The Importance of Boundaries for Leaders

attitude focus leadership Oct 29, 2022

This past week Barry Smith and Paul Gustavson had a chance to talk about the importance of Boundaries for Leaders.  Let's face it, we get distracted.  In all the noise it can be hard to lead.  The noises come from external voices all around us, but also our own internal thoughts too.

Almost ten years ago, best-selling author and psychologist Dr. Henry Cloud wrote a revolutionary book that is still one of the top leadership reads.  He talked about the importance Attending to What Matters, Inhibiting what doesn't matter, and Maintaining Your Working Memory. 

Paul and Barry talk about some of these ideas on their recent podcast, which you can watch on YouTube or listen to wherever you go to find Top Podcasts.

Paul also shared from his new book a filter tool to help you manage the distractions.  Here's the graphic he described.

The video below reflects the discussion that Paul and Barry had on the show. ...

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The 12 Greatest Attitude Quotes of All Time

attitude leadership Oct 16, 2022

There is a great scene in the movie Remember the Titans where two teammates are in a huge disagreement. The Captain, Gary Bertier is arguing one point, and Julius Campbell counters with points of his own.  After hearing his argument, Bertier tells Julius, "that's the worst attitude I have ever heard.  Julius responds candidly.  "Attitude Reflects Leadership, Captain."  

It turns out to be a powerful pivot in the movie.  And from that conflict you begin to see an attitude shift in both these leaders that, in turn, changes the character for themselves and the whole team!

Attitude is without a doubt is a difference maker.  I truly believe it.  I could spin a whole blog to share my personal thoughts on it.  But today, I thought why not just share what I think are the 12 greatest attitude quotes of all time.   I hope these 12 quotes impact you as much as they have me.  Enjoy!

(1) "Our attitude toward life determines life’s...

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Choose the Arena

 

Words matter. Words can either breath life, or tear us down. One of the more powerful words ever spoken was an excerpt from a Teddy Roosevelt speech titled Citizenship in a Republic that he gave in Paris, France in April 1910.

Perhaps you are familiar with it. Even if it is, I encourage you to read it again as if it’s the first time.

"It is not the critic who counts;
it’s not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles
or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,
whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood;

who strives valiantly;
who errs, who comes short again and again,
because there is no effort without error and shortcoming;

but who does actually strive to do the deeds;
who knows great enthusiasms,
the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause;
who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement,
and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring...

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Books to Lead - Leaders Eat Last

book brain leadership Nov 04, 2021

On the Breaking Average Podcast, we unpack a revolutionary book that has more impact now, then when it was first written.  It's Simon Sinek's book Leaders Eat Last. 

Join Paul and Rick as they share great insights from this book.  Also included below are some helpful resources to further unpack the book and podcast.   

We encourage to check out all the resources and online classes that Simon and his team offer by visiting their web site at SimonSinek.com.

We have a few resources inspired from the book that are highlighted below to help you unpack this even further.

This first view  reflects the goals of a good leader.   The desire is to create a circle a circle of safety with those in our care.  This is important component to breaking averaging.

This next view gives you a glimpse of the power of our neurotransmitters in creating this "circle of safety."   What we need to watch for our is the...

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Books to Lead - "7 Habits of Highly Effective People"

growth habits leadership Oct 21, 2021

Paul and Rick crack open the top books on leadership and life on the Breaking Average Podcast. For this week's episode the book in the spotlight is a classic, "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" written by the legendary Steven Covey

You're going to love this episode. 

 
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Remembering Steve Jobs

It's been 10 years since we lost a great one.   Someone who has impact the lives of almost everyone of us -- and this is true whether you are an apple fan or not. 

 
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Books to Lead - "Adversaries into Allies"

books leadership podcast Sep 30, 2021

We continue another amazing discussion on "Books to Lead" on the Breaking Average Podcast. This week Rick Morris and Paul dive into a book that has all the makings of a classic.  It's Bob Burg's book "Adversaries into Allies". 

Rick and'PaulI share our favorite insights, and how it can be used to connect with others. We know you're going to enjoy this podcast and love this book.  Enjoy!

Let us know how much you love this book by sharing a comment below.

 
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Football Legends on Leadership

attitude leadership winning Sep 25, 2021

One of my favorite movie scenes is this clip from the movie Rudy.  I love how the players and fans rally to influence the coach to put Rudy in the game.  And I love how he leads with heart and tenacity.  It's how we should all live.

If you are a fan of leadership, then you ought to be a fan of football. Seriously!  While football may just be a game to most, there are many parallels to what it takes to live and lead effectively at home and in business;  especially college or playoff football. Football at that level reflects all the critical elements of leadership.  Consider you can find many of John Maxwell's 21 Laws of Leadership exemplified in a top 20 or playoff football team.  You'll see the law of the lid, the law of momentum, the law of teamwork, and so many more.

For many, the best part of football on the calendar is not just the Super Bowl, but college bowl games and the playoffs for the teams trying to go...

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Books to Lead - "Boundaries for Leaders"

books leadership podcast Sep 23, 2021

We continue our amazing discussions on "Books to Lead" on the Breaking Average Podcast. This week it's Boundaries for Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud. 

Rick Morris and I share our favorite insights, and how it can be used to guide you and your team.  Why?  Because you are a leader, and "you are ridiculously in charge."  Don't let your leadership opportunity fall short of what it could be. Those relationships and your leadership -- they matter!

We know you're going to love this book (and our podcast).  If you've read it before -- it might be time to read it again!

Let us know how much you love this book by sharing a comment below.

 
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Books To Lead - "First, Break All the Rules"

books leadership podcast Sep 16, 2021

We have a phenomenal new series we just started titled "Books to Lead" on the Breaking Average Podcast. You don't want to miss a single episode. 

Rick Morris and I crack open the top books on leadership and life. For this week's episode the book in the spotlight is First, Break All The Rules, originally written by Marcus Buckingham.

We think you're going to love this. 

 
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If you have a passion  for personal growth or leadership, then let's stay connected.  Occasionally, but not too often. I'll share helpful information and useful resources to encourage those on the breaking average journey.