Lead Something

#Beingaleader means you lead. Something. All the time. Small. Big. It doesn't really matter. You hone your skill in the doing. There is no substitute for this action. Reading and listening to the advice of others are important and good and can give you examples of how you should do things. But you learn more … Continue reading Lead Something →

Margin

#Beingaleader means you need to create margin in your life. I define margin as creating time to think, prepare and build your future and the future of your team. This impacts everything from relationships to business ventures to family life. We get so busy living the here and now that we don't want, that we … Continue reading Margin →

You’re Fired

#Beingaleader means that sometimes you have to let people go from your team. It's not fun. It's not easy. But it's sometimes necessary. There are plenty of euphemisms for this: reduction in force; it's just not working; we're going in another direction; etc. Lots has been written about being on the receiving end of such … Continue reading You’re Fired →

Inspire

#Beingaleader means you need to inspire people. The successful team is one that wants to go where you are going. You inspire by giving them vision; a reason to go in a particular direction; and the tools to get there. #Beingaleader is about letting them see where the team is going; to so inspire them … Continue reading Inspire →

Stand Firm

This coming weekend I will be speaking at my church's men's retreat on the subject of Standing Firm (see 1 Cor. 16:13 for context). What was surprising to me as I prepared was that we are told to stand firm. Not to stand still. It is an active thing. Not a passive one. #Beingaleader means … Continue reading Stand Firm →

Setting the Tone

#Beingaleader means you set the tone for your team. You create the atmosphere so be careful in selecting what that atmosphere is going to be. It is very difficult for your team to rise emotionally above where you are at so set the bar high. Everyone of us has ups and downs. #Beingaleader means you … Continue reading Setting the Tone →

Responsibility

#Beingaleader means it's your fault. You have to take responsibility for the bad things that happen in your group or on your team. This includes errors in judgment, mistakes, giving authority to those who can't handle it, or any other thing that falls within your purview. #Beingaleader means you cannot blame-shift. You cannot point fingers … Continue reading Responsibility →

Culture

#Beingaleader means you are responsible for the culture of your team. Today we are going to touch on communication culture. That is: how do the team members communicate with you and with each other? Good, bad or indifferent? Simon Sinek had a TED talk about similar things that you can watch here: https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_why_good_leaders_make_you_feel_safe. The premise … Continue reading Culture →