The After 40 Effect
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe importance of emotional intelligence has been documented for years. However, there are some very important traits that, while required for success, don’t have a visible effect on one’s career until later in life. This short HBR blog post outlines research that identifies the three personality traits that SIGNFICANTLY affect lifetime earnings,
Bill and TED’s Excellent Playlist
Reading Time: < 1 minuteMicrosoft Founder Bill Gates not only revolutionized, some say invented, the personal computer industry as we know it, he is also making a significant impact on the world through the Gates Foundation run by him and his wife Melinda. Whatever his endeavors, he has learned to rely on facts. To
Are Leaders Born or Are Leaders Made?
Reading Time: 2 minutesMy own view is Leaders are like professionals (sports, arts, etc.): Some have more natural talent than others, yet it is the growth in this talent that propels them into a level of mastery. The most important point is we have to want to grow our talent at an emotional level, not
The Leadership Journey: How to Communicate so People Will Listen
Reading Time: 4 minutesI have been hanging around the leadership arena for many years, and I can’t tell you how many mistakes I have made along the way with my communications. Why is this so? I know what to do, but my mind races ahead. I recognize I have the words to say
Alchemy for CEOs
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn the Middle Ages, Alchemists labored mightily, but in vain, to turn lead into gold. One Vistage member, speaker and author suggests that CEOs can be modern-day alchemists and achieve a transformation that yields even more value; turning employers into owners. Scot Hunsaker is a ten year plus Vistage member and award-winning 2016 Vistage
Are YOU “Principled?”
Reading Time: < 1 minuteLearning from the experience of others is useful, but it’s important to learn the right lessons. Everyone’s experience is a sample size of one, and it’s important to learn the right lessons from that experience. The founder of one of the world’s most successful hedge funds, Bridgewater, is Ray Dalio. He
Uncomfortable Deeds
Reading Time: < 1 minute“Winners do things others won’t” is an adage that has stood the test of time. It seems intuitive, but just what ARE some of those things? They will undoubtedly vary from person to person, but Dr. Travis Bradberry, author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, offers a list that may be common
The Passion Trap
Reading Time: < 1 minute“Follow Your Passion”….. “Do What You Love”….. “Build It and They Will Come.” These phrases have practically become big laws of career wisdom; but do they really lead to success? Many would-be entrepreneurs have found that starting businesses by following their passion results in no one following them. Ultimately, passion
Do Leaders Need Coaches?
Reading Time: < 1 minuteAll executives should heed Malcolm Gladwell’s warning that “No one — not rock stars, not professional athletes, not software billionaires, and not even geniuses — ever makes it alone.” A recent installment in Vistage Speaker Andi Simon’s new podcast series explores why “Leaders Need Coaches to Succeed.” Andi invited me
How to Fail In Public
Reading Time: < 1 minuteFear of failure can take a number of forms but the one that keeps many of us from taking a risk is the fear of failing where everyone can see. A few words from Richard Branson may help.