What wins the race? It is the leadership quality and finesse of multiple factors that wins, not the novice conceit of speed, or the number of hours of practice. From the book, “Inner Speed Secrets: Mental Strategies to Maximize Your Racing Performance,” by Ronn Langford and Ross Bentley share insights into the nuances that also apply […]

Every moment offers a choice. As we experience national level stress, it’s helpful to consider that smart, adaptive planning, through complexity, is essential to leadership, in tough times. As I write this, the United States is dealing with the aftermath of a mass homicide in Las Vegas, multiple hurricanes, floods and fire. The federal government […]

Featured: Five key concepts and supporting research and tools will help you lead through adaptive change in a VUCA world, one that is Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous, as presented in Mexico City for CPA firm leaders at the Russell Bedford International conference, yet applicable for any leader.   It’s been a year full of volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, or […]

Leaders know that good data is essential to good decisions. But what data?       Data is the first of four elements from a simple acronym DPPE. It stands for Data, Purpose, Plan, Evaluate.   DPPE, as I learned from mentors, is a good way to categorize project phases as well as many small to complex leadership tasks. These may include: Updating […]

Leadership skill is built upon skilled listening, including listening to yourself for health and wellness.  Busy leaders know intellectually that taking care of yourself is how you are best able to take care of others.  The challenge, in this part three of our series, continues to be putting this principle into disciplined, regular practice.  Leadership coaching, as my clients have told me, has […]

Like a well-played symphony, when nonprofit leaders partner well with their staff and volunteers, magic happens.  Leadership in the nonprofit sector requires a unique balance of communication, coordination, and collaboration whether it is in professional societies, universities or colleges, trade associations, or faith-based or charitable organizations. Though a board of directors or council holds ultimate legal and fiduciary responsibility, […]

It takes courage to listen. Whether it’s a first or fifth transition to a new leader role, these non-profit leadership lessons learned are timeless. Pause, reflect, choose (from horse-guided leadership & learning.) In your first months, resist the urgent and not important tasks and follow these practical steps to ensure your success.   Many new leaders have […]

Successful organizations focus on people as well as profits, often built with talented staff that take action as co-owners of the business. Twenty-first century talent retention practices can build greater success in your organization. Here’s are 4 ways leaders can help this happen: 1) Check your “hire smart” bench strength & compensation Nothing breeds success like talented staff and the […]

What can a 1200 pound horse teach you about leadership? In 2010, I found out as Cherokee walked up and chose me in an experience that has forever changed the way I relate to both people and animals in my professional and personal work as a coach and consultant. The photos below reflect my early […]

It takes courage, tenacity and teamwork to let go of performance appraisal practices and industrial age thinking.  In our  post 9-11, post financial meltdown, “New Normal,”  business will never be again as it was.  It’s tough, though, to leave our rootedness in twentieth century business practices.  For example, note this recent entry in Wikipedia:      “As of 2013 electric power […]