Posted: May 21, 2026 | Categories: Leadership, Management, Presentation skills, Sales

Early in my coaching career, I remember my mentor, Bob, saying, “People won’t remember what you say…they will remember what they do.”  This past week I observed a powerful example of this motto being played out.

About 3 weeks ago, I read a book to my 3-year-old grandson, Josh.  It was entitled, “The Hungry Caterpillar”.  As you might suspect, it was the story of a caterpillar gradually turning in to a butterfly.  It is quite an incredible process.  We wanted Josh not just to know the process, but also experience it.

We purchased a “butterfly garden” kit.  Contained in the kit were 10 larvae in specially prepared cups.  The larvae ate the food in the cup and started growing.  They kept growing.  Josh was euphoric as he observed the metamorphosis take place.  The cocoons were formed and they started to wiggle, and last Saturday we all experienced the main event:  The release of the butterflies.  Freedom!

Having been so actively involved in the growth of the butterfly garden, Josh now reads his caterpillar book with a new perspective.  He has experienced the process, and therefore understands it at a much more instinctive level.

What Josh learned is what we all need to remember:  If we want someone to grow from our teaching or coaching, get them actively involved in the “doing”.  We can then create true learning.

Posted: May 12, 2026 | Categories: Leadership, Management, Self-Improvement

What happens when we “bite off more than we can chew”?  We have to face the music.

When I was in 5th grade, I played the trumpet.  The band teacher had planned a recital to be performed in front of the whole school.  I was asked to play a specific piece, and I accepted the assignment.  I did so with little knowledge of the song.  That was a mistake.

As I began practicing the piece, it quickly became clear that the song was very hard and beyond my skill level.  I kept trying and things seemed to be getting worse.  Not wanting to make a fool of myself in front of the whole school audience, I decided to back out.  Before I bailed I told my mom.  She didn’t cut me any slack, and said, “Stephen, you gave that man your word and you must keep your word.”  I replied, “But mom, I’ll make a fool of myself.”  Mom responded, “Well I guess you”ll just have to make a fool of yourself.  If you commit to something, you must follow through.”

The day of the dreaded event came, and I still couldn’t play the piece.  With no alternative, I got my mind in the right place, and began by handing the accompanist her part.  I let mind my mind float into another zone.  I played the song beautifully and to perfection.  I could’t believe what was coming out of that horn.

Thanks to Mom for challenging me to be a person on my word.  When we do what we say we will do, we gain confidence and earn respect.  A leader guides someone to a place they would not go on their own.

Posted: January 15, 2026 | Categories: Management, Team Building

Several years ago, I was meeting with the owner and founder of a mid-size manufacturing company that employed around 200 people.  We will call him Jim.  He wanted to know if I could help him work with his people to prepare for the eventual sale of his company.  Jim was in his late 60’s and ready to sell his company.  When I asked him what his biggest concern was, he said, “Seeing  one of my loyal employees on the street after I have sold the company – especially if I knew things weren’t going well with the new owners.”

Since this conversation, I have heard many retired owners say the same thing.  What can we do to help ensure that the leaders who follow us are able to build a working environment just as good as we did, or even better?

Step #1: Start early:  A good rule of thumb is at least five years from the handoff.

Step #2: Get the right people in key positions:  Look at the key positions and make sure we have the “right people on the bus”.  Our leaders must be proud of their work and the special qualities they bring to the company, and this enthusiasm must show.  There also must be a way of measuring their progress. If someone is not the strong leader you are looking for find another place for them.  Don’t waste precious time with someone you know isn’t going to work out.

Step #3:  Strengthen communication and teamwork skills:  Hire a performance coach to work with your team so that all departments develop the ability to work together seamlessly.

Step #4:  (Two years out) Hire a succession consultant:  There is a process involved in selling your company that needs to be followed  You can figure about two years to allow proper time for each step.  You will have a timeline.

Most owners procrastinate and don’t do these 4 things well.  Don’t be one of them!  Have a happy sale!

Posted: December 11, 2025 | Categories: Management, Presentation skills, Self-Improvement, Team Building

Looking ahead to the New Year, are you interested in strengthening your leadership skills?  If so, there is one area of growth that must come first before anything else improves.  Do you know what this area is?  I’ll bet you do:  It is improving our listening skills.  Our skills in listening are vital in building trust and maintaining focus and clarity.  Here is some good news:  The next few weeks should give us ample opportunity to put a better edge to our listening skills.  Here’s how:

Think of a gathering you will be attending this holiday season. As you anticipate each event, work on developing a mindset of simply showing genuine interest in others.  Here is an example:

Last night I attended a church function, and as soon as I entered the door, I encountered a smiling older lady who had given me cookies during our last visit.  I began the conversation by saying how much I enjoyed the cookies and why I liked them so much. I then asked if she would share the recipe.  She was thrilled to do so.  Next she began talking about how she made the cookies. and the special people she gave them to.  It was her passion, and she was sharing it.  Our conversation probably lasted about 10 minutes, and all we talked about was the cookies and how she loved to give them away.  I walked away from the conversation knowing I had sincerely given her my full attention, and also picked up a good recipe.

Before you go to your next social event, I recommend you go with these two objectives:

1. Have a goal of learning something about someone.
2. With genuine sincerity, let another person talk about something important to them.

Do this, and you will be exercising your listening skills and building good relationships.

Posted: December 11, 2025 | Categories: Leadership, Management, Self-Improvement, Team Building, Uncategorized

Jim Rohn was an entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker who became a world-wide expert on personal development.  He started as a high-school dropout.  In his early 20’s he hired a mentor, Earl Shoaff.  One of the first questions Mr.Shoaff asked him was how many books he read a year. The truth was, he read very little.  “That’s not a good answer!”, Shoaff said.  From that point on, Jim Rohn decided that he would be an avid reader.  His mentor knew the truth:  High achiever’s read a lot!

Over and over again I find this to be true.  Think of the most successful people you know in this business world:  Most likely they read whenever they get the chance.  When they are driving, they are listening to books or some other form of audio education.

I was reminded of this truth just this week.  A client of mine reads constantly.  While reading in a spare half hour while waiting for his car to be serviced, he re-acquainted himself with an important management practice that he was falling short on.  After further thought, he realized that his management practice of holding a 15-minute team meeting each morning needed to be revived. He remembered that his team was most productive during the COVID outbreak. This daily habit was a critical factor. He began this week with absolute confidence that bringing these meetings back will help lead them back to peak performance.

Bob is an avid reader and he knows the payoff of keeping up with his reading.  Are you keeping up with your reading?  Are you reading enough?  With the New Year about to be started, what is your reading commitment?