Problem-solving is in the “DNA” of effective leadership. So how come sometimes it just doesn’t work? Why is it that some attempts at problem-solving feel like you’re just butting your head into a brick wall? Why do some of the best-intentioned problem-solving initiatives just fall flat? Sometimes it’s because, right out of the gate, you…
3 Ways Leaders Can Achieve Much More than Mere ‘Balance’
We all have busy seasons. I’m in one of mine right now. It’s a season of the year with extensive travel, with tight deadlines, and with important events happening in my family, my church and in my relational world. In such seasons the first thing many leaders aspire towards is “balance”. But if there’s one…
Why Leaders Must Never Give Away the ‘Decision Key’
“If you’re not clear who is supposed to be holding the decision key, things will get very fuzzy, very fast.” That piece of leadership insight from a trusted mentor has helped me navigate some tricky leadership waters for many years. Because when it comes to making important leadership decisions, it’s all about knowing who is…
How Leaders Prevent ‘Experienced’ From Becoming Just ‘Tired’
There’s nothing quite like proven, reliable experience to help a leader navigate through the toughest of challenges. But effective leaders have a curious, and vital, counter-balance to such experience. It’s a counter-intuitive, almost contradictory perspective that prevents reliable experience from turning into simply tired and obsolete. It’s the ability to see the world through ‘young eyes’.…
How Leaders Win the War on Worry
“What if we don’t hit our numbers?” “Supposing the new program launch isn’t successful?” “What will happen if we can’t fill that staff position in time?” These worries, and countless others like them, can dominate the thinking of leaders. But leaders must maintain the discipline to avoid needless worry is because of the mental energy it…
