As all experienced leaders know, issues arise unexpectedly, problems show up unannounced, and challenges present themselves uninvited. How do your respond so you can remain focused and effective? Embrace the value of unflappability. Harold Macmillan was the first leader to whom this value was attributed. As Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1957 to…
Rarely does one set out to become great. In most cases, those who seek greatness fall short of leaving a lasting legacy. But for a few, greatness is awarded for a lifetime of dedication that made a significant difference in the lives of others. As a differentiating value, Greatness means remarkable; of major significance or…
Great leaders may be viewed as many things. Effective. Strong. Passionate. Approachable. Objective. Prepared. What leaders have you known that you would consider as being remarkable? We don’t place remarkable leaders in the same category as other leaders. They stand out. They’re memorable. And they’re rare. Such leaders that come to mind might include Alexander…
Of all the married couples Lori and I admire, there is one that really stands out. Peter & Donna Knoblauch have been very good friends of ours for many years. They live in Ontario, Canada and are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this summer. On the surface all looks normal. Two grown children who just…
Leaders who care are kind. They tend to be very approachable and always considered fair. Political leader Mahatma Gandhi. Christian leader Billy Graham. Basketball coach John Wooden. These great leaders understood the power of kindness. Unfortunately, poor leaders view kindness as weakness instead of as a strength. Mediocre leaders tend to show selective kindness. They…
Leaders are expected to establish the vision, inspire to action, and communicate with clarity. Citizens expect this from their political leaders. Customers, employees, and shareholders expect this from the CEO and key executives of an organization. Unfortunately, there are lots of examples of leaders who fail to engage others because they can’t communicate it with…
Insightful. Compassionate. Influential. Accomplished. These are commonly referenced values used to describe Ken and Marjorie Blanchard. Dr. Ken Blanchard is an icon in the fields of leadership and management training. A world-renowned keynote speaker, co-author of over 30 books – including the bestseller “The One Minute Manager” – Blanchard is also the co-founder of an…
Do leaders approach every issue from a neutral position? Of course not. By the very nature of being a leader, they have a bias to action. They are on a mission and need to make things happen that bring them closer to their vision. If you stand in the way of a leader fulfilling their…
How does one have a meaningful and happy marriage when your primary focus is national politics? Add to that a burning desire to significantly influence the future of a nation, playing a primary role in a revolution, suggests that the likelihood of a successful marriage is not good. Yet, it is well document that the…
As a leader, who provides you with good council or advice? Who is in your inner circle? In his book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, leadership guru John Maxwell promotes the benefits of having an inner circle. It’s one of the laws. Maxwell suggests “A leader’s potential is determined by those closest to him.”…
I write about differentiating values and their impact on leadership, marketing, and marriage - focused on couples in business together. Read more about Robert.
