Some mistakes are almost unavoidable, but there are others that you can avoid entirely. I am sure you have your own list of things you don’t want to do again. Here’s mine. 1. Tinkering when things are running smoothly. If your team is working well, leave them alone. If objectives are defined and mutual (everyone knows what...

General McLellan was President Lincoln’s first choice to lead the Union army against Confederate forces. McLellan was a terrific organizer, a great logistics man.  His main vulnerability was that he could not muster the will to fight. He was a man of planning and organization but not of action. He just could not garner the...

Jeff (not his real name but this is a true story) is one of the best in the business. He works for a big box store selling appliances and has been there for ten years. We were having lunch when he told me how unhappy he is at his job and that he is seriously...

There are, of course, many traits found within successful and effective leaders. The six I've listed here are almost universal. 1. Make others feel important. If your goals and decisions are self-centered, and obviously so, followers will lose their enthusiasm quickly. Be certain to emphasize their strengths and contributions not just your own. 2. Promote...

"How to Light a Fire Under People Without Getting Burned," one of the seminars I offer, demonstrates the art of multiplying your efforts through others. I sometimes conclude the seminar with a role-playing exercise where each participant must list the tasks he or she presently does that could possibly be done by someone else, then...

Studies have shown that 2 weeks after hearing a lecture, only 2 people out of 100 will have even a vague idea of what you said.  Discouraging, isn't it? Lecture may be the most efficient way to transfer information to your listeners, but it is one of the most ineffective ways. Effective leaders are learning...