On Career Development: The Ability to Focus

The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. ~ Stephen Covey In yesterday's post I introduced the acronym FACE IT to identify six leadership attributes I believe will help accelerate your career and professional development. The six attributes are Focus, Accountability, Customer Driven, Execution, Innovation, and Teacher. The first attribute, … Continue reading On Career Development: The Ability to Focus →

On Leadership: Truth is Simpler

The truth always turns out to be simpler than you thought. ~ Richard Feynman One of the books I refer to frequently in my coaching is Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny. I recommend it for your axiom leadership library. In the book Mr. Grenny discusses how we often hear, read, or see something and … Continue reading On Leadership: Truth is Simpler →

On Leadership: Rebuilding Trust

You can't talk yourself out of a problem you've behaved yourself into. ~ Stephen R. Covey No, but you can behave yourself out of a problem you've behaved yourself into...and often faster than you think! ~ Stephen M.R. Covey

On Leadership: Confront Reality

Take issues head on, even the "undiscussables." Address the tough stuff directly. Acknowledge the unsaid. Lead out courageously in conversation. Remove the "sword from their hands." Don't skirt the real issues. Don't bury your head in the sand. ~ Stephen M.R. Covey

On Leadership: Create Transparency

Tell the truth in a way people can verify. Get real and genuine. Be open and authentic. Err on the side of disclosure. Operate on the premise of "What you see is what you get." Don't have hidden agendas. Don't hide information. ~ Stephen M.R. Covey

On Leadership: The One Thing That Changes Everything

There is one thing that is common to every individual, relationship, team, family, organization, nation, economy, and civilization throughout the world - one thing which, if removed, will destroy the most powerful government, the most successful business, the most thriving economy, the most influential leadership, the greatest friendship, the strongest character, the deepest love. Other … Continue reading On Leadership: The One Thing That Changes Everything →

On Leadership: The Courage Needed for Integrity

Here is another story from Stephen M.R. Covey's book, the Speed of Trust, that teaches about the courage needed for integrity. It was related by the wife of a man who was in medical school some years ago. "Getting into medical school is pretty competitive, and the desire to do well and be successful puts … Continue reading On Leadership: The Courage Needed for Integrity →

On Leadership: Integrity

I have been rereading Stephen M.R. Covey's wonderful book, The Speed of Trust, and felt the share a story he used to teach integrity. Dr. Covey defines integrity when there is no gap between intent and behavior. He calls this congruence. Dr. Covey illustrates this principle with a story about Mahatma Gandhi. "At one point … Continue reading On Leadership: Integrity →

Stephen Covey’s Definition of Leadership

Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves. ~Stephen R. Covey