2022 provided good and bad, happy and sad, hard and hopefully some rewarding memories for us. Soon, we will set our sights on the future. But before we look ahead to 2023, I invite you to look back.

When we talk about Mary this time of year, we immediately think of the Christian faith and the mother of Jesus. I want to introduce you to another Mary.

Being curious means taking the chance to learn new things and expose ourselves to ideas that may challenge us.

It takes strength and determination to decide to take responsibility for the things we can control.

I have discovered that those who have something truly valuable to say have experienced struggles in their life.

This Leadership Moment is different from most I write. Take a few minutes to allow yourself to focus only on gratitude. Think about the people for whom you are thankful.

As we began the meeting, I noticed a lady who was working hard to provide us with incredible customer service along with a positive attitude.

It is a mystery to me. It seems that as a person increases his or her responsibility or position in an organization, their ability or willingness to exercise EQ (emotional intelligence) decreases.

I don’t know much about flowers and plants, but there is one flower that I love. The rose. I have always been a fan of any variety of rose. A few years ago my wife and I decided to plant roses around our yard. We found out something really interesting.

It is a mystery to me. It seems that as a person increases his or her responsibility or position in an organization, their ability or willingness to exercise EQ (emotional intelligence) decreases.

I challenge you to try the 5 to 1 ratio in your significant relationships. Focus on speaking with authentic encouragement instead of self-centered criticism.

The question is not “if” you are creating a culture, but instead, “what kind of” culture are you creating? I once worked with an organization who had degenerated from an incredibly healthy culture to a toxic damaging one.

The residents who lived in the path of hurricane Ian will never be the same. This powerfully vicious storm devastated towns and left thousands homeless.

I was traveling recently and had two completely different experiences. While visiting a venue that offers tours for its guests, we met Jeremy and Jessica, our tour guides.

There is a reason that Kevin has developed into the man he is today. It did not happen by chance or luck. Kevin began his journey of leadership way before he became a collegiate athlete or corporate leader. His story is one of how truth, determination and perseverance still work.

I hear that phrase a lot these days. It seems to be the new “catch phrase”. Flipping the script can be a powerful way to change our behavior.

Are you a lake person? Or do you love the mountains?  We all have places that speak to our heart and soul. A wise leader told me recently, “A change in environment will change your life”. 

I write these email blogs about what I am currently seeing or experiencing in my life and leadership journey. Ten years ago, I wrote of a man named Bobby who had a complicated cancer diagnosis and how he was choosing to, in his words “live life while you can”.

My conversation with Elizabeth reminded me that there are still good young leaders in this world. Leaders who care about more than power, agendas, or prestige. Leaders who are curious, want to grow and who have a desire to help others.

In my world there are those who talk about growing and learning and then there are those who actually put action behind those words. I was talking with a seasoned executive recently who represents the ladder type of leader.