United makes John Maxwell leadership training available to all middle management personnel. So, his leadership principles saturate our corporate ethos to a large degree. But recently, I experienced one of John’s principles first hand.I attended a training luncheon and asked John a question about layoffs that United was expecting to have. “How would you prepare…

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I am often asked how to successfully manage leadership transition within an organization. How do you end well? Or conversely, how do you start off on the right foot? My friend, Bob Russell, has written an excellent book, Transition Plan, on the successful leadership changeover following his 40-year tenure at Southeast Community Church in Louisville,…

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Throughout the past month, we have been highlighting ways leaders can go beyond talent. The reality is: “As long as there are people in the world, there will be plenty of talent. What’s missing are people who have made the choices necessary to maximize their talent. Employers are really looking for talent-plus people.” 1 Each…

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In many areas of life, the middle is the most miserable place to be. Where’s the worst seat on an airplane? The middle. Aisle seats are roomier, and easier to climb in and out of; window seats offer a better view along with a place to rest your head. What’s the most difficult stage of…

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Leadership is a choice you make rather than a place you sit. In other words, leadership comes from influence and not from your position. For this reason, even when you’re not in front, you’re still leading those around you. In fact, you are even influencing those ahead of you. In this lesson, I’d like to…

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In 1978, unemployed sportscaster Bill Rasmussen hatched an idea to launch the world’s first around-the-clock television station and to devote its programming entirely to sports. Roughly a year later, the Entertainment and Sports Network (ESPN) made its initial broadcast, and in just a few years the station rapidly transformed the way Americans watch athletics. Whereas…

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“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.” ~ King Solomon (Proverbs 22:29) Excellence is the gap between average and exceptional. It’s the ability to exceed expectations and consistently deliver superior quality. In developing habits of excellence, leaders gain influence and…

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At what age did you stop growing taller?  The average age when the human body reaches its full height varies, but it’s generally between the ages of 15 and 21.  I often wonder at what age most leaders quit growing. Unfortunately, judging from my observations, most people stop by the end of their 20s.  Rarely…

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“There is a choice you make in everything you do. So keep in mind that in the end, the choice you make, makes you.” ~ John Wooden A legacy isn’t something over which we have no control, like the shadow that follows us down the sidewalk. Rather, we can choose the way in which our…

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