Technical skills can be taught, character cannot. Hire character. Technical skills are easy to define and measure. You can quantify someone’s expertise on software. You can give a test to measure knowledge. You either have a degree, or you don’t. When hiring we focus on these measurable aspects of a person’s resumé, but these aren’t important, at least not as much as character. You can teach someone software. You can send them to a class to close some gap in technical skills. It’s much more difficult to send someone to a class to teach them to inspire, collaborate, or be visionary. When you hire, focus on the character skills that are non-negotiable. Continue reading
character
What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
Bob Daretta once said, “The higher you go in your career, the less you will need your technical skills; the more you will need leadership and speaking skills.” Most likely, at the start of your career, it was a lot of doing. The more you did and the better you did it equated to success. As you become a leader, it’s no longer about doing things yourself; instead, it’s doing things through others. Continue reading
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What I Learned about Rory’s Stairwell
I met Rory shortly after he became the World Champion of Public Speaking Runner-Up: a fun, high-energy guy, and so inspirational. Since then he has been propelled to the top of the success ladder as an international speaker and New York Times best-selling author. This guy is legit. I saw it. I saw him drive and create and push, then the breakthrough occurred. It wasn’t overnight. It never is. I want to share with you a few things I learned from Rory in the stairwell. Continue reading
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Refined by the Fire
Picture a drill sergeant. Can you see that mean look and hear the yelling – are you cowering with fear? Cross that with a chicken with it’s head caught off, and you know exactly what I looked like on the day of my sister’s wedding. We were falling behind schedule, and a few things weren’t turning out as planned. As the ceremony time approached, my ability to see the bigger picture and what next steps or corrective actions were needed helped us get everything completed. However, my directive and impatient nature rose to the surface as I barked orders in abrupt (but efficient) ways.
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True Leader
The leader is the one who provides the team direction.
And when others are pointing fingers, the leader provides protection.
A leader is like an archaeologist, digging for what’s true,
opening people’s eyes to things they never knew. Continue reading
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Catch You When You Fall
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Research is proving what King Solomon knew centuries ago; there is value in teamwork. Teams allow you to harness the diversity of strengths. As a leader, you should be watching for individuals who complement each others’ weaknesses. Continue reading
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Who Am I?
It’s not a riddle. I am made up of the experiences I have encountered in my life, and I firmly believe they are all leading up to something bigger. I think tough things happen in our lives to help us grow and push us. A person is defined by the choice they make at that crossroad. To overcome the obstacle encourages growth in wisdom, courage, self-confidence, and purpose.
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