Storytelling? Spend a bit more time on normal
Last week at the National Speakers Association conference, I was able to hear Kindra Hall teach on storytelling. As a producer of the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference, I have heard a lot of people speak on storytelling. Kindra is one of the best. Normal, Explosion,...
As a leader, do you have time for fiction?
We leaders are busy people facing multiple demands. Although we know the saying, "leaders are readers," too often, reading dropped from our schedules. It feels like a luxury we can't afford. Especially reading fiction. But fiction may be just what leaders need to...
Finding the pony
[Image courtesy of Sandy Rees] Growing up, I listened to a lot of motivational speakers. Many of them shared a story about a father with two sons. As an executive coach, I am amazed at how much this story reflects leaders' perspectives on life. The Father with Two...
What questions should you ask an executive coach?
LinkedIn is a funny thing. A week ago, SCOTTeVEST CEO Scott Jordan posted a question. Today, the post appeared in my newsfeed. With over 200 comments to it! The question was: Who uses an executive/life coach? I met someone that raved about his coach, so I am...
To what end?
It seems that those of us attracted to nonprofit leadership are very good at "doing." We see a need right in front of us and fill it. And fill it again. In fact, we get so good at seeing the need in front of us, that we forget to lift up our head. A view of the...
Are your systems hurting you?
81,650 On October 1, 2012, my family want to visit our friends the Hatches and the Swansons. When we arrived, we discovered Rob and Jon having a fun competition with push-ups. Loving to challenge myself, I naturally jumped in. Over the course of many attempts, I...
Gender equality in salaries starts with us
Years ago, I was the only male on a fundraising team. In a staff meeting, we were talking about hiring a new position. The staff kept calling the prospective person "her." So, being an advocate of gender equality, I playfully inserted, "Or him!" Their answer floored...
A master class in communication – humor and silence
Being a leader means being ever committed to improving your communication skills. And how to deliver a joke so that people laugh with you, not despite you. Thankfully, speaker, comedian, and Second City alum Ron Tite shares a 3-minute master class from a performance...
It’s not cheating – a thought on goal setting
Just a thought about setting this year's goals: you're not cheating if you are listing goals you know will be accomplished. Leadership is hard. Be sure to give yourself full credit for all you are accomplishing! Happy New Year!
