May I jumpstart your Thanksgiving week? I enjoin you to lead those around you to Give Thanks. As Kouzes & Posner wrote, and I have many times shared, “only challenge produces the opportunity for greatness.” 2020 has been a non-stop challenge. This week we can stop – we have that capacity – to see all the … Continued
I loved hearing the body of this message and kind of like the way I read it. Perhaps the 2:46 reading is worth a listen :-). Everyday Leadership. That’s always been my mission and delight. Check out this reminder. Jennifer and I heard our pastor this morning recite a moving prayer. Well, that’s what … Continued
What would you say is the #1 leadership characteristic? Not necessarily what will gain recognition from others, but what you should focus upon to achieve greatness? And in particular what would you focus on NOW – in the waning days of November? For me, the answer is easy: Perseverance. In January, I’d say: do the … Continued
In a hurry? Skip to the last three paragraphs, however, know that this column heads in one direction before it turns down Linda Lane, where I profile an everyday leader and what I consider to be her extraordinary approach to leading people. In my courses at Berkeley I teach the heart of everyday leadership. Students … Continued
My co-writer, John Gillis, says “No one leads alone. No one.” When you pull away the perceptual film of “the leader,” you see “leading by two” is everywhere. We can learn how we best pair by looking at others who do it well. One unusual pair is Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor. They co-host Ear Hustle, … Continued
Here’s a short list of books I’ve enjoyed, separated into a few categories: 1. Being your best self. Anne Lamott, Almost Everything: Notes on Hope. I would describe Anne Lamott as a seeker, seer, and humorist. She always brings me to an awakened sense of, “Oh, right! That’s what matters.” She tells the hard truth she has … Continued
Visiting students from China, Japan, France, German, from Kenyon College, USC and UC Santa Barbara, oh and Berkeley jammed their way with me through a six-week course in leadership. It was akin to running a half-mile race; you can’t sprint, but you have to keep up a consistently fast pace. Eight hours of class and … Continued
For almost 20 years I’ve been writing this blog. When I wrote my first book I came to see “everyday leadership” as the simplest banner for my point of view. I have always sought to distinguish authority figures from leaders. You don’t have to have a title to lead. I’ll never stop making these three … Continued
I took a big step for me on Sunday, leading up. Next week, I’ll share why it wasn’t so easy, and why it might shed a little light for you, as you lead up. Today I want to tell the story and extract two lessons for people in positions of authority. My wife Jennifer and … Continued
I find myself thinking back to high school. It’s “back, back, back,” as ESPN’s Chris Berman would describe an outfielder’s movement before everyone realizes it’s “long gone.”* I went to University of Detroit High School on 7 Mile Road in Detroit from 1972-1976. The teachers made you feel like they were teaching in an unbroken … Continued