In more than thirty-five years of consulting, I have found that, at the upper echelons of large organizations, natural intelligence differentiates the successful leader from the “also ran.” While you’ll hear debates about the roles of emotional intelligence, vision, and the ability to motivate others, brainpower trumps all. Three main components define what I callRead more
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Known for his “You might be a redneck” one-liners, for almost thirty years stand-up comedian Jeff Foxworthy has helped audiences understand unique behaviors and credentials of rednecks. Taking a lesson from this comedic icon and adding Bill Engvall’s observation that people give us “signs,” I offer the following seven signs that your leadership might needRead more
On October 22, 2013 America lost a hero, General Robinson Risner, Word War II combatant, Korean War ace and Vietnam prisoner of war senior leader. The history books will note Risner’s two Air Force Crosses, his courage under torture, his outstanding aviation in three wars, and his long commitment to the military. I will rememberRead more
When it comes to accepting direction, star performers, especially those in the major leagues of their industries, show caution and restraint. They offer raw talent, expertise, discipline, and excellence, so they want to see the same qualities in those who lead and teach them. Members of the St. Louis Cardinals see these traits in theirRead more
Annoying the gods or adoring narcissists has never paid off. But people don’t readily learn these lessons, and we continue to do both, as the myths teach us. Take Echo, a mountain nymph who loved her own voice. Echo blatantly disregarded this sage advice, as evidenced by her consorting with Zeus, husband to the powerfulRead more
