The speed of relationship

Society beckons us to move faster, run harder, and produce more. So we invest in better software, the latest technology, and the next shiny thing that promises better results.  But I have a hunch. Maybe the key to growing your organization is learning to move at the speed of relationship. What does that mean? It…

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The key to longevity

I recently visited Boone Hall Plantation near Charleston, South Carolina. This plantation was used in the 2004 movie, The Notebook, starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. The driveway leading to the mansion is lined with live oaks leading to a rock and iron entry gate. Although not part of the original script, this is the…

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Consistency & Time: The keys to building mutual respect

My wife and I recently had the privilege of taking a 10-day road trip in our RV. On our way home, we visited the Red River Gorge in Kentucky. The signature geographical feature there is called Natural Bridge. As you can see from the picture, it is majestic to behold. The crazy part is, this…

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What is winning?

A few weeks back, I was at a sports complex with some close friends watching their children play rec league soccer.  Now, I know you may be thinking, what does rec league soccer have to do with growing a business, leading people, and developing my next leadership level. Let me indulge you for a bit.…

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Celebration is powerful.

What is worth celebrating? Anything you want to be repeated. Celebration has not come easy for me. I grew up with a father who had a strong work ethic. Finish one thing and then move on to the next. You shouldn’t expect to be congratulated for doing your job. My father was rarely wrong, but…

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Enjoy the journey.

I just got back from a week-long trip to Alaska. This time of year, it is light 24 hours a day and we attempted to make the most of every hour of daylight We had a wonderful time. My wife and I went to see our son and daughter-in-law. We ate like pigs, played cards,…

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High road or low road. Where are you?

Marcus Aurelius wrote, “Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” Many people familiar with Marcus Aurelius aren’t aware that his writings were private journals, only discovered after his death in 180 A.D. His statement above takes on a new, deeper meaning seen through this lens. He was instructing himself,…

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Best practices breed mediocrity.

Hear me out. Best practices are necessary. I’m not suggesting that you throw them out the window. However, over time, best practices become industry norms which means you’re just doing what everyone else is doing. Best practices are a great starting point for building something exceptional but they are the beginning, not the end destination.…

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Tired of making excuses?

I recently met a man named Adam. He was a super successful investment banker that upon turning 40, realized that he had become what his junior high track coach called him, “a fat kid.” He is just shy of 5’10” and had bloomed to 250+.  And, no, the coach shouldn’t of said that, but at…

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Lagniappe – do you have it?

Lagniappe, my friend Gina from Louisiana, told me about this Cajun term. It means “a little something extra.” Don’t try to say it based on its spelling. It is pronounced lan-yap. Try saying that with your best Cajun accent. So what does Lagniappe have to do with leadership? At this point in the game, everything.…

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