, clients and customers. Extend it even to those from whom you expect … Continue Reading
Along with sincere appreciation for your feedback, and the part so many play in adding to the fodder offered in this space, please accept this wish that you enjoy the best this season brings — Peace and Joy.… Continue Reading
Thankfulness is a decision — one that, when made, changes everyone touched by the decision. It is borne of a perspective that transcends experience, and resists seeing life through a lens. Thankfulness has no agenda. It is comfortable in any room…at ease in any position or station…predisposed to give, with no expectation. Thankfully, it is not … Continue Reading
Some accomplish it with a pen mightier-than-any-sword. Some with eloquent oratory. For many the tool is as simple as an invitation — how may I help you? Or the offer of a cup of cold water Some speak volumes with the sheer force of example. Whatever the methodology, real leaders encourage conversations — around core ideas, fundamental values, … Continue Reading
Some days remind us that every human being has a story. And most of the time we don’t know many of the details. This week brought several of those days. The specifics — not really appropriate to recount here — have prompted plenty of introspection on my part. Much of it has centered on how … Continue Reading
I remember when we used to be able to disagree with each other. Friends could have a debate, and go home friends. We could work alongside others, and build neighborhoods with folks with whom we shared differing views. Somehow we managed to identify common ground, and get things done. Those were the days. Or maybe … Continue Reading
The mid-seventies motion picture All The President’s Men popularized the counsel offered by Deep Throat — Follow the Money. This was the key to understanding the issues relevant to the Watergate scandal. Questions about the events surrounding the 1972 U.S. Presidential election — who was behind the break-in at the Watergate…and why — made for compelling news coverage. For … Continue Reading
I was struck by the idea shared by David Ackert on his blog last week, and I highly recommend you check it out if you haven’t already. We spend considerable time and space exploring tactics for effective business development, and frequently note that — when it comes to professional service practice development — relationship is the name … Continue Reading
It is much easier to be a critic than a creator; less risky to respond and react than to innovate and initiate; less costly to follow than to lead. Charting new territory — innovating, establishing relationships and building solutions — requires a vision for the future and a measure of courage . . . an investment of blood, sweat and … Continue Reading
When it comes to the challenges of communicating — telling a story, marketing a practice, stating a case — old dogs often wear blinders. Our attempts at conveying a message stem from our personal understanding or experience, utilize the language we’ve always used. Understandable. After all, we talk about what we care about, and use … Continue Reading
It is not difficult to determine what one cares about most. Listen to the language used. Factor the tone. Observe associations (who do I hang with). We almost always invest time doing what we most want to do with individuals whose values we share. And, in the event there’s still doubt, observe how I talk … Continue Reading
When I met Henry Gilchrist he was in his mid-seventies. Those of us that came along in those days weren’t around when he was doing deals for Texas oil man Clint Murchison; or as he conceived and structured a unique funding deal to create Texas Stadium; or while he was point person on high profile … Continue Reading
At some point, on some topic, almost everyone will have a moment of clarity worth sharing. The challenge, at least as it relates to productive dialogue, is that many of us believe the frequency and scope of our insight is so grand as to warrant the lion’s share of attention in any given room. But … Continue Reading
A fan will always see things based on the color of the uniform. A catch? Were the receiver’s feet inbounds? Did a knee hit the ground? What holding — that wasn’t holding! Facts are defined by what helps my team. On the day after, sports talk radio thrives on the debate that is fueled by these … Continue Reading
In his most recent book, Leaders Eat Last, Simon Sinek has based the title on a practice of the US Marines. When gathered to eat, the most junior members of the group are first in line, while senior leadership waits until everyone else has been served. The book is, in my view a must read. But here … Continue Reading
