We often hear leaders say that they will appreciate their teams once a certain goal is achieved. These leaders do not understand the power of appreciating progress. Healthy leaders appreciate results and progress. They understand that employees want to feel connected to their leader, their organization, and their purpose—not just after the final buzzer when…
Excellence is never an accident.It is the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution. It represents the wisest option among many alternatives. Choice, not chance, determines your destiny, dreams, and values.– Aristotle
In honor of our dear friend and beloved leader, the late Colleen Barrett, we wanted to share this post again. Additional posts that feature Colleen can be found here. A few years ago, Lee had the privilege to sit down and chat with Colleen Barrett, President Emeritus of Southwest Airlines (and Queen of their LUV culture).…
People want to feel valued for their work. In fact, lack of appreciation is a key reason people leave jobs. Showing appreciation is a common blind spot for leaders—and for people in any relationship, for that matter. You no doubt feel appreciative of your team; yet, it’s highly likely there’s a gap between how much…
I am blessed to enjoy this view each day in my office. It is a reminder of generational gifts. My father and my son are both artistically gifted. They never met. Growing up, we used my father’s Dove of Peace painting as our family Christmas card for years. It simply read, “PEACE from the Colans.”…
Charles Plumb was a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, one of the original Top Gun pilots, and a pilot in Vietnam. On May 19, 1967, during his 75th combat mission (five days before the end of his tour), his plane was shot down. He ejected and parachuted into enemy hands, where he spent six years in…
I have something to say to you,If you lead with love, you will love to lead.When you make people feel seen and heard,They will engage and perform – guaranteed! Your perspective is your choice,So, look for the positive in all you see.Treat yourself like your own best friend,So you show up as the best you…
Back in your childhood, you may have belonged to a club that had a secret handshake. Just knowing that handshake made you feel like you were a part of the group, right? It was a “belonging” factor that made you feel connected. The handshake was something special that only members could do or know. In…
Tom Fox is the former physician and current gifted photographer whose inspiring images grace the pages of The Nature of Excellence. This majestic image is one of Tom’s "flower-scapes" in the Wind River Range (near the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming). The amazing proliferation of alpine sunflowers leads the eye to the beautiful, secluded lake below—while…
Healthy leaders create emotional bonds with their teams. We are wired to seek connections in our world. Humans are social creatures by design—and healthy leaders know and prioritize this truth. They excel not only at connecting directly with their team members, but also at helping team members connect with one another—in healthy ways. We often…
