In 1500 words or less, each post will give you something you can use TODAY to build yourself, your people and your organization whether your organization is a "for-profit" or a "not-for-profit."
Most of us born in the last fifty years have heard the lyrics to John Lennon’s iconic song, “Imagine.” It has resonated on many levels with many people since its release in 1971.
For an increasing number of people, the reality of their lives almost exists in an entirely different universe than the one we live in.
One of the most influential mentors I ever had once told me that when faced with a problem, situation, or frustration with other people, I should consider that the problem might not be the other person. Maybe it was me and/or my attitude.
Homelessness is a very real problem in our communities.
It is also much closer to more people than many realize. Take a moment and calculate what would happen to you, your family, and your lifestyle if you suddenly lost your source of income. What if you were suddenly struck by enormous medical bills.
The lack of safe and affordable housing, in particular, emergency housing is beyond the crisis point. When the solution is giving individuals and families “tents,” action is needed.
Business and social issues topics, are not mutually exclusive.
Becoming a good leader means embarking on a path that never ends. People, organizations, and the leader themselves will evolve, change, and adapt in response to their changing world.
I have learned while being mentored by some incredible people. Three of those lessons helped to shape my entire philosophy of leadership, “Humility, Consideration, and Determination.”
We had thought we were inclusive, but we realized we needed to do even more. We discovered the real driving force for our continued success was because we learned to appreciate, acknowledge, and respond to the blind spots that we didn’t even know were there.
Start small, but start now.
Loyalty, like respect, is earned; it is neither a right nor a given and it must be reciprocal. Loyalty and respect are fragile and can never be demanded; both must be built and nurtured through constant care and attention.
Learning “how” to fail might just be the most important skill that doesn’t get taught to students. As an instructor or leader, I always hoped that everyone would always succeed in everything they tried and never experience failure.
I knew and continue to learn that avoiding failure is unlikely and not always the best thing for people. Take a few moments and see what I mean.
Supporting charities and operating a profitable business are not mutually exclusive.
Businesses can help in so many ways, but like any collaboration, charities and service clubs can also help businesses.
Every organization has drama.
Drama is virtually impossible to avoid because organizations consist of people and when you have two or more people together, the potential for drama exists.
That’s not cynical, in my experience, that’s just how things work. Whether it’s good or bad depends on how the organization reacts to and anticipates drama.
Big and innovative ideas aren’t the issue, putting big and innovative ideas into reality is the issue. Many entrepreneurs, consultants, managers, executive directors, and the people working for them have shared these lessons will me.
They work. Use them, share them, and build your organization.