People fly for several reasons but most often to get from point A to point B with little energy. To accomplish this, the pilot undergoes a formal trip planning process; a climb up to a turbulence-free, energy-efficient altitude (considering engine efficiency, headwinds, drag, etc.); autopilot activation; and a relatively straight-line cruise until it’s time to […]
There’s a strong case for not going big, at least not often. Forgive me for the football analogy, but when it’s third and 25, the chances of completing a 26-yard pass against a defense set up to protect against this very thing are small. If there’s one minute left in the fourth quarter, you throw […]
In my many years of coaching CEOs and other senior executives, I’ve seen one thing cause more damage than anything else. Conflict. No, not too much (though I’ve certainly seen that)—too little. Avoiding the tough decisions and conversations. The underlying problem is usually an internal voice that says, “I want everyone to like me.” Your […]
The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted the correlation (which, of course, isn’t the same as causation) between excessive government regulation and low economic growth (comparing Europe with the US). Although I’m not a libertarian, I cringe at the growth of the administrative state and regulation. Of course we need some, but how much? That’s the […]
How was your day? If it was “average,” you probably put out some fires, fielded questions, responded to requests, and dealt with a few surprises. All necessary requirements of senior leadership. But did you also think about the future, develop plans, proactively eliminate some risks, and identify growth opportunities for the business, your people, and […]
Some clients don’t agree with me using the word conflict in a positive light. I tell them why I disagree, which I guess is an example of healthy conflict. Addressing conflict requires consideration of two precursors. Let’s deal with semantics first. You might prefer the word disagree, oppose, disharmony, fight, strife, struggle, or ruckus. Great, […]
I’ve been attentively watching the reactions to Henry Kissinger’s death. Some mourn his loss as a brilliant force for the greater good, some believe his actions in Southeast Asia, for example, make him the devil incarnate. It’s hard to prove either is wrong. People in big shoes must make big decisions. Decisions with consequences. Decisions […]
Narcissistic CEOs are an unfortunate, though sometimes very successful, feature of the business landscape. While approximately 6% of us suffer from this disorder, it’s more prevalent in males than females (though some believe females are catching up) and more common on mahogany row—some think 40% of CEOs exhibit significant symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual […]
“Many CEOs and leaders you meet from the outside seem to lead exciting lives,” Matt Murray, former editor of the Wall Street Journal, told me recently. “But in real life many of them are not very functional human beings.” —Peter Vanham, Fortune, CEO Daily The idiom “it’s lonely at the top” has been around a long […]
You know those people you always have a great conversation with whenever you talk? My friend Art Petty is one of those. Always upbeat, inquisitive, and creative. (He also publishes great content and creates cool leadership development programs. Look him up and sign up for his blog.) I told Art about an upcoming return fishing […]