What the Oregon Trail Taught Me About Leadership
Readers of a certain age likely have core memories of The Oregon Trail, an educational video game aiming to teach 1980s school children about the harsh realities of pioneer life. Well, I decided to play the game again as an adult. Here’s what I learned about being a good leader…and avoiding dying of dysentery.
Masters of the Air
On this Memorial Day, please join me in taking a moment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country — and for their families who still mourn their loss.
When You Feel Like Giving Up
After one of my worst golf games in recent memory, I seriously considered “retiring” from any kind of semi-competitive golf. But after praying on the situation, I realized that the price of NOT playing may be higher than I’m willing to pay. After all, the battle is where the growth comes.
The Upside of Not Sleeping
If you’re like me, you occasionally (or sometimes more than occasionally) find yourself lying awake in bed in the middle of the night, your mind racing when it should be resting. The next time that happens, use that time to check in on yourself as a leader.
What Do You See?
I’m a firm believer that what we focus on grows. So what we choose to see in our lives has an impact on what we get more of. Do you see the miserable grump in the checkout line ahead of you, or the fallible human in need of compassion and encouragement? Do you see the mistake your partner just made, or their vast goodness? This week, I challenge you to challenge yourself: what do you see?
Searching for Light After Darkness
As we celebrate Easter, I ponder the question: Can there be light after darkness? During the darkest times in our lives, it seems nearly impossible. But I believe in a Creator who makes the darkness disappear.
Chris Chelios: The Ideal Team Player
Earlier this year, my son Ben and I attended the jersey retirement ceremony for Blackhawks hockey great Chris Chelios. And in all my years of admiring the man, I never admired him more than that night. Here’s why I think Chelios epitomizes the ideal team player, and what leaders can learn about humility, hunger, and smarts.
Dear Grandpa 2024
My late grandpa’s birthday was in March. And every March, I take a moment to reflect on his amazing life, the man he was, and the valuable lessons he taught me.
Why Sleep is a Leadership Secret Weapon
If you’re like I used to be, you see sleep as a luxury, something you try to get a bit more of when you’re feeling sick or taxed but otherwise something you don’t pay a whole lot of attention to. But after a lifetime of viewing sleep as a “supplement” I’ve finally figured out that isn’t good enough. Here’s why I’m prioritizing sleep in 2024, and the early gains I’ve already been able to achieve.
Gaining Clarity: My Six Focus Areas
Last year, I attended the Path for Growth leadership experience, and much of the content focused on the importance of leaders gaining clarity on the areas where they focus their time and energy. Here, I share the six areas I determined are most important for me, and challenge you to find your own.