Our world is brimming with advice and advice givers. From the best books to read, the hottest stocks to buy, to the most effective weight loss strategies, everyone seems to have a suggestion. But here’s the catch – the question of credibility is paramount. It’s not just about what is being recommended, but who is doing the recommending. Expertise matters. In an age where information is as abundant as it is accessible, the real challenge lies not in finding advice, but in finding advice worth following. “Though leadership” has become an overused bromide, and rather than bestowed by others (as i ..read more

Over two decades of research and observations have revealed the key factors that enable the best organizations to succeed and dominate. I’ve condensed this research into what I call the “Lucky 13” (I’m not superstitious): critical elements that set apart leading companies like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. 1. Adaptability and Agility The 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic have tested organizations’ resilience. Apple’s and Amazon’s ability to pivot and adapt rapidly in the face of adversity underscores the necessity of agility in today’s business landscape. Agility and ex ..read more

My father spoke much good advice to me, but he demonstrated even more. What impacted me most happened one holiday season when I was a boy. My father, who worked as a loan supervisor for a federal agency, always emphasized the importance of integrity and following the rules. It was against the regulations for him to accept gifts of any kind, even if they were given in sincere appreciation. Loan approvals had to be made fairly and without any expectation of reward from the borrower. One day, as I returned home from school, I noticed a giant gift basket of fruit, candy, and other goodies beautif ..read more

Leadership doesn’t make “a difference.” It makes “the difference.” That is true in all area of an organization, and especially true in creating extraordinary customer service. You might be able to manage good service but you must lead to achieve great service. How? Here are ten key actions leaders can take to create extraordinary service for their organizations: 1. Empower employees. Enable your team to make decisions that benefit the customer. Don’t make them get permission from someone higher up. That takes time and aggravates the customer. Be clear on what employees are empowered to do to ..read more

What are the cognitive challenges leaders at the highest levels face? Leadership, especially at the C-level, is a journey of high-stakes decisions and complex challenges. The intensity of this role often exposes leaders to cognitive biases—subtle yet profound thinking errors that can misguide decisions and strategies. While these biases can affect anyone, thinking mistakes made by leaders often have a more severe impact. Understanding and mitigating these biases is key. In this article, I’ll explain five of the most common cognitive biases that affect C-level executives, illustrate them with r ..read more

Like most things, the art of effective speaking has evolved and changed. Accepted practices that once worked well haven’t necessarily withstood the test of time. While principle never change, the way we apply those principles can and do change. Here are five key techniques that are powerful and relevant today. 1. Be more conversational and less formal: In the past, public speakers often adopted a more formal tone and delivery, which could come across as stiff or boring to younger audiences. Today, younger audiences tend to respond better to a more conversational tone and a relaxed, natural d ..read more

In the hectic pace of daily life, it’s easy to lose our sense of wonder. But there is a remarkable power in cultivating wonder—the ability to experience awe, curiosity, and a childlike sense of marvel. By embracing it, we can infuse our lives with joy, inspiration, and appreciation for the world around us. And ultimately, wonder makes a leader more effective. Four Benefits of Wonder Ignites Curiosity: Wonder sparks our innate curiosity, opening our minds to new possibilities and encouraging us to explore the unknown. It fuels our desire to ask questions, seek knowledge, and discover the wonder ..read more

Digital communication has transformed the way we convey messages using the spoken or written word. These changes may or may not be for the better, depending on your perspective. Knowing what they are, however, and understanding the changes can make you a better communicator. So what is different today?  1. Social media has given people a platform to share their thoughts and opinions on a global scale, leading to more public and open conversations. 2. And it has also made it easier for people to disseminate bad or incorrect information. 3. It is harder than ever to assess the validity of i ..read more

Leadership is not an easy task, and even the best leaders are susceptible to errors in thinking that can hinder decision-making and, ultimately, organizational success. Research shows the most common cognitive biases and fallacies affecting leaders. Recognizing and avoiding these pitfalls can significantly enhance leadership effectiveness. Here is a list of those ten most common thinking fallacies leaders suffer from (and should avoid): 1. Confirmation Bias Leaders with confirmation bias tend to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms their preexisting beliefs ..read more

What Should Always Come before Leadership Before you earn the right to lead others, you must first be able to lead yourself. Nobody wants to follow someone who hasn’t demonstrated the discipline and skills to be personally successful. How can that person help others be more successful?  Self-leadership is the first step toward leading others.   What is Self-Leadership? Self-leadership is the art of taking responsibility for your own life and making conscious choices that align with your values, passions, and goals. It involves becoming the captain of your own ship and being able to c ..read more