Monthly Archives: November 2012

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Happy Thanksgiving

Today is a day set aside to reflect and be thankful for what we’ve been given. I hope you’ll enjoy your day with family and friends. Reflecting upon good times and all that you have.

I’ll be offline most of the day but wanted to wish you all a happy Thanksgiving and to share 20 things I’m thankful for today.  Read more...

  1. My wife Pamela: She’s an amazing woman who’s stood by my side through the good times and bad. Thank you for loving me the way you do.
  2. My family: My mom, dad, brothers, sisters, and extended family mean the world to me.
  3. Freedom: I take it for granted at times but I’m thankful that we’ve been given such freedom in the US.
  4. My dogs: I’ve got two of the greatest dogs in the world. Zane and Leviticus have been an exciting part of life.
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The One Thing You Can’t Lose When You Fail

Failure is one thing we all face. It comes at us in our careers, our family, and our faith.

It pulls at us and tears us down. Telling us that we’re worthless now. That we won’t do anything of value.

Failure brings about lies and feelings of inadequacy.

But there’s one thing you can’t lose when you fail…

Caveman Drivers License

Image by Don Hankins

What Failure Tells Us

When we fail, we want to run and hide. To stick our heads in the sand like an ostrich. In all honesty, that makes us look silly.

Why do we want to do this?

Because failure lies to us. It says that we’ve screwed up beyond hope. We’re told that there’s no redeeming value in our lives.

The biggest lie failure tells us is that we’ve lost our identity.  Read more...

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What Makes A Leader?

Everyone asks this at one point or another in their life. What makes a leader? Am I able to be a leader?

The answer? It’s a resounding YES!

However, it’s not easy. It’s going to require a lot. You’ll face challenges that you’ve never faced and never wanted to see.

Those challenges are what makes a leader.

During my time at Catalyst East, Andy Stanley gave a talk on what makes a leader. I’m going to break it down for you and share my insights from this talk.

Your Responses

For every situation we face, we have a reaction. Positive, negative, indifferent, etc..

Your responses are what makes you a leader.

If you respond poorly to a situation your leadership could be called into question. Respond positively and others will have a more favorable view of you.  Read more...

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How To Kill Enthusiasm For A Project

Launching a new project is always exciting. The company is moving and shaking. Great growth is expected.

Things are looking good. The team is motivated. They’re ready to take on the project and succeed.

There’s only one problem. You’ve done an action that kills enthusiasm more than anything.

 

I’ve done it. Time and time again. I’m pretty sure you’ve done it as well.

With the busyness of our days, it’s easy to let this one slide in.

The Enthusiasm Killer

The enthusiasm killer is a sly devil. He slides in slowly and quietly. Before you know it, he’s killed the motivation that was building.

The killer is A Lack Of Communication.

It may start as missing a deadline and not communicating it to the team. Or meetings that are never held.  Read more...

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The Benefits Of Being An Ignorant Leader

Did you know you could benefit from being an ignorant leader?

It sounds counter-intuitive but it’s the truth. There’s a benefit in being ignorant.

Man staning on top of Mount Washington

Image by Izzard

What Makes An Ignorant Leader

I’m not talking about being lacking knowledge or being stupid. That won’t make you a better leader.

What I’m talking about is being ignorant of what’s not possible.

When you’re ignorant of the impossible, you’re able to lead better. You’re able to lead into the unknown.

Why Being Ignorant Makes You A Better Leader

All you need is ignorance and confidence and the success is sure.
— Mark Twain

Being ignorant can be a huge asset in your leadership. You’re willing to attempt things that have never been done.

Take the tales of leaders like:  Read more...

  • Christopher Columbus: He took a route that others said was impossible. He ignored that fact and proved them wrong. Discovering America and changing the course of human history