From the Heart
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...
read more
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...
read more
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’...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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. ...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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,...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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.
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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,...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
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?
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
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…
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
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.”
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
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!
read more
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.
read more
Service Without Attachment
Could serving without attachment be a predictor for a successful relationship?
read more
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.
read more
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!
read more
The Subtle Predictor of Success
Can success be predicted? If so, what quality or trait do you think most predicts success?
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
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?
read more
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.
read more
The Link Between Happiness & Leadership
What does happiness have to do with inspired leadership?
read more
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.
read more
Desiderata {Desired Things}
We all contain a unique set of skills, talents and experiences that equip us to reach our truest potential and in the process serve others.
read more
Plotting the Course: Creating your “I AM” Statement
Creating your “I AM” statement may be one of the most powerful processes you work through this year. Why?
read more