There are countless questions leaders can ask themselves to gauge their growth. For example: How can I improve? How can I gain wisdom? How can I improve relationships with those around me? Each of these questions offers great insight into progress and growth. However, in order to move forward, leaders must apply the insight and…

Read More

Successful coaches come with a variety of personalities. Mike Ditka and Bobby Knight exuded emotion whereas Phil Jackson had a stoical demeanor. Pat Summitt was the very picture of intensity, while John Madden was gregarious and affable. Geno Auriemma’s outspoken and animated style paints a stark contrast to Tom Landry’s poised and understated manner of…

Read More

“Nothing of significance was ever achieved by an individual acting alone. Look below the surface and you will find that all seemingly solo acts are really team efforts.”1 Have you ever met a successful person who has not had support or guidance from another person? One of the most important factors to success is teamwork.…

Read More

When did you first realize that you were a leader? For me it happened as a fifth grade student in Mr. Horton’s classroom. We were studying the legal system, and we planned to assemble a mock courtroom with attorneys, a jury, and a judge. When it came time to elect the judge, Mr. Horton passed…

Read More

Throughout the past month, we have been highlighting ways leaders can go beyond talent. The reality is: “As long as there are people in the world, there will be plenty of talent. What’s missing are people who have made the choices necessary to maximize their talent. Employers are really looking for talent-plus people.” 1 Each…

Read More

In many areas of life, the middle is the most miserable place to be. Where’s the worst seat on an airplane? The middle. Aisle seats are roomier, and easier to climb in and out of; window seats offer a better view along with a place to rest your head. What’s the most difficult stage of…

Read More

Leadership is a choice you make rather than a place you sit. In other words, leadership comes from influence and not from your position. For this reason, even when you’re not in front, you’re still leading those around you. In fact, you are even influencing those ahead of you. In this lesson, I’d like to…

Read More

Are you a person of character? According to John Maxwell in Beyond Talent, “The choice to develop strong character may not be the most important to make the most of your talent. But it is certainly the most important to make sure you don’t make the least of your talent.” 1 Character protects your talent…

Read More

“Preparation positions people correctly, and it is often the separation between winning and losing. Talent-plus people who prepare well live by this motto: ‘All’s well that begins well.’”1 All leaders possess talent, but having the ability to recognize the power of preparation and “beginning well” is critical to getting the desired end result and the…

Read More