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...
22 days 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...
29 days 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...
about 1 month 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...
about 2 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...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Before we dive into this issue, just wanted to let you know we've just launched a new set of speaking topics and workshops. If you or your team are interested in discussing a possible engagement, I'd love to chat about how I might help. Now... onward. Brave: Stop giving answers - ask more questions As leaders, we often feel pressure to have all the answers. But the most effective leaders know that asking the right questions is far more powerful than always providing solutions. When you...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Creative work is never finished. It can weigh on you even when you're at home, with friends, or... in the middle of the night. This week, three ideas about making creative work more manageable. One to help you be brave. One to help you focus. One to help you be brilliant. Brave: Reversible and Irreversible Decisions With the uncertainty that leaders face, it's easy to slip into a kind of analysis paralysis. We defer decisions because we need "more information", and "more input from...
3 months ago • 3 min read
I learned a valuable lesson from my razor this week. (Yes, really.) Something that happened to me in my twenties was still affecting me today. And, it made me realize that there are beliefs I hold about leading and creating that are untested assumptions from decades ago. So today, a shaving lesson. Considering this will require you to be brave. It will require you to focus. But, if you do it, it will help you be brilliant. You have ghost rules in your life. They are limiting your potential....
3 months ago • 2 min read
This past week, I (accidentally) almost walked a marathon. It was a much-needed time to reflect on some work, and it was very helpful so I thought I'd share my experience with you. This practice will help you be brave. It will help you focus. And, it may even help you be brilliant. I accidentally (almost) walked a marathon.I didn’t really mean to. I just needed some time to think. Often, I’ll think while sitting on my office chair with a pad of paper in my lap, but last week I realized that...
4 months ago • 2 min read