From the Heart
”Having Patience & BEing Patient”
Waking happy and invigorated this morning I was reminded of a deep conversation I had with a dear friend a few months ago. We have been told often that patience is a virtue. And in my life often a valuable tool when communicating. On the contrary, when we don’t...
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New Beginnings…Welcoming 2020
In a few short days we begin a new decade, a new beginning. Reflections of our relationships, roles and practices have been our topics over the past few months and now is the time to leap forward as we begin this new decade. Are your new beginnings and hopes going...
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Create Magic and Experience What You Want
Are you truly feeling the joy of the season through all the different roles you live every day? I have shared over the past year some of my magical moments with peers, family and my sons. As a leader we create the environment for magical moments. Seldom does magic...
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Reflections of your gratitude…
As we approach the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday may I ask, where is your focus? Are you in action mode of planning for a big day of food and festivities or working on last-minute details of packing and travel to a special event? Let’s look at the true meaning of...
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Take action – BE the Role Model
We have all heard the saying “do as I say, not as I do”. What is this truly putting out to the universe? Definitely not authenticity. In fact, I would argue people focus on what leaders do more than on what they say. What is the outside world’s view of your...
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Expectations v Agreements…you decide!
So, you have decided to create agreements with those you lead providing clarity of your communication. You may ask yourself, where and how do I begin this process? The meaning of agreement is to have harmony or accordance in opinion or feeling; a position of...
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Expectations vs Agreements
It was a beautiful morning in Denver as the weather is becoming crisp with the amazing colors of fall beginning to appear. I was deep into a long bike ride and began to replay a long conversation I had with a group of clients the week before regarding Expectations vs...
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Guide and Invite Others
"The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He/she is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." --Ronald Reagan Beyond the politics let’s take a look at the fundamentals of a truly great leader. As we strive to lead...
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Listening to Learn
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear” Learning is a lifetime opportunity. There are lessons for all of us in our everyday encounters. If we approach our day being vulnerable, not worrying so much about our title or position in communicating with...
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Labor, Love and Leadership
As we approach the upcoming holiday “Labor Day” I ask you what this holiday truly means to you personally. The day is typically associated with family gatherings, barbecues, picnics, parades and festivities. Realistically, what are we celebrating. The holiday became...
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Time – Own It, Honor It
Our most precious resource in our lives is time. I have written in the past of creating more time by setting your priorities straight and aligned with those you love and respect. I have entered into a world of opportunities and I will manage my time effectively to...
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Judgement v Perspective
How often has your perspective of a situation clouded your judgement? Or worse your judgement has clouded your perspective? Past experiences can impact our perspective. When we jump directly into judgement, we can close our heart to great potential and true reality...
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1776 – Seeking Independence & BEing Independent
We as Leaders across America celebrate Independence Day. Have you thought about what this day truly means for you and your business? The impact of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson has been the cornerstone of American history. I wonder if...
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Nurturing vs Mothering
Hmmm….I wonder how many of us distinguish between the difference of nurturing and mothering. Let’s begin with a review of the definitions. Nurture meaning: nourish, training, upbringing with proper focus during one's early years so the one can grow into a secure...
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Parent, Father or Leader…oh what an honor
“Fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man.” – Frank Pittman As Father’s Day approaches I reflect on the journey that started almost 9 years ago when Jackson (now 10) entered my world from an...
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Service with Heart – Honoring our Military
The Airman’s Creed I am an American Airman. I am a Warrior. I have answered my Nation’s call. I am an American Airman. My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win. I am faithful to a Proud Heritage, A Tradition of Honor, And a Legacy of Valor. I am an American Airman....
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Who is Your Champion?
The most successful individuals I know recognize who their champions are in their lives. I am not talking of the people who stroke our egos, but a true champion who is in your corner and pushes you to be your best. As you walk the path of leadership, it may be...
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Collaboration vs Competition ~ Greg’s Thoughts
Let’s take a moment and consider on how we may occur to those we serve and those we coexist with on a day to day basis. We know that we live in a very competitive world which begins for some of us at a young age. Each and every one of us has competed for jobs,...
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Strengths and Success – Greg’s Thoughts
We all plan on being successful. At least most of us do. How success is defined in ‘your’ life will be unique to you and only you. Your focus, how you are being intentional will impact the path of your success. Let’s begin with our plan of being successful. Clarity...
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Edward Mirza….Example of Servant Leadership
I am highlighting Edward Mirza who is a legend in the hospitality industry. Though his degree and original journey was in business administration and accounting his true passion came alive when he began his work in the hotel industry. Edward shares his experience of...
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Re-Center
Are you on course and can you still see the path? If not, now what? We are all familiar with utilizing our navigation systems, Google Map etc. to help us reach our destinations. Sometimes with voice and sometimes not. We set a destination and just follow the yellow...
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Gratitude…How is this Showing Up in Your Leadership?
We hear the word gratitude so often in daily conversations, social media and always throughout the holidays. Thanksgiving is centered around gratitude, thankfulness and of course food. My ask…what meaning does gratitude have in your life, your relationships and your...
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I Think vs I Believe
Some might say this is more semantics vs a true distinction of uncertainty or just throwing an idea out there without real confidence. Well I think... no I believe there is a real psychological opportunity here to explore on the surface. I also believe to be true we...
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Please Don’t Label Me!!!
My son Jackson created a label and gave it to me the other day. “Dad I love you from Jackson” I appreciated his thought and creativity in utilizing the label maker to send me a message; which so touched my heart. Later that day, I began thinking of the ‘label maker’...
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Set Your Inner Voice Free….
Over the past few years I have often shared the importance of courageous conversations, honest communication and addressing situations that arise with the relationships around you whether it be a colleague, family member or friend. It is so easy to simply tolerate or...
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Leadership From the Heart
In my work as a Leadership Coach I use words and various leadership principles to help others grow and frankly become better leaders. The truth of the matter is is the heart of the matter! With Servant Leadership we serve first and lead second which will create...
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Reputation vs Character
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” ~ John Wooden As John Wooden so bravely states our focus as leaders should be on our character. ...
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Leadership Inspired to Influence
A couple of weeks ago I attended The Global Leadership Conference in Chicago with approximately 9,000 others gathered to fill our hearts and minds with why leaders in this world are so critical. Let’s explore why leaders carry an incredible responsibility to those we...
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Living a Legacy Life – What Does That Mean in Your Daily Role?
Legacy is not leaving something for people. It’s leaving something in people. —Peter Strople Reflections of great leaders, Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King…are a few examples of living a life of serving others. Did they know or were they conscious of the...
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Freedom In Our Leadership…
As we look back on the holiday that reminds us of freedom and independence as a nation what does freedom means in your everyday role of being a leader? Freedom to think, to learn and to grow with everyone in your organization. Freedom and willingness to allow those...
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Self Talk Our Inner Voice Speaks
Be careful of how you are speaking to yourself because you are listening. ~Lisa M Hayes We have all experienced our inner voice. It may be positive and supportive or perhaps negative and doubting depending on what opportunity is in front of us. Engaging in self...
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Leading and Living From the Heart
The journey and path with Leadership can introduce us to new opportunities and causes to support when you least expect it. Approximately 18 months ago I was introduced to JC Heinen through a colleague of Strategic Connections. My personal interest at the time was...
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Trust – Present or Absent in Your Organization
Definition of Trust: A firm belief in the reliability, ability or strength of someone or something. "Relations and relationships must be built on trust" Synonyms: confidence, belief, faith, certainty, assurance, conviction, credence,...
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Consistency – How is it Showing Up in Your Leadership?
Let’s begin with the definition of consistency: steadfast adherence to the same principles, behavior, treatment, course of action or form. "Consistency is the true foundation of trust. Either keep your promises or do not make them." ~ Roy T. Bennett Not easy at all...
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The Power of Learning and Sharing
"No thief, however skillful, can rob one of knowledge, and that is why knowledge is the best and safest treasure to acquire." — L. Frank Baum Knowledge is and will always be powerful. What do you know? Who do you see? Where will you go? How will you serve...
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A Better Life Doesn’t Happen By Chance
Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change. ~ Jim Rohn We sometimes hear that someone has all the luck and great things are always happening to him/her and they are so lucky. I will report with full...
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Tis YOUR Season to BE Grateful and Honest
It happens every year, the holidays. A time for gratitude and reflection. This time of year we reflect upon the past, present and of course the future. Reflection, true reflection requires more than interest in a process but rather truth and honesty about how you...
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It’s A Wonderful Life or It’s Going to BE Wonderful
It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 film about an angel-in-training who gives a despondent man a look at what the world would be like if he had never been born. Directed by Frank Capra. Screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, and Frank Capra. So many of us watch...
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Take Flight with Leadership
I have had the honor of serving the MSU Precision Flight Team over this past year. Many thoughts cross my mind as these pilots learn the true principles of being a leader while preparing for when they take flight. Many of us remember the movie “Top Gun” with several...
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Process vs Immediacy
In life we recognize that we all have a process we may experience in our daily routines be it at work or at home. We also have a choice to whether we stay in a process or we make decisions to take action and get things accomplished. May I ask... do you stay in...
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A Journey: Telluride to Moab
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. -Unknown Back in December I invited my way into a group that was planning to ride mountain bikes from Telluride, CO to Moab, UT. Easy right? Prints maps, pack gear and make sure you are in really...
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Work Purpose and Life Meaning…are They Parallel?
Work Purpose and Life Meaning… are they parallel? Purpose driven. Meaning in life. My work matters. Following my why? I work hard in order to… Many of us have it, live it, coach it and know it when we see it. However, many of us are not on a parallel and for many...
read more![[VIDEO] Oz Never Did Give Nothin’ to the Tin Man…](https://adenleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/img.jpg)
[VIDEO] Oz Never Did Give Nothin’ to the Tin Man…
We all know the Wizard of Oz doesn’t exist—shhh, don’t tell the little ones!—but it’s fun to think he might. Especially when we imagine the adventures we would have on the journey along the Yellow Brick Road.
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My Word vs Automatic Dialog
It is so easy to run on auto-pilot in our daily lives with both our actions and our conversations. Easy and safe! Have you ever arrived at a destination and recognized that you drove on auto pilot? Running through the motions but not truly engaged with the...
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Appeasing vs Serving
Where are you showing up but not really serving your relationships? Go ahead and take a moment to look at your key relationships; the ones you know that really matter for a variety of reasons. You know the who, I am asking you about the how. The how you serve them...
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Perseverance….Does your focus turn into commitment?
Sometimes we must carry those we lead on our shoulders What does having perseverance mean in your organization? So often when we face obstacles and challenges we lose focus of our goals and vision. Looking at the true definition of perseverance - steadfastness in...
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Let the Chips Fall Where They May
Good morning from Denver. Are we overly cautious at times and too often overthink everything OR do we trust our instincts, preparedness and let the chips fall where they may? Let the chips fall where they may.... This distinction, like the one before (Reasonable v...
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Reasonable vs Unreasonable
So let’s play with the distinction of BEing Reasonable vs Unreasonable. When we are always “reasonable” then results and outcomes may be somewhat blah, predictable and flat in the end. Think about this distinction in the context that if we don’t ask, then we will...
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Your Beliefs – Your Organization
So often when we hire individuals to join our team the expectations are that they will be good at everything. Of course we hire their skill set for a particular position but do we ever engage enough to truly identify a truly good fit for all aspects of the job and do...
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Want more time? Create it!!
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” — Michael Althsuler How many times have you heard someone say, “I just don’t have enough time?” 1000, maybe more, I always laugh when I hear this, for time is one of the few things in our control. There...
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Connect vs Connection
Are you just hanging around or are you truly connected with those in your community? How do you know and do you really care? Are deep meaningful connections important to you and your work or will a world of Friends, Likes and Contacts serve you and your goals? We...
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A REAL Look Inside YOU
A look inside may drive critical shifts….. When is the last time you looked inside you? I mean really look inside? How is your structure in your spine, your hips and shoulders? Are you running at a hundred percent efficiency? Where are you blocked or stuck from...
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Sustainable Leadership
What does that mean in your organization and the individuals you lead? Often as a Leader we do not look ahead to see how our role will continue even if we step aside. Are we serving and developing our team members to grow into new roles and new opportunities creating...
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Tis the Season to BE
This time of year as we celebrate with family, friends and clients, is also a time that we reflect on our relationships with those around us. The people we lead daily, those we learn from and our direct reports. Often we think of our leadership role happening at...
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Your Organization – Addressing Division
" A house divided against it self cannot stand." Abraham Lincoln In the reality of today's media, politics and leadership with in companies we are facing situations that bring to light division in thought, direction and goals. Are you facing the dilemma...
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Is Passion Present in Your Vision?
As Steve Jobs stated 'People with passion can change the world' How we lead and who we lead determines the fate of our vision. Passionate Leadership. What does that look like for you? Are you showing up as a strong Leader with a vision that is supported by your...
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Humility – Living Authentic Living Transparent
This past week we have had the honor of celebrating the life of Arnold Palmer, the king of golf. This man was known not only for his success in the golf world but also for his transparency and humility in his day to day life. Arnold led millions of people, known as...
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How Do I Occur???
Am I in-touch with how others perceive me? What is your perception of 'self' as you believe others see YOU? We are all guilty of being unaware at times of how others really perceive us. Often times we would rather not take the time to truly know or we take it for...
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The Power of the Possible
BEing a Leader of Self and bringing Servant Leadership each day starts with you. Sounds simple yet it can be the most challenging situation to face. To really look inside of ourselves with authentic courage about how we are truly showing up to those around us is an...
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How May I Serve You?
Being a Leader with a Servant Heart begins the process of developing new ways of communicating with your words and actions with those around you. How can I help? One may assume the person needs help which is coming from a place of judgment. Our perception may not be...
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Get What You Asked For….Receive 100% of What You Don’t Ask For
So often when connecting with organizations for the first time the communication and their focus is first on what they think they need not what they want. It is almost a “fearful area” to address what we truly want out of situations we are faced with on a daily...
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Opening Your Door for a Courageous Conversation
Don't Fear the Leader Do you remember that old Blue Oyster Cult Song, 'Don't Fear the Reaper?' Well to be a courageous servant leader, you need to promote a culture of 'Don't Fear the Leader.' An open door policy for conversations within your company starts with you,...
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Are You willing to have Courageous Conversations?
Leading with a servant heart takes an act of courage. Being open to communicate your beliefs, acknowledging you don’t have all the answers, and being authentic are qualities that will help you build relationships as a leader. It all starts with a courageous...
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It’s Not Time Management, It’s Commitment Management
When we are not clear on what we are committed to, we tend to get over involved. This is what produces what we call the excuse of not having enough time. Key distinction: Involvement and Commitment are not the same thing. A lack of clear commitments opens the door...
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Self-Accountability: Are You True to Your Commitments?
As we step out into our world each day we have an opportunity to honor our commitments. To be accountable for our actions. We also face many challenges to keep us from honoring the commitments we make. Each day we get to choose. A commitment is that which is spoken...
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Leading with Integrity is all about “I”
Being in Integrity Integrity starts with self.....who we are BEING at all times. What we think, what we say and what we do. Some would say integrity is simply: I am. When we show up as someone who is true to their words, actions and deeds; we can truly become a...
read more![[INVITATION] Join Aden Leadership atAnswer the CALL Annual Conference](https://adenleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/AnswertheCALLflyer.jpeg)
[INVITATION] Join Aden Leadership at
Answer the CALL Annual Conference
Register to participate in engaging sessions and powerful talks by a dozen thought leaders committed to service, leadership, and success.
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Are You Hibernating?
![[VIDEO] The LIFT Project Highlights](https://adenleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/download.jpeg)
[VIDEO] The LIFT Project Highlights
More highlights from Aden Leadership are coming. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and check them out.
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Reality Check 1-2:
1 Principle, 2 Contexts
I recently had a discussion with my colleague and friend, Stephen McGhee, about a concept developed by Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick at the University of Santa Monica. And it resonates well with Aden Leadership.
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Are You a Chicken or a Pig?
Interest vs. Commitment in Business
You’ve probably heard the classic riddle about the chicken and the egg, but have you heard the business fable about the chicken and the pig?
It goes something like this…
read more![[VIDEO] Oz Never Did Give Nothin’ to the Tin Man…](https://adenleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img.jpg)
[VIDEO] Oz Never Did Give Nothin’ to the Tin Man…
We all know the Wizard of Oz doesn’t exist—shhh, don’t tell the little ones!—but it’s fun to think he might. Especially when we imagine the adventures we would have on the journey along the Yellow Brick Road.
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Leading with Laughter and Lightness
Laughter loosens up creativity. It bonds us with the people around us. It can quickly dispel conflict. It is also a potent ingredient in service leadership. How better to serve others than to make them laugh?
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Character Development in Service Leadership
In the book, “The Road to Character,” New York Times columnist David Brooks performs an exploration into personal characteristics that lead to a meaningful life, as well as examples of historical personalities who have worked through character challenges marked by deep humility, pointing to some helpful themes that can be applied to service leadership.
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Sustainable Leadership Now
Imagine for a moment the positive effects of considering others’ needs as a standard of business. You are still conducting business, yet in this new paradigm, gaining a competitive edge is based on inspiring employees to do their best work and operating as an ethical business.
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The Evolution of Leadership
Starting with the most limited view of leadership, the Great Man Theory (being male-centric and genetically based) and working our way down the list, we can see that with each new theory, more consideration is given to behaviors, circumstances and relationships.
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Why Isn’t Servant or Service Leadership More Prevalent?
Perhaps the starting point for most CEOs and company leaders interested in servant or service leadership is the promise of greater productivity. But when decision-makers truly follow the path of service leadership and approach others (everyone in the organization) with empathy and a sincere care for their needs, the results are much more than this…
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The Master of Service Leadership: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | Leading with Love & Light
In working a puzzle the other night, I noticed a correlation between puzzle building and service leadership.
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Happy Holidays from Aden Leadership
Make 2015 the best year ever!!!
read more![[VIDEO] ICF Colorado 2014 Annual Fall Conference: Unleashing the Authentic Leader Within](https://adenleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Screen-Shot-2017-08-10-at-9.08.10-PM.png)
[VIDEO] ICF Colorado 2014 Annual Fall Conference: Unleashing the Authentic Leader Within
Watch the full video to learn more about leadership steeped in service, or check out highlights from the event on Aden Leadership’s YouTube channel.
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Thank you… A Scoop of Humility and Slice of Humble Pie, Please!
“Patience is a virtue. And some people are naturally more patient. But we can all work to become more patient,” Johnson says. “Humility is the same way. If we focus on appreciating the strengths of others, focus on being teachable, having an accurate view of ourselves, we can actually become more humble people.”
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What Makes a Good Leader?
Aden Leadership’s list of 8 attributes that define a good leader: trust, loyalty, respect, responsibility, motivation, connectivity, passion, leading by example.
read more![[INVITATION] International Coach Federation (ICF) Colorado 2014 Annual Fall Conference](https://adenleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/InternationalCoachingFederationICFFallLeadershipSummitDenverColorado.jpeg)
[INVITATION] International Coach Federation (ICF) Colorado 2014 Annual Fall Conference
![[VIDEO] Introducing Servant Leadership to Strategic Connections Networking Group](https://adenleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-Shot-2017-08-10-at-9.14.53-PM.png)
[VIDEO] Introducing Servant Leadership to Strategic Connections Networking Group
Watch the full video to learn more about servant leadership, or check out highlights from other events on Aden Leadership’s YouTube channel.
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Great Minds Think Inquisitively
Learning that some of the most creative minds in history have been driven by an inquisitive spirit only adds to the encouragement and motivation of keeping on this path of wonderful exploration and discovery.
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Choice in Leadership
Choice. Each day we face many decisions and make numerous choices that impact and influence our lives and the lives of others around us.
read more[AUDIO] An Introduction to Aden Leadership
Please listen to this audio clip about our mission and approach to leadership training!
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Perseverance in Leadership
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Service Without Attachment
Could serving without attachment be a predictor for a successful relationship?
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Ingredients for Leadership Steeped In Service
What is the recipe for service leadership? If we are looking to concoct a blend of leadership that has a unique flavor, it will be helpful to look at some of the ingredients that go into this.
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Being Present is a Service to Others and Ourselves
Slowing down and being present may be one of the most important things you do today and everyday!
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The Subtle Predictor of Success
Can success be predicted? If so, what quality or trait do you think most predicts success?
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Locating Leadership in All Areas of Relating
It might seem odd at first to look at service or servant leadership in romance, but if you think about how leadership dynamics affect all areas of our lives, it actually makes a lot of sense and can help to deepen our understanding of effective leadership actions overall.
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Scalable & Sustainable (Servant) Leadership
It is absolutely necessary for leadership to evolve in order to create sustainable results with existing employees and integrate younger talent pools.
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Who Are Your Leaders?
Even if these people are not in an official leadership position, surrounding myself with people who generally take on these servant leadership qualities as a way of life are people I want to know.
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What’s Your Aconcagua?
I didn’t summit Mt. Aconcagua on my first try. Does that mean it was a failure? Not if I choose to recognize what good came out of it and the ways that even attempting it have enriched my journey. Will I try again?
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Relationship Between Leadership & Followership
7 secrets of leaders people love to follow
read more![[INVITATION] Climb to Freedom Premiere Film Screening](https://adenleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img-2.jpg)
[INVITATION] Climb to Freedom Premiere Film Screening
Join Greg Aden and The Aconcagua Man Project for a premiere screening of the film, Climb for Freedom, a documentary that chronicles the group’s adventures in personal growth and leadership. Proceeds benefit Big City Mountaineers, a youth organization that helps instill leadership skills starting early.
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The Link Between Happiness & Leadership
What does happiness have to do with inspired leadership?
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What’s All This Talk About Gratitude?
Think about the things you love or moments of satisfaction that relax your body, create a feeling of content, and may even make your heart swell a bit—that’s the good stuff.
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