There are two reasons we don’t get what we want.  The reasons:

1. We don’t set clear goals and/or may lack the necessary crystal clarity around what we really want.  This lack of crystal clarity holds us back.
2. We have inner obstacles – habits of thinking, emoting and behaving – that for the most part remain hidden from us that act like a wet blanket over our success in certain areas.  And even if we are clear about certain “blocker habits” – we tend think “that’s just the way I am – I really can’t change that about me, even though, I know it blocks me from greater success. What can I do?“

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Do you have a desire to see changes in your organization, your life, the world?   It does seem no matter where you look – drastic changes are being called for.    Yet, with all the change we desire – how do we make an impact on those changes we most want?  In short, you must start with yourself.  We all know those who complain about how things are going  or what others are doing.  Generally these very same people do nothing about the problems they see except complain.  They are merely squeaky wheels.

The ones who forward change are those who have taken a hard look at themselves.  One of my favorite examples is Nelson Mandela.  He sat in a prison cell for 27 years and while in those terrible conditions he took the time to reflect – asking who he needed to be to get through that time and help his country.  The transformation that happened to this great man – occurred a great deal because of his own self-inquiry that was forced during those years in prison.  Mandela came out of those terrible conditions with a much more powerful presence than before he entered the cell that gained deep respect not only from his countrymen and world leaders – he also became deeply admired by his jailers.  He stepped out of prison into his role as President of South Africa with the intent to integrate a country and he did!  He transformed that country yet did so only after transforming himself.  (more…)

There are countless stories of people who had a vision, were motivated to move forward based on their passion and the focus they had on the goal. They never gave up in the face of failure… and it led to their greatest successes. This video offers a few examples.

Finding Your Power as a Leader

In this video produced for The Maryland Chamber of Commerce I focus on the foundation of leadership – your personal power. I have said many times that in order to develop as a leader you must make it personal and bring your unique purpose, passion and presence to the role. Without this foundation leadership can not take hold in you. You are a leader by title only unless this foundation is clarified and leveraged. Enjoy the video and please offer your comments.

This is a follow up to Part I of “A Call to Leadership” Video Series.  During the first segment I spent part of the time discussing the pathway that both leaders and organizations must take to develop extraordinary leadership.  Yet, there are a few questions I left out that are at the tips of the tongues of many who I speak to on the topic of leadership development.

What is “Development” About Anyway?

I do not like the word development because it implies there is something missing in us.  Which is not the case really.  This term comes from an old outdated therapy model that examines our failings rather than our greatness.   “Empowerment”  is really what leadership development is all about because true leaders understand who they are and why they are leading.  To engage in a “development” or empowerment path you must answer the following questions: (more…)