On The Fly

In this episode - The Secret . . . This year, we started a podcast series reviewing books that have influenced my life and management style. I want to introduce you to "The Secret: What Great Leaders Know — And Do" by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller. This book outlines several management principles that are crucial for effective team leadership. Here's a summary of these principles: Blanchard & Miller prioritize the well-being and development of their team members through Servant Leadership . A great leader serves their employees and creates a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration. “How do you do it?" can be answered by elaborating on five key objectives. S – See the future E – Engage and Develop Others R – Reinvent Continuously V – Value Results and Relationships E – Embody the Values  Leadership is an Influence Process: Leadership is not about authority but influence. Effective leaders influence their teams positively by setting a compelling vision and i...

In this episode - The $25,000 Idea . . . Have you ever heard about the single idea for which a man was paid $25,000? I’ve been scouring my audio library for thoughts we could share. And was reminded of the simplicity and power of this story that Earl Nightingale shared in his seminal work Lead the Field; here  it is; The president of a big steel company had granted an interview to an efficiency expert named Ivy Lee. Lee told his prospective client how he could help him better manage the company. The president broke in to say something to the effect that he wasn’t managing as well as he knew how.  He went on to tell Ivy Lee that what was needed wasn’t more knowing - but more doing. “We know what we should be doing. If you can show us a better way of getting it done, I’ll listen to you – and pay you anything within reason you ask.” Lee then said he could give him something in 20 minutes to increase his efficiency by at least 50 percent.  He then handed the executive a blan...