Nothing of consequence is ever accomplished without some form of leadership. Leaders are the change agents of society. They architect the future by challenging the status quo and striving to make things better. They lean into big problems and seize large opportunities. They create opportunities for others to find meaning through doing good work. I have been fortunate to work closely with hundreds of leaders through the years and this category is inspired by this experience.
Leadership Is a Daily Choice — And Most Leaders Drift Without Realizing It Most leadership breakdowns don’t happen because someone isn’t smart enough, committed enough, or hardworking enough. They happen quietly. They happen…
One-to-One Meetings: A Missed Leadership Opportunity Most leaders will tell you they believe in one-to-one meetings. Far fewer run them well. In too many organizations, one-to-ones slowly drift into status updates, get cancelled…
Introduction – Don’t Get Stuck in the Short-Term I’m increasingly concerned that more business leaders have slipped into short-term thinking. After years of volatility and nonstop disruption, many seem almost shell-shocked. Instead of…
Introduction: The Last Tudor Standing Few leaders in history have carried the weight of expectation—and the sting of doubt—quite like Queen Elizabeth I. Born into chaos, dismissed as illegitimate, imprisoned by her own…
Here is the next installment of my fictional interviews with important historical figures. This time it is Confucius. “When we see men of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see…
Build The Organizational Structure That Fits Your Strengths “There is no one perfect org chart—only the one that helps you win.” This blog was triggered by a Vistage group meeting today. We were…
Pat Murray’s legacy, and why he still matters Pat Murray left behind a profound legacy. He served as a President of TEC (Now Vistage) before I became a Chair and, for decades, was…
High performance is achievable You don’t need jargon to run a tighter, faster shop. You need a simple way to set priorities, make decisions quickly, and keep work moving without drama. I think…
Introduction – Interview with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Here is another in my series of fictional interviews with historical figures. This time, it is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) It feels fitting…
Are You a Steak Knife or a Butter Knife Leader? A few weeks ago, I watched a business leader wrestle with a decision he already knew he needed to make. Every week, he’d…
Introduction: The Need for Continuous Learning “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” — John F. Kennedy Every great leader I’ve ever met has one thing in common—they love to learn. It’s…
My fictitious leadership interview with Ashoka the Great: Background He is one of the most fascinating figures from ancient India’s past. His empire encompassed a vast portion of the Indian subcontinent, and he…
Another installment in my series of fictional interviews with historical leadership figures. This time it is Winston Churchill. “To each, there comes in their lifetime that special moment when they are figuratively tapped…
“Do you think the world was created by an accountant? No! The universe was created by the combustion of a creative explosion.” — Robert Redford I decided to revisit this article after hearing about…
Uncertainty Is Reality “The storm doesn’t build your skills; it reveals them.” Uncertainty isn’t a visitor—it’s the neighborhood we work in. Every leader, whether running a start-up, a family business, or a large…
How many times have you made decisions on instinct or with minimal information—only to regret it later? When you’re just starting out, gut decisions often work. Being opportunistic, tactical, and reactive can fuel…
Leaders: Something Feels Deeply Unsettled in Our Society Today. You can hear it in conversations at work, see it in headlines, and feel it in the quiet worries people carry home. We’re bombarded…
Educate the people. Respect their judgment. Fear concentrated power. And question everything—even your own certainty... Lead with reason, not rage. Serve not for glory—but for posterity... Remember: a republic is not inherited. It…
"Leadership meant restoring balance without breaking the vessel...I did not come to revolutionise—I came to repair. The treasury was strained. Officials were complacent. The people were burdened by outdated practices. But change must…
Lately, I’ve been having a lot of conversations with fellow business owners and leaders who are just flat-out tired. Burned out. Numb from the endless waves of uncertainty and pressure. We don’t always…
The winners over the next 3–5 years won’t be the ones with the fanciest tech or the biggest marketing budgets. They’ll be the ones who operationalize these four levers across their business—one strategic…
Growth by itself isn’t the goal. Sustainable, balanced growth that outperforms your market and strengthens your business foundation—that’s the win. “You’re not in business just to stay busy. You’re in business to build…
France had known anarchy. I brought clarity. Yes, I held power tightly—but I used it to build. I listened to counsel. I debated ministers. But I did not tolerate delay. The people wanted…
Lead with principle, not popularity. Govern your emotions before governing others. Seek truth, even when it humbles you. And remember: this role, this power, this body—it is all rented. Use it wisely. Return…
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” — Albert Einstein Running a business is never a straight line. Some years, things hum along smoothly. Other times, the landscape changes—customers evolve, the competition stiffens,…
Contingency planning isn’t about living in fear. It’s about being smart. It’s about protecting what you’ve worked so hard to build—your people, your reputation, your financial stability—so that when the wind shifts, you…
As a business owner, you already carry the weight. You understand the stakes. But you don’t have to do it alone... Transparency enables you to amplify your leadership—to equip your team with the tools, trust,…
What can modern leaders learn from Abraham Lincoln? I thought that Memorial Day was a fitting time to write this blog. More than a century after his death, Lincoln's approach to leadership continues…
Across from me sat George Washington...His presence filled the room, not with grandeur, but with gravitas—the kind that comes from bearing a nation’s birth in your bones
Transformational leadership isn’t something you step into once everything’s figured out. It’s something you grow into by taking action, especially when the stakes are high and the path is unclear. It’s not about…
For business owners and senior executives who sit in positions of influence, the stakes are high, and the mirrors are unforgiving. You might fool the world with words, but it’s your actions—especially when…
Achieving organizational alignment is more than just getting everyone on the same page—it’s about creating a culture where strategy, structure, and people work seamlessly toward common goals.
I recently read about Charles Handy's passing in the Wall Street Journal. Given his age, it isn’t surprising, but it still fills me with sadness. I’ve been reading his books for over 25…
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s an important time to step back and take a comprehensive look at the past year and plan for 2025. Intentional reflection and forward-thinking vision mark…
Abraham Lincoln’s leadership was characterized by integrity, resilience, emotional discipline, and the ability to empower others. His ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and persist in the face of adversity made him one of…
The leadership strategies of the Founding Fathers and U.S. Presidents offer timeless lessons for today’s business leaders. From the visionary leadership of Thomas Jefferson and John F. Kennedy to the bold risk-taking of…
George Washington was truly a remarkable leader. His leadership still benefits us today, and there is much our current leaders could learn by following his example.
At its heart, collaboration is about building a community—whether it’s within a business, a project, or a broader organization. Individual effort alone cannot achieve the trust, accountability, and sense of ownership that collaboration…
At the heart of every successful organization is a clear understanding of roles. As a leader, it’s vital to define your own five core responsibilities—the primary tasks that drive your business forward. But…
Discipline is more vital now than ever. It offers stability and direction in the face of personal and professional challenges. Without it, our goals stay out of reach, our relationships remain fragile, and…
Commitment is more than just a quality we admire in others—it is a profound virtue that lies at the heart of human achievement and fulfillment. As a virtue, commitment represents the unwavering dedication…
In any high-performing organization, accountability is not just a buzzword—it’s the foundation upon which success is built. Accountability ensures that every team member understands their responsibilities, takes ownership of their work, and fully…
Throughout my journey as a leader, business coach, teacher, and mentor, I’ve come to realize that leadership isn’t a final destination—it’s a continuous process of growth and self-discovery. I’m sharing this blog to…
Flexibility is not about being aimless or without conviction. Rather, it's about having the strength to adapt without losing one's core essence. It's the reed that bends in the storm but does not…
Honesty is all about being truthful, sincere, and straightforward in our thoughts, words, and actions. It’s more than just avoiding lies; it’s about embracing transparency, authenticity, and integrity in every aspect of life.
In the small business world, discussions often center around key leadership qualities like resilience, innovation, and strategic thinking. Yet, one critical element that frequently goes unnoticed is moderation, also known as temperance. These…
Too many people these days live their professional (and personal) lives as if they are only ever driving on a one-way street. However, in our rapidly changing business environment, the way we interact…
Judgment is far more complex than it appears. It involves forming opinions, assessing situations, and making decisions based on a sophisticated blend of values, knowledge, and life experiences.
In life and business, resilience is a vital trait that determines not just survival but also the ability to thrive amidst challenges. For small business leaders and CEOs, resilience is particularly crucial. It…
As a small business owner, you assume multiple responsibilities. You’re responsible for setting the vision, inspiring your team, and driving change, all while managing day-to-day operations, resources, and people. Understanding the difference between…
There are many times in life when we can't control what happens to us. External factors do have a tendency to make themselves known at inopportune moments. And if business leadership was easy,…
As a small business owner, achieving and maintaining success requires a clear strategy and a commitment to continuous improvement. One effective way to ensure your business remains aligned and driven toward its goals…
Today was a great day, filled with moments that reminded me of how truly blessed I am to work with such incredible business leaders. Two meetings, in particular, stood out to me. One…
By adapting your leadership style to the needs of your business at each stage, you can navigate the challenges and guide your organization to sustained success. Keep learning, stay flexible, and always lead…
Humility is highly esteemed across cultures and societies and is a universal virtue. It is the quality of being unpretentious or modest, rooted in a realistic and grounded view of oneself and one's…
By understanding the nature of our fears, transforming our approach from one of pain to one of power, and pushing through discomfort, we can unlock our true potential. Nelson Mandela put it best…
Integrate being curious into your daily routines. Challenge yourself and your team to think differently, question assumptions, and relentlessly pursue new knowledge and understanding. The future of your organization could depend on how…
Throughout my 25+ years of studying leadership, I've been privileged to witness countless successful leaders in action. People often ask me about the key qualities that set these individuals apart. After much reflection…
“Humility is the most difficult of all virtues to achieve; nothing dies harder than the desire to think well of self.” – T.S. Eliot What is Humility? Humility is highly esteemed across cultures…
Loyalty matters, but it isn't the most important factor when running a business. In countless discussions, from team meetings to one-on-one chats, a recurring topic often emerges: the mismatch between an employee's tenure…
A Leader's courage inspires teams, drives innovation, and challenges the status quo. Someone has to push the limits of what's possible to ensure progress. Someone has to ask the difficult questions to ensure…
The journey toward financial transparency is a transformative process that can redefine the way you do business. By fostering a culture of openness, you enhance your operational efficiency and stakeholder trust and position…
Virtuous leadership offers a path to success that is sustainable, ethical, and deeply rewarding. By embracing virtues like honesty, integrity, humility, and compassion, leaders can inspire trust, foster a positive culture, and lead…
Based on the provided sections from "On Leadership and Business" by Ed Robinson, the book presents a comprehensive exploration of leadership and business principles, offering actionable insights for current and aspiring leaders.
The crux of leadership, especially during times of turbulence or uncertainty, is undeniably tied to maintaining a sharp strategic and operational focus. It's a key driver of business success, shaping everything from vision…
Failure happens. No one gets it right every time. In the journey of business, not every leader sails smoothly through the seas of success. The reality is stark yet often understated: the risk…
Not all risks are equal. Prioritize them based on their likelihood and potential impact on your business. Focus your resources on high-probability risks that would leave you significantly vulnerable, while having contingency plans…
Jeff Shaara's "The Frozen Hours" offers more than a historical narrative; it's a treasure trove of leadership wisdom. By drawing parallels between military leadership and organizational management, Shaara provides valuable insights that are…
Remember, what you do at work isn't just about hitting KPIs or closing deals. It's about building a team that's all in it together, where everyone feels like they're part of something bigger.…
No matter the stage or role we find ourselves in, the answer remains consistent: be of service, help, and support to others, especially when they need it. In doing so, we not only…
As a business advisor who has worked with hundreds of businesses over the past 25 years, from startups and community-based nonprofits to large established organizations, I've observed patterns of behavior and thought that…
It's a challenging journey, but one that's necessary. In a world rife with increasing darkness, it is our duty to be the bearers of light. Every small act, every kind word, and every…
Remember, genuine compassion involves helping individuals become the best version of themselves, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable life challenges. Accountability is something you do for someone, not to them.
During my morning walk today, I reflected on how leaders must navigate the complex landscape of belief and faith. Although people often use these two concepts interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.
Throughout history, virtuous behaviors by leaders have served as the bedrock upon which thriving societies and successful businesses are built. In societies, virtuous leaders have been lauded for their ability to unify diverse…
Words Matter In many workplaces, achieving clear communication is a distinct challenge. We might assume that everyone understands industry terms or company lingo. However, even a straightforward word like “accountability” can take on…
Compromise, at its core, is an expression of empathy and a testament to our ability to rise above differences. It is through these bridges of compromise that societies evolve, governments function, and businesses…
As a leader, it is essential to consider all three options—building, renting, and buying capacity—continuously. Rarely will a single path suffice at all times. When faced with the operational challenges of adding labor…
Years of experience and observation in my coaching and consulting practice have shaped these commandments. By adhering to these principles, small business owners can establish a solid foundation for success and effectively navigate the challenges that…
Instead of treating these important meetings with the professional respect they deserve, most individual participants view them as a means of simply fulfilling a team obligation and/or humoring the senior person in charge…
One thing I see plaguing most organizations today is a lack of clear standards. And when these standards exist, there is minimal adherence to them on a regular basis. We all like to…
Donald T. Phillips, in his book Martin Luther King on Leadership, does an impressive job of providing significant details as to why Martin Luther King (MLK) was a great leader. He was more…
Growth is hard work. For the past 27 years, I’ve worked as an executive coach, Vistage Chair, trainer or management consultant with hundreds of organizations. They have varied in size from just under…
You need to score to win at anything in life, and to score, you need to play offense! I’m unsure what’s happened to the mindset of the average business leader these days.…
At times, it’s hard to know what to do as you pivot and adjust to every new business challenge. Well, there is hope and time-tested principles that you can use to help you…
Introduction—Be the Best Part of Their Day Communication matters. Every leader leaves a footprint after every interaction. The only real question is: did you lift people up—or wear them down? In Be the Best…
Language and the Pursuit of Leadership Excellence How Extraordinary Leaders Build Relationships, Shape Culture and Drive Breakthrough Results(2nd Edition) Leadership Isn’t Just About Action—It’s About the Words That Shape It We’ve all seen…
Facing the Hard Truth About Leadership: A Closer Look at Bad Leadership Most leadership books aim to inspire. They showcase heroic figures, bold visionaries, and transformational change agents. But what if we flipped…
Layered Leadership by Lawrence R. Armstrong Book Excerpts INTRODUCTION Leadership, whether of a startup; Small, mid-sized, or large firm; team; church; or any organization, must work as a whole across the continuum…
There is nothing more important than understanding how reality works and how to deal with it. The state of mind you bring to the process makes all the difference. I have found it…
Myth and legend treat leadership as if it were the private reserve of a very few charismatic men and women. Nothing is further from the truth. Leadership is much more broadly distributed in…
Managing a business, or any organization, I came to see, was more practical art than applied science. Yes, there were some useful disciplines, as in any art form, but what worked best could…
Very few of us have a life curve that is only upward-sloping. The difference is that “lucky” people just do not let their periods of adversity define them in unhelpful ways. They just…
You do not have to settle for a life of quiet desperation and hope that one day things will change. The future is now, and the sooner you start living the life you…
I believe that business and nonprofit leaders need to think differently about what constitutes success. Besides the quality of their people, what differentiates most high-performing companies is their vision, focus, and discipline. Culturally,…
The leadership journey requires you to cogitate constantly on the role you and others should be playing. As you achieve some level of success, your business may challenge your capabilities to lead it.…
Surrounding yourself with great people. Learning to delegate early on - not trying to do everything yourself. Making sure you've got the kind of people who are praising the team around them, not…
Please click on this link for the Leadership – Essential Writings By Our Greatest Thinkers Book Summary STUDYING THE SYSTEM “Our little systems have their day.” – Alfred Lord Tennyson In Organizational…
Please click on this link for the Leadership in War Book Summary Chapter 1: Napoleon Bonaparte “Napoleon recognized that the best way to inspire his people was through two means: imbuing people…
Chapter 1: The ONE Thing “What’s the ONE Thing you can do this week such that by doing it everything else would be easier or unnecessary?” “Where I’d had huge success, I had…
Five Stages of Decline: Hubris Born of Success Undisciplined Pursuit of More Denial of Risk and Peril Grasping for Salvation Capitulation to Irreverence or Death “The concept of hubris is defined as…
Introduction: “The shortage of (exemplary) leaders is a result of three primary factors: demographic shifts, insufficient training and experiences, and the prevailing mindsets that discourage people from learning to lead.” “Exemplary leaders strive…
Please click on this link for the Time Really is Money Book Summary Chapter 1 – Introduction: “…most business owners spend almost all of their time on less than $50 per hour…
Introduction “Productivity isn’t about working more or sweating harder.” “…productivity is about making certain choices in certain ways. The way we choose to see ourselves and frame daily decisions; the stories we tell…
Please click on this link for the How to Be a Leader Book Summary Introduction: Bystanders vs. Leaders “Bystander apathy… Simply put, the more people who can help, the fewer actually…
Introduction to the Revised Edition, 2003 “Bad economic times allow second-rate leaders to exercise power recklessly and with impunity. Good times will come again, and when they do, the leaders who survive and…
Please click on this link for The Trillion Dollar Coach Book Summary Chapter 1: The Caddie and the CEO The Trillion Dollar Coach “In our previous book, How Google Works, we argue…
Introduction Lincoln stood for all that was right, honest, and self-evident. The foundation of Abraham Lincoln‘s leadership style was an unshakable commitment to the rights of the individual. The genius of leadership lies…
Please click on this link for the Beneath the Armor Book Summary Introduction: “There are new frontiers for you to explore, markets to penetrate and a business that deserves your absolute utmost…
Skill 1: Build Safety Chapter 1 “Safety is not mere emotional weather but rather the foundation on which a strong culture is built.” P. 6 “When you ask people inside highly successful groups…
Introduction: Why communication matters on the shop floor (and in the boardroom) Most teams don’t stall out because of skill gaps; they stall because people feel unseen, uncertain, or uninspired. When communication frays,…
Central Thesis Leadership is layered, not linear. Enduring organizations align several layers—self‑leadership, team development, clear strategy, disciplined execution, market focus, innovation, culture, and succession—so each layer reinforces the others. The leader’s ongoing task…
Introduction In the pursuit of organizational excellence, aligning the hearts and minds of employees is crucial. Jon R. Katzenbach’s “Peak Performance: Aligning the Hearts and Minds of Your Employees” provides a comprehensive guide…
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