Tag Archives: theory

The Attrition of Compromise – The Making of the Walking Dead

LEADERSHIP COACHING WARNING: If you are looking for an upbeat coaching moment that will give you the four keys to being a successful leader or a whimsical quote you can put on your wall, DO NOT read this blog. This blog may bring a level of awareness you have been denying for years and, therefore, the threat of dealing with … Continue reading

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The Tree or The Shadow

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” ~Abraham Lincoln   My wife was reading the Chicago Tribune yesterday when she saw this quote, and Lincoln’s words really seemed to resonate with me.  There are two aspects of this quote that caught my attention.   The first point of interest … Continue reading

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How Does Your Report Card Look for 2014?

I remember those worrisome grade school days when report cards were handed out. The report card would have two columns: one grade for my schoolwork and aptitude and the other for my conduct in class. I’ve never understood this grading system but most of the time I was happy because I had a tendency to get more A’s for my … Continue reading

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How’s the View From Your Seat?

Every time I go to a baseball game, I’m amazed by the screams heard from the upper grand stands when a batter hits the ball into the air. Unfortunately, the same excitement cannot be felt when you are sitting at ground level because you know it’s just a pop fly. Or how about when you open up your bedroom blinds … Continue reading

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The Kryptonite to Process

Over the last thirty years of working with a wide variety of companies, I have found that there has been a significant increase in the use of processes to identify, solve, and implement solutions that plague businesses every day. This embrace of a systematic way to go about business is one of the main reasons for our increase in productivity. … Continue reading

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Delegation with Expectations – A Speed Pass to Results

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat down with CEOs and heard them vent their frustrations about the inability of their direct reports to make the right decisions quickly. Ironically enough, when I sit down with direct reports they are equally frustrated with the short-handed way their leader delegates objectives with so little information. This then leaves the … Continue reading

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Skating On the Edge

Watching the recent winter Olympics reminded me of the 1996 winter Olympics when Eric Mueller was speed skating; it was an electric time. I stopped by the Pettit Center ice rink in West Allis and watched him and other Olympic hopefuls practicing and was in complete awe. The speed, the grace, balance, and sheer power of their skating captivated me. … Continue reading

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The Gift of Critical Feedback

A few years back I was playing golf with a client of mine and a banker of his. As usual, the typical old golf banter was exchanged in between serious business discussions. During one such business discussion my client said something that, quite honestly, only he could say. I looked at him and bluntly pointed out that he had his … Continue reading

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Upon Further Reflection

Driving results is the key measurement of success for any business leader, not only in regards to the magnitude and speed of achieving these results but also their sustainability. This formula for success is accomplished by making decisions that support the needs of the corporation today while also supporting its long-term strategies. As a business leader, how do you balance … Continue reading

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The Fool’s Fool

I found a quote the other day and it captures many a conversation I have had with some highly intelligent clients of mine. The quote said, and I’m paraphrasing here, "Never argue with a fool. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.”            – Sarah Cook   I would say that most of the CEOs … Continue reading

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