Growing up, we only had three TV channels at home and no air conditioning. What else was there to do but spend my summers at the local library next to the city park? The library was safe, cool in the summer and a great place to escape. And the librarian, Frieda Sweet, always had a great book recommendation for me. I spent my summers reading books like Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island and Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki and experienced an overwhelming sense of … [Read more...]
The Most Powerful Force for Change is a Well-Paying Job
The most powerful force for change is a well-paying job. I remember the first time that idea really struck me. I was 20 years old running a group of small businesses in my hometown of Ozark, Missouri and realized that none of my friends who were away at college could come home; there simply weren’t any jobs available for them. If you left to attend college, there was little or no opportunity for you to return. I didn’t know what to do about it or who to blame, but I knew something had to … [Read more...]
Advice For My 18-Year-Old Self
Two weeks ago, my wife Lyn and I flew to Dallas with our only daughter, Kelsey, to do all of the things needed to help her prepare for her freshman year of college. While we were busy visiting the dorms, registering for classes, buying the obligatory sweatshirt and meeting her future roommate, I started to reflect on what kind of advice I could give her that she might listen to; the kind of advice she would truly to take to heart. Thinking back to the kind of advice I wish someone had given me … [Read more...]
What Makes A Great Leader? Part 2.
Earlier this week I set out to share the characteristics that I’ve observed in great leaders throughout my career. If you missed it, here is a link to read Part 1. I strongly believe that by adopting one of these traits into your life each week that you will begin to see a change in yourself and those around you. Leaders that possess these traits truly have what it takes to change the world. Leaders Treat Everyone With Respect. They understand that their behavior is always being watched and … [Read more...]
What Makes A Great Leader? Part 1.
Throughout my career, I have been blessed to work with some of the nation’s most respected leaders. Through these relationships, I have observed the many traits they possess that make up the foundation of their many successes. The following list provides a high standard for all those desiring to serve in a leadership capacity. Leaders Make No Excuses About Failures. Leaders learn, overcome and succeed. No one cares about an excuse; they only want to know what was learned and how the lesson, … [Read more...]