Tag Archives: personal growth

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What A Swan Taught Me About Leadership

On a warmer February afternoon, Pamela and I walked through our neighborhood. We walked over a creek, which is a hotbed of activity during the summer. In the winter months, there’s not much going on.

However, on this day, we saw two ducks and two swans. The two ducks and one swan were swimming along fine. They were having a great time in the water.

But then there was the second swan…

A swan on water. There is ice surrounding the swan.

He’s in the middle of an ice patch. All around him is a crunchy layer of ice. What we saw happen next surprised me.

The swan didn’t take flight. He pushed himself forward, again and again, into the ice. He was breaking through the ice so he could get to the portion of the creek that was free of ice.  Read more...

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How To Create A Culture Of Innovation And Creativity

Innovation and creativity are hallmarks of a great organization. They know what they do well, think about what to do next, and then innovate to get there.

It’s not always easy. Sometimes, you stumble and struggle along the way. You may even wonder why you desired to be considered innovative and creative. 

I think about this even as I type these words. I think about what I need to do to innovate and inspire you. I have to find the creativity within me to do so.

Sometimes, it’s easy to be creative. Other times, I start, stop, and start over again. However, I use a few tips and tricks to inspire the innovation needed to continue creating. These methods transfer over to business and life as well.  Read more...

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Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Pixar’s Up

My latest book, Reel Leadership, is now available on Amazon. If you love movies and leadership, you will love this book.

The 2009 film Up is a Disney Pixar feature-length animated movie that will warm the hearts of even the most curmudgeon. Up tells the story of 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen (Edward ‘Ed’ Asner) and his grief over losing the love of his life, Ellie (whose name is based on the film’s director Pete Docter’s daughter, Elie Docter). They had big dreams to travel the world, live at Paradise Falls, and have the greatest adventures of all time.

Sadly, things got in the way of their adventures. One thing after the other caused them to break into their travel fund and put that dream on hold. Ellie eventually passes away, and Carl becomes a grumpy old man.

An old man, young boy, dog are holding onto a rope connected to a floating house. The house is floating because of balloons and there's a colorful bird sitting on the house  Read more...

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5 Ways To Lead With Empathy

Empathy sounds like one of those touchy-feely words. It’s what those woo-woo leaders do. But it’s not.

Leading with empathy is something every leader should do. It not only endears you to your employees but it forms stronger connections between you, employees, suppliers, and more.

Why wouldn’t you want to lead with empathy?

What Is Empathy?

Some of us may have the wrong idea of empathy. We don’t understand what empathy is or how to use empathy. Let’s get clear about what empathy is.

According to the dictions, empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. That means you, as a leader, can connect with your people on an emotional level. You can share in another person’s grief, stress, anguish, frustration, and more without letting it overcome you.   Read more...

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Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Madame Web

My latest book, Reel Leadership, is now available on Amazon. If you love movies and leadership, you will love this book.

We’re returning to the Spider-Verse with this week’s Reel Leadership article. We’re going to be examining the exciting leadership lessons in Madame Web. It’s the fourth film in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe and was produced by Columbia Pictures and Di Bonaventure Pictures. 

For those of you who don’t know who Madame Web is, she’s a vital character in the Spider-Man lore. She’s a clairvoyant and precog who can see the strands of life’s web. There’s an interconnectedness she sees. It’s interesting and unique.

 Let’s dive into the Reel Leadership lessons in Madame Web. There’s quite a bit to take away from this movie.

Red background, webbing spinning out with multiple characters from Madame Web movie featured in image

Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Madame Web

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