How to Balance Independence and Inclusiveness

In my conversations with fellow leaders, I’ve learned that many people struggle with balancing independence and collaboration. Too much one or the other, and our leadership is out of whack!

When we’re too independent, we miss the opportunity to get input and rely on the strengths of our teammates. (more…)

True leaders can appreciate real teamwork and what it can accomplish, even when that example of true teamwork comes from the opposing team.

So, Thunder lovers (and Spurs haters), I’m going to have to ask you to put your team loyalties aside for a few moments and join me in witnessing true teamwork at best. (more…)

Did you know that the man some credit with inventing the radio died penniless? According to Art Cashin in one of his recent issues of “Cashin’s Comments,” in 1902, Nathan B. Stubblefield stood aboard a boat in the Potomac and broadcast his voice to several devices (and about 1,000 onlookers) ashore.

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Impacting Leaders is a virtual organization, and this setup works well for us and our clients. The flexibility has allowed me to cherry-pick the people on my team because location is not an issue. Our clients are spread across several states, so there is no need for a brick-and-mortar headquarters. (more…)

“I tell my staff everything has a season. One day we’re not going to be the coolest church. Nothing is forever. As soon as somebody thinks forever, that’s when they close their hand. Now they have to control, maintain and protect it…Things get weird.” – Andy Stanley

This is a powerful quote from a man who is as well known for his leadership expertise as he is his giftedness in preaching. That “nothing lasts forever” includes our influence. We’re not always going to possess the loftiest title, lead the most employees, or be the most knowledgeable. No matter how good we are, we won’t remain on top forever. Eventually, someone else will be the go-to guy. Someone else will be chosen to lead. So how do we avoid focusing on forever and closing our hand?

  • We give our influence away instead of hoarding it
  • We build others up instead of tearing them down to make ourselves look better
  • We share what we know instead of keeping the information to ourselves
  • We encourage collaboration instead of domination
  • We celebrate our colleagues’ wins instead of focusing on our own losses

We do these things because leadership isn’t about us. It’s about others.