“If you aren’t the lead dog the scenery never changes.” It’s easy for some leaders to convince themselves that running a close second is good enough. These are often the same people who “play not to lose” instead of “playing to win.” Being a fast follower…following a trail cut by someone else…oftentimes feels safer, less […]
News & Events
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 56
I have a friend who owns and operates a small company. Each time we get together, he never fails to tell me how fortunate he is to have a great business partner…how aligned they are on strategic matters and in making important operating decisions, how each of their skill sets seem to compliment the other, […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 55
“Creating a succession plan feels like writing a will.” This was the response I got from a client after inquiring about his reluctance to develop a succession strategy for his company. When I asked if he had a will, however, my client proceeded to give me a detailed explanation of the comprehensive estate plan he […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 54
“Enough about me. Let’s talk about me.” All too often, leaders focus the majority of attention on themselves instead of the people around them. While this characteristic usually takes the form of dominating conversations, it can also result from concluding that one’s role and work are of greatest importance to the organization. When this happens, […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 53
Can loyalty and leadership peacefully coexist? Loyalty seems like such a noble trait, but its blind application can lead to so many black or white decisions. Do I support this person or the other? Are my loyalties to the individual or the institution? Loyalty doesn’t understand the word “gray” and that is where so many […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 52
When Dad passed away, I thought we would have to take care of Mom’s daily affairs. Throughout their 63 years of marriage, she had always been unassuming and allowed Dad to deal with all the family matters. Eighteen months after his death, however, Mom’s command of her family, the farm and her finances is unparalleled. […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 51
“All in or not in at all.” Early in my career, this was my approach to getting involved in projects or assignments. If I could not have control, then I put as much distance between the engagement and myself as possible. My rationale was that I did not want recognition or blame for an outcome […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 50
A residential painter once told me that the difference between a good painter and a great one was not how well they painted but how effectively they cleaned up their mistakes. This logic applies equally well to leadership. Leaders are going to make mistakes, but it’s how they deal with their errors that separate the […]
Intent vs Impact
By Linda Gray, Senior Vice President Executive Search Often times we confuse intent and impact. Some of the best-intentioned people don’t realize they are neither sending the right message nor creating the impact they desire. It can act as a demotivator for those receiving the unintentional effect. If you have ever had someone say to […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 49
A leader’s personal brand and their company’s reputation are shaped as much by the person’s actions outside the workplace as in the office. This is particularly true for a President or CEO who is often the “face” of their organization. As much as we may want to occasionally park our titles at the office and […]