Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.(1)
Speech is the mirror of the soul; as a man speaks, so he is. (2)
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. (3)
This political season, we have seen the impact of words, especially in our “politically correct” culture. The core of truth behind that facade of “correctness” is that our words, written or Read the rest of this entry »
Once I asked “what are some primary skills a leader must have to develop not only followers, but also other leaders.” One approach I used was to develop my Servant-Leadership Model (Knowing Yourself – Controlling Yourself and Giving Yourself).
Another approach, builds thoughts around the antithesis of ego Read the rest of this entry »
“Test yourselves and find out if you really are true to your faith…” (1)
“The business person who takes no inventory soon becomes bankrupt” (2)
“Many people suffer from the fear of finding oneself alone, and so they don’t find themselves at all.” (3)
The philosophy of the wisest man that ever existed, is mainly derived from the act of introspection. (4)
“To thine own self be true…” (5)
“The terrible fluidity of self-revelation.” (6)
There is often a gap between our good intentions and our actual behavior. Introspection is a tool to assess our behavior in light of what we intended. It is congruent intention and behavior that yields a positive impact.
In the rush to “get stuff done,” effective leaders prioritize their time to find themselves – to examine themselves – learning about what in them helped shape the results they produced.
I have found that this examination is often not wonderful, but it is always Read the rest of this entry »
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds (1)
Photography by Elizabeth McCord - Thought by Emme McCord
Life is what happens: so let each day have joy.
~Emme McCord, 8 yrs. old.
“Out of the mouth of babes…” so the saying goes. What insight for a leader from my granddaughter, Emme: choose joy.
I’m not certain that Emme knows the proverb or even understands the context — written during a time when being labeled a Christian would often mean torture and death. But she understands Read the rest of this entry »
Trust in God with all your heart; don’t rely on your own understanding. (1)
Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards.
~Aldous Huxley
As I was reading Jonah Lehrer’s article in the WSJ this morning (Saturday, the 21st of January), I was struck with the implications for the modern leader, who like the captain of the Costa Concordia, may too often rely (as apparently did the captain) on all the technology now included with the vessel of their business.
Like that cruise ship, businesses today are filled Read the rest of this entry »
“Set your mind on things above”
What you do speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you are saying.
This past weekend I finished a seminar series on Servant-leadership where the class and I explored the power of a servant-leadership model that consists of “Knowing Yourself,” Controlling Yourself,” and “Giving Yourself.” To give this class, I was not able to watch all the football games Saturday, which reminds me Read the rest of this entry »
The person who leads by serving others has a grip on purpose that is different in dimension and depth because this kind of commitment to others demands of the leader some powerful introspection.
The fundamental question is: how can you lead anyone if you don’t really know where you are going?
2012 a NEW YEAR – Consider some Read the rest of this entry »
ProverbThe fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding. (1)
“Faith is a passionate intuition.” William Wordsworth
“The only real valuable thing is intuition.” Albert Einstein
“All human knowledge thus begins with intuitions, proceeds thence to concepts, and ends with ideas.” – Immanuel Kant
“The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.” – Lao Tzu
What you may know, but don’t know that you know it, may affect you more than you will ever know.
The unconscious mind probably plays a greater role in the discussions we have, Read the rest of this entry »
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. (1)
If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned. (2)
The common saying is that there is no “I” in TEAM: and that is true; however, there is an “I” in leadership! I am suggesting that a primary Read the rest of this entry »
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.”(1)
Tim Tebow’s humility or touchdown-dancing: which best shows leadership?
I’m reading Bill O’Reilly’s newest book Killing Lincoln and I’m reminded of the story told of General Robert E. Lee (not in Bill’s book) that when traveling on a train to Richmond, he was seated at the rear of the coach.
The car was also filled with officers and soldiers. At one of the stations, an elderly woman, poorly dressed boarded the coach. Having no seat offered her, she trudged her way down the aisle slowly Read the rest of this entry »
