Lately, it seems as though people are dividing themselves into categories, drawing lines between themselves and others that are increasingly harder to cross. All over the world, we are now defined largely by what separates us. As a leader, this makes for a challenging culture to navigate. One of the biggest responsibilities we have is…

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In my previous blog post, I wrote about the difference between conflict and tension, and how many leaders fail to grasp the difference. This week, I want to help make the distinction a little clearer. Tension is something leaders and teams live with every day. It’s the daily challenge of working with a diverse group…

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Conflict. It’s one of the most requested subjects for the John Maxwell Company to address, and it’s something familiar to every leader. In fact, if you’re not familiar with the subject, chances are you’re not leading very well. No matter where you go or what team you assemble, you’re inevitably going to have to lead…

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Well, it’s the week before Christmas, and I suspect that you might be spending some of this time with family. I’ll be spending a lot of time with Margaret, our kids and grandkids in the days before Christmas. I’m so excited about the chance to connect and pour into the grandkids. I consider myself incredibly…

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“I love mankind – it’s people I can’t stand.” Charlie Brown, in Charles Schulz’ timeless comic strip, “Peanuts” Charlie Brown had a point: relationships with other human beings are wonderful – in theory. In reality, they can be difficult and messy. But nothing determines our success in life as much as our ability to work…

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Times of crisis almost always create memories we look back on as defining moments in leadership. They send us on a trajectory, either good or bad, towards some destination. Many of us realize our “life purpose” through this kind of an experience. I’ve always loved this quote by Winston Churchill:  “There comes a special moment…

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