BRAVE • FOCUSED • BRILLIANT Stop Focusing On Projects – Obsess Over Solutions Many leaders and creative pros fall into the “deliverables” trap. Here’s how to maintain focus on what really moves the work forward. At its heart, creativity is problem solving. If you get paid to solve problems for a living, you’re a creative professional. But typically, our work is presented to us in the form of “projects”. We are tasked with accomplishing some defined objective (like developing a strategy,...
15 days ago • 3 min read
The Trust Seesaw Trust is the essential element of high functioning teams. Here’s how to build mutual confidence in creative organizations. Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have in creative organizations – it’s the foundation that makes meaningful work possible. When team members lose faith in their leadership, peers, or organizational structure, the creative process suffers. You’ll see it in the hesitation, the second-guessing, and the constant worry about whether they’ll get the support and...
22 days ago • 2 min read
Happy 2025! I don't know about you, but I usually charge into a new year with all of the energy of a 20-year-retired prize fighter trying to get back into the ring after decades of too much rest and too many churros. I am awed by those who jolt from the starting blocks with unbridled enthusiasm. But if that's you, congrats! So this week, here are three ideas to help you get your year off to a good start. Brave: The Objective-less Life Over holiday, I read a book called Why Greatness Cannot Be...
3 months ago • 4 min read
As we near the end of the year, I hope you are finding pockets of time to review what's happened in 2024, and to begin to think ahead to 2025. Even as you rush to wrap your tasks and projects for the year, make sure you take some "space between" to be alone with your thoughts and allow dots to connect. The True Nature of Talent I'm reading Scott Galloway's book The Algebra of Wealth, which—surprisingly—isn't about getting rich. Rather, it explores how to strategically invest your time and...
4 months ago • 3 min read
We’re planning a virtual Herding Tigers Online Course for Friday, December 13th. This full-day workshop will cover how to be the leader that your talented, ambitious team needs. If you’re interested, join the notification list at HerdingTigersCourse.com. Team pricing is also available by request. Brave: Yes, but how do we get there? In my latest book The Brave Habit, I shared the two elements that are present in a team culture where brave decisions are routinely made: Optimistic Vision, and...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Each year, a college friend invites me to a small gathering of brilliant business leaders. A few years ago, a billionaire entrepreneur joined us and shared insights on economic cycles. He advised, "When the economy is booming and capital is flowing, sprint with all your might." And when the economy falters and capital dries up? "Learn to enjoy fishing." His point was clear: during uncertain times, fighting against the tide wastes energy. Instead, recognize the current "season" and adapt your...
5 months ago • 2 min read
Big opportunities don’t come along every day. Great leaders know how to spot them and seize them when they do. This week’s Daily Creative episode featured the stories of two people who seized their moment, whether in good or bad circumstances. Here are three ideas to help you seize the moments in your own life. Brave: Call out the obvious I've observed that leaders often hesitate to voice their observations about things they think are obvious. They assume others see them too. That’s not...
5 months ago • 2 min read
This Is Strategy When you're stuck on a project, how do you decide what to do next? Here are three practical tips for thinking more strategically from the latest Daily Creative episode featuring my conversation with Seth Godin about his latest book This Is Strategy. Brave: Shun the Nonbelievers! (Sometimes) Brave leadership doesn't mean convincing everyone; it means focusing on those who can actually help you move the needle on your objectives. Despite how daunting it may feel, not everyone...
5 months ago • 2 min read
The Mouse / Mansion Maxim I recently stumbled upon a quote from Richard Rohr that's been rattling around in my brain: "A mouse in a mansion does not need to take lessons in humility." At first, I chuckled, picturing a tiny intimidated mouse scurrying through grand hallways. But then, as often happens with these nuggets of wisdom, it hit me – there's something truly profound here about leadership. Think about it. That little mouse knows exactly what it is and where it stands in the grand...
6 months ago • 2 min read
