From the Heart
Being Flexible with Our Words
Aden Leadership is all about communication because we know it creates stronger relationships, welcoming work environments, and collaboration that brings us more creative solutions. We all communicate differently and leaders, although they too have their own preferred...
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The Relationship Between Leadership & Followership
There is a strong connection between leaders and followers. This seems obvious, but it's worth taking a closer look, because without the latter, there would be no need for the former. Leadership is less about taking control of a situation where the leader must...
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The Essentials of Soft Skills
Being kind and considerate is a way of being. These are not taught skills, these are innate that we bring out in each other and within ourselves. Please don’t call me soft and don’t call a leader soft because they want to talk about how we language, behave and seek to...
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Having Patience & Being Patient
We are often told that patience is a virtue that we should strive to develop in our lives. In my experience, patience has been a valuable tool when communicating. When we don’t exhibit patience and/or restraint, we risk losing trust—possibly denting key relationships....
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You Set The Balance In Your Life
Now ask yourself is it really Work-Life Balance? Or is it just Life Balance? Do we really have two lives, one at work and one at home? Nope. One heart, one brain, two eyes, and a set of everything else. We don’t and never will leave one life completely to work on,...
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Looking Back On THE LEADERSHIP Development Day 2021
Here we are about a week after the inaugural THE LEADERSHIP Development Day. Would we consider it a success? Absolutely. Hundreds of people attended and thousands will feel the ripple effect of what was shared and learned. All the speakers were poised and eager to...
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Interview with Zach Guerin, COO of Foothills Regional Housing
Zach recently joined me on the Servant Leadership podcast to discuss affordable housing, leadership, and what our young leaders might do better than the leaders before them. When you see Zach, you see an authentic and humble young man. You also see someone who listens...
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Clarity and Connection: In Conversation With Kate Burda
In a single line Kate Burda, founder and CEO of Kate & Co., explained what her company does. “We work alongside organizations to achieve higher levels of performance.” She said that while performance usually meant revenue the same ideas can be applied elsewhere in...
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We Are The Future
It’s not too late to tell the people that you serve and within your community what it is that you believe to be true. It’s not too late to change your values, reset your intentions, and become the person you are meant to be. Too often our older leaders let age be an...
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Looking Back To Move Forward
Every year millions of people set off to set some kind of goal for the new year. It brings hope that we may have another chance at being a better version of ourselves. I challenge you to shift how you are looking at this and instead of only looking forward, reflect on...
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Come Together At THE LEADERSHIP Development Day
Leaders often think that they should stand alone while they manage their own difficulties and some think they need to be perfect and/or have all the answers. Not necessary at all. In fact, we must realize that it's our shoulders, not your shoulders. During a meeting...
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Limitless Leadership
Is it becoming harder to make plans for the long-term and to set goals because of all the uncertainty that surrounds us nowadays? Are vacations being imagined without dates? Where are you going to be in three, six or nine months? There are increasing conversations...
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Principles for Principals
There are five core principles that I believe are vital to the character of a leader. Integrity, Accountability, Courage, Passion and Humility and Passion. It is not enough for leaders to simply have these characteristics, but to show up in ways that ripple into the...
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Communication Towards Thoughtful Productivity
Effective communication is the key to effective leadership. When you are able to articulate what your goals are to others within your organization, the people that you serve will dive into their work with focus and direction as they serve the entire organization....
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A Day of Development – THE LEADERSHIP Development Day
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." ~ Jack Welch Now is the time to develop as a leader, owner, parent, entrepreneur etc. Why? The world and country today needs us to...
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Intentional Leadership & Parenting
“The more intentional you are about your leadership growth, the greater your potential for becoming the leader you are capable of becoming. Never stop learning.” ~John C. Maxwell The adventure of being a Dad and parent provides daily insight for me in my roles of...
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Let Us Share Our Gratitude
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” ~ Zig Ziglar Showing Up With Gratitude Leading a team of individuals always brings up challenges...
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Connect v 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 Followers and Likes to serve you and your goals? We are...
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Will You Break the Chain?
I believe that I can become better, and as I think about how I can become better in all aspects of my life I realize judging less and loving more is simply the answer. When I’m triggered and realize I’m getting ready to say something that is not serving, kind, nor...
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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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Curiosity for Growth
Curiosity is our past meeting with something of our present. It connects dots and creates passionate learning experiences, if for nothing else then to know the connection. By implementing more curiosity into our lives, we can focus more and begin to lead teams through...
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Your Beliefs – Your Organization in 2020
As a leader it is in your role description to represent the organization and the people in it. It can be daunting or feel like the world is on your shoulders. In some ways, the world of your organization is on your shoulders, but it is not something that we should shy...
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Your Organization – Addressing Division 2020
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” ~ Abraham Lincoln The reality of today’s media is that internal division in thought, direction and goals is brought out in our organizations. Are you facing the dilemma of a divided company and are your leaders lacking...
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Listen to Our Future Leaders
It is often said that youth will bring the change most needed in the world or that it is up to our young people to shape the future. I spoke with a few young leaders this week who are guiding their own organizations and becoming fixtures in their community of passion...
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Freedom to Serve
We all have freedom to do, be, and say anything we want. Recently, there has been a social questioning of our freedom of speech. Especially when many people are speaking on such a wide breadth of topics close to our hearts. Our freedom of speech exists until it is...
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Work Through Unrest. Be A Leader!
As we pause during these interesting times and take our temperature and that of our people and organizations, do we sense any unrest? If you sense it, then it’s present. It is all about your leadership. Your leadership! It is so easy to hide our heads in the sand. ...
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Leader, Parent, & Father By Example
“Trust is earned in the smallest of moments. It is earned not through heroic deeds, or even highly visible actions, but through paying attention, listening, and gestures of genuine care and connection. ~ Brené Brown As Father’s Day arrives, I ponder the ways in which...
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Collaboration and Sharing Strengths
Feeling overwhelmed and not sure how to maneuver through the opportunities in your business and relationships that are before you? As a leader you may believe you have to have all the answers to successfully guide your team. The truth is that you do not have all the...
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We Are Who We Say We Are…
We Are Who We Say We Are… Integrity and our internal dialogue, where do you stand? The current situation allows for more time to reflect, refocus and realign with who we intend to be. Our “mirror time” as I call it, should be at a premium right now. Who are you and...
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Ready or not….here you come!
Do you remember as a child playing hide and seek? Ready or not, here I come! So often we hesitate and do not take action because we feel we are not ready for that step. Is your leadership ready to hide or seek? What makes you ready? What are you waiting for? ...
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Smile😊 Life is Worthwhile and Someone is Watching
It’s funny when you are ready for something, then something and/or someone appears. Magical… I am glad you are receiving what you are ready to receive!! Keep the magic alive in your role as a leader. I often say hello, howdy or hi and the other person just stares...
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Distance v Culture – Redefining and Redesigning Our Connections
We have the capability to interact through various communication platforms (Zoom, BlueJean, Skype, FaceTime etc.) so that we will stay connected with our peers and teams. So why now? Beyond the obvious reasons prohibiting traditional face to face, in person meetings...
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Will You Break the Chain?
As I think about and believe how I can become better in all aspects of my life I realize judging less and loving more is simply the answer. When I’m triggered and realize I’m getting ready to say something that is not serving, kind nor nice do I pause and ask myself...
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Is It Soup Yet?
Life is full of surprises, opportunities and disappointments. Sometimes the most challenging part of the journey is the wait. Leadership is a lot like making soup or your favorite stew. You have a plan, add all the ingredients and then you slowly simmer the...
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Is Your Leadership Working?
Our leadership is a reflection of our self. It is not always an easy situation to look in the mirror and honestly ask “is my leadership working?” Of course, we want to think it is and often times talk ourselves into that everything is just...
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Are You Really Developing as a Leader?
How often do we really ask ourselves the question above? In the day to day routine of our roles within the organizations we serve life gets busy. We are all busy or we often use busy to not serve those most important to us which includes ourselves!! So perhaps you...
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Lead With Heart – The Power of Your Heart
As leaders, we often avoid making true heart centered decisions in the business world with fear we may be viewed as weak or soft. The fact is no one is asking if you are using your head, your heart or your gut. I invite you to research some of the greatest leaders...
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Loss and Legacy
This week we mourn the loss of an amazing athlete. A sudden, unexpected and tragic for the loss of all on board the Kobe1 for families, friends and colleagues. Even if you were not a basketball fan, you were aware of Kobe Bryant. On Leadership – Kobe’s thoughts...
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”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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Expectation v Agreement – 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 ~ Start Creating
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 and 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
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
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 has shared his experience...
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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 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 To You?
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 – 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://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.181/aeb.d6e.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/img.jpg?time=1618351218)
[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? Have you stood up and taken inventory of how you are feeling in your body? Are you...
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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 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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You Will 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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Open The Door for 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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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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