“You going to the garage to practice juggling?”
My wife was carrying three bottles of
Continue Reading Three Bottles Of Water A WeekThree Bottles Of Water A Week
Here’s How To Differentiate Yourself, Instantly
I was meeting a colleague for coffee. She wanted to introduce me to a
Continue Reading Here’s How To Differentiate Yourself, InstantlyWith deference to Lombardi, Winning is NOT the only thing
The sentiment expressed by Vince Lombardi, the legendary former coach of the Green Bay Packers, has reached manifesto status — “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.”
At the other end of the spectrum is the antiquated idea derived from the Grantland Rice poem ‘Alumnus Football’ (1908) — “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.”
Though I’m usually up for a spirited debate, let’s stipulate that it is one thing to believe that winning is the point when we’re talking about our favorite competition.
But an almost blind obsession with finishing on top is far more ubiquitous than just in the games we play
The question is — when competitive juices drive the pursuit of a win at all costs no matter the arena, what is revealed about what we value most?
Surely there are important encounters where winning is decidedly not the only thing.Continue Reading With deference to Lombardi, Winning is NOT the only thing
We Can Do Magic
Kindness is magic.
Not in the illusion or slight-of-hand sense.
But in the change things in an instant — alter reality…create something where there was nothing sense.
Are You Blind?Continue Reading We Can Do Magic
I Was Wrong
When was the last time you heard (or uttered) this phrase in a moment of consequence?
Reflecting, I’m fairly certain I’ve said “I’m sorry.” But that is not the same thing.
Sadly, I don’t remember backing away from a position, strategy or action, and thoughtfully acknowledging having been flat wrong…though there have been plenty of times when it would have been the most appropriate response.
This blind spot comes with serious consequences.Continue Reading I Was Wrong
Leaders Pursue Solutions, Relentlessly
Here are three things to say when your goal is to stifle creativity and bring any conversation about change to a screeching halt.
- “That {problem / issue / challenge} will always be present.”
- “You’ll never {gain consensus / get the support necessary} to change that…”
- “It is what it is.”
There are scores of variations on the theme. But the thesis is the same: discussion is pointless — things will never change / improve — the dye is case.
There is no more poignant indicator of an absence of leadership.Continue Reading Leaders Pursue Solutions, Relentlessly
New Year. Clean Slate.
There is still time to give a gift that can change everything in the coming year.
The gift? A fresh start. A new beginning. A clean slate.
Give it to everyone with whom you interact — family, colleagues, team members, clients and customers. Extend it even to those from whom you expect to receive little or nothing in return.
And give it to yourself.Continue Reading New Year. Clean Slate.
Where Have The Peace Makers Gone?
Peace on earth. It is a message shared on seasonal greetings. Poets speak of it wistfully. When words fail it is how we express hope for all touched by sorrow, loss and tragedy.
Continue Reading Where Have The Peace Makers Gone?
Gratitude Never Gets Old
We are all a little better when we make the decision to be thankful.
Continue Reading Gratitude Never Gets Old
What Prompts You To Show Up In The Morning?
I have never been a “morning person.” Anyone who knows me knows I rely on a strong cup of coffee to help shake the cobwebs.
If you share this “condition” I’ll wager we also share an understanding that being slow to wake isn’t the same as not having a compelling reason to greet each day.
A clear vision and its inexorable link to a mission — to the drive to accomplish something — is the reason to consistently show up and bring the best you’ve got.
The more compelling the vision the more it defines our days and gives rise to intentional acts.
Continue Reading What Prompts You To Show Up In The Morning?