Further Up The Hill

Today I was reminded of this quote:

"You can't help someone get up a hill without getting closer to the top yourself."
-- H. Norman Schwarzkopf

Isn't that worth remembering as a leader? Effective leaders keep ambition in perspective. Are they helping others? Are they making a difference? Are they guiding people to a better place or situation?

In doing so, the benefits absolutely return. With a focus on service and helping, we all make it further up the hill. Who are you helping to make the climb?

Doug Smith

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A Promise or A Plan?

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Even brilliant minds sometimes fall behind. Keep learning. I say it a lot, and yet can't say it enough: keep learning. That's a note to self as well as anyone else. What have you learned today? -- doug smith

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One Generation Behind

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Nothing Left to Give?

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Focus First

Ambition without vision consumes everything around it. -- doug smith

High Performance Leaders and Emotions

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Have you ever noticed people getting grumpy, just when they need to be at their best? Problems can bring out the skepticism in us. They can rankle our intentions and sour our mood. When that happens, don't deny it. Experience it. Let it find you in the moment and then let it go. Are you ready? Let it go. We can solve more problems in a good mood than we can in a sour mood. While we can't force a good mood, there's not much benefit to holding onto a discontented one. It's served its purpose once it has your attention. As a problem solver, it's time to move on. If your role is the leader in the problem solving effort, it's time to create a better space. Bring some things into the environment to build more comfort, trust, and energy: - food - water - soft music - light - warmth - confidence - acceptance - appreciation What else could you bring? What works best for you? What would work best for your group? Sour moods serve their purpose -- but...

High Performance Leadership

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