Inspirational Entrepreneurs

Last week we had 18 local entrepreneurs graduate from the Seattle Small Business Administration Emerging Leaders program. Each one of the business owners created a strategic plan for their business that will carry them to 2020 and beyond. For seven months they attended classes and … Read more

A “Hell No” Moment

When trying to define what our individual values are, there are three things I have found helpful. First, there are those pivotal stories that make up our foundation – the stories that “define” a moment for us. These stories are ones we remember as instrumental … Read more

Leader as Culture Strategist

As Kathleen Hogan of Microsoft recently wrote, “culture is a hot topic” these days. It’s hot because there is finally a realization that culture matters to the success or failure of an organization. When we talk about success or failure it is almost always tied … Read more

Leadership Starts with Listening

Today a lot of people are talking, but few are listening. Leadership begins with listening. If a leader starts by talking, how does he or she know if they are addressing the right problem? The right audience? Have they devised the right solution? Many leaders … Read more

Good Leaders Stand Up for Values

Last week, the Air Force Academy superintendent took a powerful stance for leadership, for values, and was an example of what good leaders do. Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria told the recruits that if they could not treat someone with dignity and respect they should “get … Read more

Disagreement Is Not Bad

In today’s workplace, not to mention our political environment, it’s becoming harder and harder to disagree with someone and still work together. It’s as if we can’t coexist with differing points-of-view anymore and the attitude seems to be “if you’re not with me, you’re against … Read more