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The Bar Doesn’t Move—The Support Does

Raising the Bar Series | Part 4   When the bar starts to move in the name of empathy, it’s often a sign the real conversation hasn’t happened yet. Empathy has become essential to modern leadership. And that’s a good thing. But…
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The Courage to Raise and Hold the Bar

Raising the Bar Series | Part 3   Most leaders don’t struggle to set standards. They struggle to hold them. Because holding the bar creates tension. Why?  Because as a leader you must: Address inconsistency when spotted …
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Clarity is the Foundation of Accountability

Raising the Bar Series | Part 2 Most accountability problems aren’t performance issues, they are clarity issues. If accountability is breaking down, clarity is usually the problem. Not effort. Not capability. Not intent. Clarity. For…
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Raising the Bar: A Leader’s Guide to Real Accountability

Raising the Bar Series | Part 1 Accountability Is Leadership’s Greatest Weakness—Here’s Why It Matters Let’s be honest. Most leaders struggle to hold people accountable. Most teams would agree. Recent research from Gallup found…
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Are All Politics Bad?

Many leaders I speak with will say, “I hate politics.” What they usually mean is: “I hate manipulation, hidden agendas, and backroom conversations.” On that point, Patrick Lencioni would agree. In The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,…
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Why Do So Many Leaders Stop at “Good”?

One of the many authors that shaped my views on leadership and high-performing organizations is Jim Collins. In his classic book, Good to Great, Collins offers a powerful insight: the biggest barrier to greatness isn’t bad leadership — it’s…
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Rethinking “Entitlement”: What Gen Z Is Really Teaching Us

I often hear experienced leaders express frustration about Gen Z’s supposed sense of entitlement. They’ll say things like, “They expect too much, too soon,” or “They don’t want to pay their dues.” But, what if what looks like…
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To Lead Is to Live Dangerously: Adopt a Quantum Mindset

Volatile, Uncertain, Chaotic, and Ambiguous - these are just some of the words you hear to describe the world today.  Everything is speeding up, change is constant, and you may conclude that to lead is to live dangerously.  Leadership has…
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You Cannot Inspire People Who Don’t Want to Change

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my years of leadership, mentorship, and even friendship is: You can’t inspire people who aren’t ready to change. No matter how passionate your message, how polished your pitch, or how…
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The Smart Leader’s Guide to Growth

Throughout my life, I’ve had various “coaches.” I had a batting coach when I played little league baseball to improve my swing. I had a coach when I struggled in my accounting courses in college. As a professional, I had coaches to help…