Business Leadership
“The Poorer The Soil, The Richer The Wine”
Several years ago my wife and I celebrated a wedding anniversary by taking a 10-day trip to France. We started with three days in Paris, then spent a week on a small cruise ship on the Seine River.
During the river cruise, we spent several days in the area of Provencal, which is the beautiful wine country of southern France. One of the side trips we took on this cruise was to a vineyard and wine cellar or “cave” as they call them in France.
…
Read MoreThe Discipline of Market Leaders
Our 2-year-old daughter was one of the original Aqua-Tots when “Mr. Ron” the lifeguard showed up in our backyard to team swim lessons for her and a number of other children from our church and the neighborhood.
Fast forward 26 years later, and:
- Our daughter is grown, married and the Regional Marketing Manager for a national chain of upscale burger restaurants. Her territory includes Texas and several western states.
…
Read MoreThe Problem Of Micromanagement
Good leaders understand at the end of the day, they are accountable for their business.
Good leaders also understand that to grow a successful business, they can’t do it all. We need the skills and talents of others. That means trusting the people to whom we delegate responsibility.
What happens when we delegate, but don’t trust?
It’s called micromanagement.
After years in corporate food services management, “Beth” took early retirement and bought a franchise business in the restaurant industry.
…
Read MoreLeadership Hyperopia: the good and bad of it
Leadership and Farsightedness.
According to the American Optometric Association, “Farsightedness, or hyperopia, as it is medically termed, is a vision condition in which distant objects can be seen clearly, but close ones do not come into proper focus.”
I’ve been told I think big-picture. While I don’t consider myself a natural-born visionary, I like to think in broad swaths. What could be possible? What are the big implications if we could?
…
Read MoreLeadership Minute Video: We All Lead Volunteers
Leadership Minute Video: Kate Best and Leadership Accountability
Leadership Minute Video: Peterson Auto Museum
Leadership Minute Video: Candace Gorley
Dan Allender on Leadership Vulnerability
“. . . to the degree you face and name and deal with your failures as a leader, to that same extent you will create an environment conducive to growing and retaining productive and committed colleagues.”
“. . . to the degree you attempt to hide or dissemble your weaknesses, the more you will need to control those you lead, the more insecure you will become, and the more rigidity you will impose — prompting the ultimate departure of your best people.”
…
Read MoreLeadership Focus, Karin & the Multitasking Myth
I disagree with Karin. I have for five years. And I’m hoping to win her over. Let me explain why I think this is important for my leadership effectiveness and hers.
As our business expanded five years ago, my wife and I realized that day-to-day operations were growing beyond our abilities. We are both great “starters.” Vision, energy, creating-something-out-of-nothing, putting it all on the line to make something happen: in hindsight, that’s what we did.
…
Read More