7 Ingredients To Be A Great Leader

7 Ingredients for Being a Great Leader

“An effective captain guides their crew from a position of authority, but a remarkable leader ignites the fire within each team member and leads from the heart.”. D. Arnold

Finding amazing leaders is tough!

I identified seven key elements that make outstanding leaders truly remarkable.

When you exude passion, it becomes contagious, positively influencing those around you. The stronger your passion for your work, the more effective and productive you become. Your enthusiasm becomes an inspiration, motivating others to emulate your drive and commitment.

“People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.” –John C. Maxwell

Perseverance is a key ingredient for becoming an outstanding leader. Imagine if Moses had thrown in the towel when Pharaoh refused to release the Israelites after the sixth plague. It’s a reminder that staying resilient in the face of challenges can lead to remarkable outcomes.

Imagine this scenario: you’re attempting to split a stone, and after striking it 101 times, the stone finally gives way, revealing a massive golden nugget. Now, consider what would have happened if you had given up on swings 99 or 100. This highlights the importance of persistence; sometimes success is just a swing away.

Guiding a ship is a breeze when the sea is calm. This ancient wisdom from Publilius Syrus reminds us that true leadership shines in the face of challenges, much like steering a ship through turbulent waters.

Embracing compassion is a vital trait for exceptional leadership. It goes beyond the role, connecting you with your team on a deeper level.

Being compassionate is like having a superpower for leaders. It helps you really understand and appreciate the sacrifices your team makes. It’s the special ingredient that brings everyone together.

“Give your full attention when people speak.” –Ernest Hemingway

Empathy is the companion of compassion. Without it, you can never reach the pinnacle of greatness in leadership.

Leaders don’t cause suffering; they share the burdens of pain.” –Max Depree

“The Little Things That Matter: Many ‘bosses’ seem to overlook the significance of small gestures.”

“Simple acts like recalling birthdays, work anniversaries, and other personal milestones can make a significant impact.”

“Prioritize the small details; they can make a big difference in building strong connections and fostering a positive environment.”

“A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame and a little less than his share of the credit.” –Arnold Glasow

Becoming a Great Leader by Putting Others First To be an excellent leader, it’s crucial to focus on others. When you prioritize the needs and goals of those around you, it not only defines great leadership but also makes your leadership more effective and engaging. Putting others first creates an environment where teamwork, understanding, and shared success thrive, making you a standout leader.

When we’re moving up in our careers, we often forget to consider others.

Caught up in our own tasks, we often lose sight of the people around us and their needs.

“Boosting others’ worth begins with recognizing and appreciating their value first.” -John Maxwell

Having a moral compass is like having a north star. It guides you in making the right choices and keeps you on the ethical path.

“A leader’s excellence shines through the standards they set for themselves.” – Ray Kroc

Endurance and perseverance go hand in hand. Endurance is about pushing through when tired, while perseverance is finding ways to refresh yourself and the team when a project gets boring. It’s the key to overcoming challenges and achieving lasting success.

“A leader is someone you trust enough to follow to new places you might not go on your own.” – Joel Barker

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘Trust as a leader‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at RealDanGreer.com.

Accepting Recognition

Accepting Recognition

“People usually work for money, but they often put in extra effort when they get recognized, praised, or rewarded.” — Dale Carnegie

One thing I struggle with is acknowledging when I’ve done well and deserve some recognition.

You might be wondering, “Why wouldn’t you take credit for what you’ve earned?” Well, it’s not that I refuse to accept recognition; I just don’t always make it known when I deserve some acknowledgment.

I’ve never been great at talking about my own achievements. It’s just not my style. I know it’s different from what most people do—they often take credit for things they didn’t really do. But I’ve always tried to avoid that. The thing is, by not bragging, I sometimes miss out on the recognition I deserve for what I’ve actually accomplished. 

In a recent meeting with my new manager, they asked, “What do you do when you travel?” My response was straightforward: “I chat with the drivers about their work hours and figure out the challenges they’re facing. This way, I can understand the actual problems we’re dealing with out in the field.”

What I really meant to say was, “When I travel, I make an effort to connect with each driver, understanding their worries and finding ways to assist. Spending time with them on-site helps me see firsthand the challenges they face with rules and policies. I prefer involving the field employees in brainstorming solutions to the issues we uncover. Once we’ve got a few ideas, I bring them up in a laid-back meeting with the division managers.” 

While I’m out in the field, I use the time to provide important training for the drivers. I cover essential things like Hours of Service, Telogis, and other DOT-related information that they might not be aware of.

When I’m out in the field, I get to check out their equipment and how well they maintain it. If there are any problems, I deal with them right there on the job site. I’ve come across various issues, from serious ones like employees driving company vehicles without authorization to simpler things. Without visiting these job sites, we wouldn’t have caught these problems until law enforcement stepped in.

Lastly, I make an effort to build relationships. It pays off because when I need something from that division in the future, they’re more likely to lend a hand. Plus, if they have

questions, they’re more inclined to give me a call. These are just a few things on my checklist when I’m on the road.

Which answer do you prefer? Definitely the second one! It explains exactly what I’m doing and what I’m trying to achieve when I’m out there. It gives me the credit I deserve for what’s really happening.

Why didn’t I mention that in the meeting? Who knows. The important thing now is figuring out how to solve the problem. I’ve started using these 5 simple steps to help me out.

I make it a habit to pray before, during, and after my conversations. Asking God for guidance in my talks has made a huge difference. Instead of regretting what I didn’t say after a conversation, I now feel confident that it went just the way it was supposed to. 

Practice genuine listening. I’ve been working on this for a while. Often, when someone speaks, we’re just thinking about our reply. My suggestion is to hear the entire question, take a deep breath, and then respond. If I try to form my answer while they’re still talking, I might miss a crucial part of the question. Plus, they might be acknowledging something I’ve done, and I could miss it if I’m not really tuned in.

Pause and take a deep breath. I do this before answering a question. It helps me organize my thoughts and make sure I give myself the credit I deserve. 

Keep it real. I never exaggerate my answers. If I’m not doing something, I won’t pretend I am. But if I am, I will make sure to share all the details.

Share it all. Even if I think it’s not a big deal, I still mention it. That tiny detail could be what makes me stand out from my colleagues. Better yet, it might inspire a great idea in someone on the team.

Own your achievements without being boastful. It doesn’t mean you brag all the time or take over every meeting to showcase every little detail. When asked, don’t shy away from the truth. You might be surprised at how much recognition you already have from what others have seen you achieve. Remember, you’re not THE team; you’re a crucial part of the team!

Thanks

Have a Blessed Day 

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Trusting God’s Guidance Every Step of the Way” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Balancing work, family and fun

Balancing Work, Family, and Fun

Every individual is unique, and I want to emphasize that what worked for us may not be a universal solution. However, I’d like to share our approach, which successfully sustained us for over five years.

Countless blogs, articles, podcasts, and books delve into the topic of mastering the art of balancing work, home, and leisure. However, our approach to achieving harmony in all aspects of life differs. We advocate for surrendering it to a higher power, emphasizing the importance of entrusting everything to God. While it may sound simple, uttering a quick prayer like, “God, please help me balance all that you have bestowed upon me,” the real challenge lies in genuinely relinquishing control.

Personally, I find myself willing to surrender to God, yet there’s a subtle thread of control, like a small line of floss tethered to it. In moments when things aren’t going as I wish, I give it a slight tug, reclaiming control of the balance.

Let me begin by highlighting that I’ve been on the road 50–75% of the time for the past 3.5 years in my previous job. But let’s rewind even further. Exactly six months before my role transitioned at my last “job,” my wife and I declined six travel opportunities as they would have required us to be apart. At that point, we had been happily married for 11 years, having spent less than three nights apart since our wedding.

It’s worth noting that those rare three nights without each other were challenging. In fact, what was initially meant to be a five-night separation was cut short when my wife, unable to bear the distance, pulled our kids out of school and drove eight hours two days early to be with me.

Perhaps, when we turned down those opportunities for free travel and the chance to positively impact the youth, God decided to play a little trick on us, thinking, “Watch this; you’re in for a period of togetherness.” Sure enough, not six months later, my role at work changed, and I was “encouraged” to start traveling if I wanted to retain my job. Initially, it was meant to be a single company tour, but it eventually evolved into a 50–75% travel commitment over the next 3.5 years.

Now, don’t misunderstand us; we’re not complaining in the slightest. I’ve genuinely relished my time spent traveling. There’s a certain allure to the attention that comes with it—everyone asking, “Where are you off to this week?” People would marvel at my lifestyle, expressing envy and saying, “I wish I had a job like that.” Despite the enjoyment of exploring new places and reconnecting with “friends” (colleagues), the regularity of leaving my family every other week became a bittersweet routine.

The kids and even the dog adapted to it, but my wife never quite adjusted to the new routine. Understandably so, as she was left managing our four kids, tending to the milk cows, chickens, horses, dogs, cats, PTO duties, school volunteering, chauffeuring the kids to various activities like lacrosse, acting, gymnastics, orchestra, doctor appointments, and handling the grocery shopping—all on her own. It’s no mystery why she despised it every time I headed out of town.

The strain on our marriage was undeniable at times. During those challenging moments, we’d eventually bow our heads to our hearts and seek guidance from God. 

We’d like to share some time management practices that guided us toward a more fulfilling lifestyle. While we can’t guarantee they’ll work for everyone, they made a significant difference for us. To ensure each of our children felt special, we began allocating specific times to spend individually with them, engaging in activities they enjoyed—whether it was hunting, going out to lunch, playing video games, or having a Nerf gun war.

Recognizing the uniqueness of each child was key. Additionally, we embraced weekend camping as a family activity. Upon arriving home on Fridays, Jenna would have the truck packed and ready to go. We’d venture off to explore national parks or mountains, set up our tent, and enjoy a day of relaxation.

Another crucial aspect was dedicating time every weekend to a family activity. This could range from playing board games to simply watching a family movie together. By prioritizing both collective and individual moments with our family, we found a balance that worked for us.

As mentioned earlier, frequent travel posed challenges to our marriage. I willingly accept full responsibility for every argument, all the emotional strain, and any disrespect that occurred during those periods. Both of us found ourselves erecting emotional barriers, a means of distancing from each other to alleviate the pain of separation each time I left.

The pattern emerged where we’d have a wonderful Friday and Saturday, but come Sunday afternoon, we’d begin the process of emotional distancing to mitigate the impending departure pain.

Our solution? We decided to invest more time in the evenings, primarily through meaningful conversations. Yes, talking played a crucial role (not what you were expecting, perhaps). We identified TV shows to watch together, cherishing the moments of closeness as we enjoyed the episodes.

Reading books, especially those on improving marital bonds like “The Five Love Languages,” proved to be transformative beyond our expectations. Gradually, we transitioned from distancing ourselves to embracing the time we had together. Our focus shifted towards living for each other, fostering a deeper connection in our marriage.

We took deliberate steps to prioritize our lives, a task that may sound simple but is, in fact, quite challenging. Here’s a quick exercise for you: identify the 3–4 most crucial elements in your life, then prioritize them. For me, it’s God, family, and work. Now, take a moment to reflect—are you currently living in alignment with these priorities? I found that I wasn’t; work had inadvertently taken precedence over God and family.

To realign my priorities, I set specific goals and took actionable steps. I began waking up 30 minutes earlier every day, utilizing that time for scripture reading and prayer. Additionally, I made a conscious effort to schedule work around family commitments. When faced with requests from my boss to be at a particular location, I communicated that, while I was willing to comply, it would need to be a brief trip or postponed by a week to prioritize my family. This shift in focus marked a significant change.

It’s worth acknowledging the incredible understanding and support of my wife on this journey. I recall a regrettable incident last year when I missed her birthday due to work obligations, a situation where my priorities were clearly misguided. She, being the amazing person she is, never complained, but I recognize now that I should never have placed her in such a position.

The key message here is to assure you that it’s okay if your current life doesn’t perfectly align with your priorities. What’s crucial is recognizing this misalignment and taking proactive steps to address it. While you can always find ways to make more money, the irreplaceable moments spent with your kids, wife, and connection with God are priceless and cannot be reclaimed. Don’t postpone aligning your life with your true priorities; time is a resource you can’t regain once it’s lost.
I want to pause for a moment and acknowledge God, giving full credit for everything that has transpired in my life. He is the very reason for my existence. Furthermore, I recognize that the challenges and experiences I went through in a particular season of my life happened for a purpose. There’s a lesson embedded in those moments, and I believe God guided me through them so that I could learn and, in turn, be of assistance to others.

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “It’s impossible to serve God and Money!“. Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Be a Positive Leader

Be a Positive Leader

Being negative affects everything and everyone nearby.

Reflect on the last instance when you were in the company of someone exceedingly negative—someone who had nothing positive to contribute, consistently spoke ill of others, and failed to find a positive perspective in any situation.

If you hung out with them a lot, did it make it hard for you to see the good in things? You might have even stopped finding any positives.

Their negativity affected you. 

It’s important to stay positive when your leader is significant. Your attitude affects everyone else’s attitude around you.

Once, I had a boss who wasn’t much of a leader. All he did was say bad things about the other departments in our company. He kept talking about how he would do things better if he were in their position or how they didn’t know what they were doing. He never had anything good to say about anything. 

I was working from home. I didn’t get to be around much, and my attitude stayed the same. But the other guys on my team changed their attitude a lot.

In less than three months, I saw them change from people who sometimes looked for the positive side to people who never saw the positive side.

After the attitude change, they started acting like they were better than everyone else.

The leader affected them simply by being positive, and through his actions, he made them see the whole company differently.

The main idea is that, as a leader, your attitude is really important. Begin the day on a positive note, focus on the good side of things, be supportive, be respectful, and help others see the brighter side of any situation.

Have you ever considered getting a coach to help your leaders improve? We can assist with that. Send us a message today to check if your company qualifies for our hot seat leadership program. We’re only offering this to 10 individuals.

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Macro Leadership!”. Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Be Thankful

Be Thankful

“Make it a habit to be thankful for every good thing that happens to you, and keep expressing gratitude consistently. Since everything has played a part in your progress, remember to be grateful for all of it.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

It’s not always easy to be thankful! 

We had a family friend visit us recently. They’re great, and we have a lot of fun when they’re here.

Sometimes, I forget why they visit.

It’s not just for the cool adventures we have, like visiting over 15 national parks and numerous state parks across the country.

It’s not because they need a break from work and have nowhere else to go.

It’s because they want to see us and spend time together. 

They see us as family. Sometimes, I forget that.

I forget that they’re not just here for an adventure. I don’t always appreciate that they made the effort to come and see us. 

Instead, it sometimes feels like they’re taking advantage of us. It seems like they’re relying on us to cover all the expenses. 

I often lose my gratitude for the busyness. It happens to me a lot. 

I sometimes forget the actual reason we’re doing something and get caught up in things that don’t really matter. 

My caring wife often reminds me to be grateful for what we have and where we are.

It’s not always easy to be thankful. In fact, it’s much easier to focus on the negative side of everything. That’s what the devil wants us to do.

He wants us to feel sad and angry. That’s when he succeeds. Honestly, I let him win too much. 

Today, I want to encourage everyone to see the good side of the situation they’re in. 

If you’re super busy, be thankful for having lots to do. If you’re traveling a lot, be grateful for having the means to go.

If you’re thinking about starting a business, be grateful for the chance to do it. 

If you recently left a bad relationship, whether at work or personally, be glad you’re not there anymore. I could keep giving examples, but I think you understand the idea.

Be thankful for where you are; God placed you here for a reason. He put the people around you for a reason, and He gave you those ideas for a reason too.

You’re awesome, amazing, and destined for success. Be part of the 1% who are always happy and grateful for where they are.

I didn’t say it would be easy, but you can do it. Try to find the positive side of every situation as soon as you can.

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at Blessings All Around Us. Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Be Uniquely You, No matter what!

Be uniquely you, no matter what.

No matter the situation, always be yourself.

There’s something special about people who stick to their true morals no matter what’s happening. It’s not always the easiest thing to do, and I speak from my own experiences. In the past, I used to be a “yes man.” If the boss wanted something done, I’d just go ahead and do it exactly how they wanted.

Even if they gave me a tight deadline, I’d work late to finish the project on time, even if it meant working extra hours. (Sound familiar?) Let me tell you where this got me—nowhere. I never got a promotion, didn’t get the chance to spend more time with my family, and didn’t even get extra pay because I was on salary.

I’ve changed my approach to things, and it’s working well for me. Now, when a manager tells me, “I need this done this way,” and I can see an easier way to do it, I ask why it has to be done exactly their way. If their answer is usually, “Because I want it done this way,” I start looking for a new job while finishing the project the easier way.

Life is too short to spend every moment doing things you don’t want to do or doing them in an old-fashioned way just because the boss prefers it. I don’t let myself stay in those situations for too long; I start exploring my options right away.

Here’s what I’ve noticed since trying these new approaches: Every good leader says, “Great thinking; I loved how you handled this situation,” or “Great job; how did you get it done so quickly? It would have taken me twice as long.

I’ve also had some “bosses” (a boss is not a leader, but that’s for a different blog, lol) scold me, saying, “Why didn’t you do this exactly the way I told you to?” and “What makes you think that you are so smart? You must feel like you deserve my job.” I don’t want to spend much time around these types of people. To be really honest, they are more likely than not to be threatened by having you work under them. I can’t help them grow, and they definitely can’t help me grow.

So, what are you waiting for? Take control of your situation. Stop riding the train; it’s headed to the same destination as everyone else on it. Jump out of that train and walk the path to true success. It might take a bit longer, and it might be a bit tougher. But in the end, you’ll be so much happier throughout the entire journey. It’s not about how fast we can get to the final destination; it’s about the experiences that shape us along the way.

God has a plan for every single person on this earth. We were all put here for a reason, and it wasn’t by accident. He took time to design us as individuals and cared for each and every one of us. The Bible proves this in several verses. He explains this in Luke 12:6-7: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” He also talks about it in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God knew us even before we were born. He knew who we were and what he wanted us to do. We each have different purposes, and I’m grateful for that every day. I’ve decided to take the less-traveled path, understanding that every challenge God helps me overcome is making me into the person he wants me to be. I believe everything happens for us, not to us. I trust that God is in control, and I find comfort in knowing, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Stay strong, and understand that every part of our lives has a purpose. God is making us better every day. In the comments, share how you handle similar situations. God is always great. Stay strong and be yourself until we talk again.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘WORKING JUST WORK‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at EclipseDOT.com

Being a leader when you are NOT in charge

Being a leader when you are not in charge

Some of the best leaders I’ve met haven’t been managers or in charge of others.

They know how to encourage and inspire people, even if they don’t have official power.

Now, let’s discuss Dean Graziosi. Dean is someone who inspires and leads others. His goal is to assist people in the self-improvement field.

He understands how crucial it is for people to be in charge of their own development.

He doesn’t have official power over anyone, but he still guides many to success. I’ve been in a similar situation multiple times.

I don’t have control over people, but I get to assist them in making sure they follow federal rules. 

Using fear doesn’t really help in this situation. Instead, I can convince them why it’s important for them to follow the rules.

I can make them believe it’s their choice.

You know, great leaders don’t require acknowledgment for their actions; they don’t need to be in control, and they don’t need power over others.

Now, let’s talk about Christ. He gathered 12 strangers and didn’t question what they were up to. Instead, he simply said, “Come follow me, and I will teach you to bring people closer.” 

He was a leader. He guided them, and he still guides us today.

We encourage you to step into a role where you’re not in charge and be a leader today. If you’re already in charge, take note of the leaders working alongside you and for you.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘TRUST AS A LEADER‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at EclipseDOT.com

Being nice can get you what you want

Being nice can get you what you want

Hey everyone, it’s me, Dan Greer, coming into your life from the sunny backyard of our cozy vacation spot just outside Dallas, Texas. We’re on the job, handling the task of moving more than 230 titles after a recent company merger. And the cool part? We’re making business seem enjoyable!

Today is the start of our Lone Star journey, and I’ve got a special trick for success called “Introduction Day.” It’s when we dive in, meet the important people, and make sure everything runs as smoothly as a Texan two-step.

I’ve been through a lot, and here’s the key advice I’ve found: Spend time connecting with people who can make things happen, and your journey will become much easier.

We set our alarms early and strolled into the office a whole ten minutes before our planned time because, let’s be honest, being on time is my thing. Without wasting any time, we jumped right into the work. Why? We’d already had a chat with the important people in the company.

Here’s a helpful tip: When you have a goal, don’t waste time. Show that you’re fully committed to getting the job done quickly. It’s not just about respecting their time; it’s about showing you’re serious about your work.

After preparing a good bunch of around 25 titles, we headed to the vehicle registration office. But hang on, folks; we took a scenic detour and ended up at the wrong office not once, but twice! It’s a classic mix-up, isn’t it?

But sticking with it really works. Eventually, we hit success, waited in line, chatted casually with the clerks, and smiled warmly. That’s when we met Mrs. Stacy, the expert on handling batches of titles.

Guess what? She said, “Oh, we’re not new to these titles. We’ve done this dance before!”

I thought everything would be easy, but Mrs. Stacy surprised me. She said, “Yep, someone tried this a while back, but the paperwork was messier than a rolling weed in a dusty storm, and there are taxes to deal with.”

You could see she was a bit worried, thinking we might be up to something tricky. So, I used my big smile to calm her down. I told her we just wanted to make things easier for them and needed some help to finish the task.

Mrs. Stacy called the boss, and they joined in, using a bright red marker. They marked our papers with a lot of energy, like rounding up cattle, and said, “Here’s what needs fixing!”

I asked a couple more questions, still smiling a lot, and bit by bit, Mrs. Stacy became friendlier. She said, “Here’s what’s really going on. If you make these changes, we can work together on this. Just a few fixes, and we’ll be on the same page.” 

“Great! Can I come by later today with a few things for you to check, so we can keep this big party going?”

“Sure, we’d love to help you get things on track. Thanks for being easy to work with!” We gave one more smile and said goodbye, promising to come back for another round of “Super Bros. Smash Party.’ (You know I love a good laugh.)

The next time I walked in, I waved at the lady behind the counter. She stopped what she was doing and gave me a really cheerful wave back. It wasn’t just a regular wave-like, “Oh great, he’s back.” It was more like, “Hi friend, so happy to see you again!”

I waited patiently for her to finish helping another customer. While waiting, I chatted casually with her colleagues. When she was finally free, we had a good conversation. She was really friendly and even asked me some personal questions. I answered with a big, sincere smile.

She looked closely at my papers and said, “I just need one more sheet for this. Can you get it?”

“Let me check really fast. Can I step away for a quick call?” “Sure, take your time, and I’ll be here to help.”

I called, got the form, and asked if I could email it. She kindly gave me her work email, and I sent it right away. 

She said, “Come back this afternoon, and we’ll take care of everything for you.”

So, we rushed back to the office, working late into the night to prepare the remaining 200 titles for the big showdown. Now, you might be wondering, “Dan, this is an exciting story, but why be kind to others to get what you need?” Well, my dear readers, it’s all about understanding the unspoken messages.

We walked into a tough situation where people were upset, like the feeling you get from a Texas sunset. By just being really nice to everyone on that important first day, we got almost everyone on our side, ready to grab success.

The key here is being real. If you’re fake or give fake compliments, you’re as lost as a tumbleweed in the desert. It has to be genuine. As I sit here thinking about the day, I’m truly amazed by what we achieved just by being kind and giving honest compliments.

Here’s the important thing to remember today: Be nice and give real compliments. I guarantee you can find at least ten kind things to spread around you today. Heck, on most days, I can do that in about ten seconds!

In conclusion, let me share this: Initially, we had planned a three-week stay in Dallas to complete this project. But, thanks to our actions and the way we harmonized with others, we wrapped it up in less than two weeks!

To wrap it all up, we don’t take credit for that; we tip our Stetsons to the Big Guy upstairs. Without His guidance, this wouldn’t have been achievable. We recognize He’s the reason for everything, the beacon lighting our path.

So, my friends, wrapping it all up, I’m signing off with this message: Attribute all the good in your life to God. Catch you on the flip side!

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “How Being Nice Can Get You What You Want” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Bosses are not leaders, but leaders can be bosses

Bosses Are Not Leaders But Leaders Can Be Bosses

Not everyone starts as a leader, but with some effort, anyone can become a great leader!

We’ve all had jobs where it seemed pointless and our work didn’t feel important. The boss would stay in their office, maybe sending a couple of emails about projects. You rarely heard from them, and when you did, it wasn’t clear what they wanted.
 
Just being a boss doesn’t make someone a leader. Leaders have certain qualities that many bosses may not possess. What does a supervisor need to do to be a true leader?
 

Leaders need to be good at teaching.

First and foremost, leaders must be teachers. A teacher’s role is to educate and bring out the best in their students. Good teachers don’t just sit and tell the students what to do; they show examples, walk around the class to help students, and are firm when needed.
 
Teachers communicate to make sure students understand the concepts or projects they’re working on. After someone finishes their work, teachers evaluate it. When grading, they don’t insult or give up on the students; instead, they provide constructive criticism and help them improve.
 

Our strength is determined by the strength of our weakest link. 

Leaders should always follow the idea that “we are only as strong as our weakest link.” What does this mean? It means that your team, group, office, or company is only as strong as its least strong member. Leaders should be humble when they make a mistake or someone on the team does. Leaders don’t blame others because they are the teachers; it’s their job to ensure everyone understands what needs to be done.
 
Then, the leader checks everyone’s work to ensure it is done properly. If someone makes a mistake, they don’t yell or criticize; they explain where the mistake was made and how to fix it. This should be done privately, not in front of others. Everyone’s morale is crucial; no one should feel degraded. People should feel inspired and proud of their work. Leaders must be committed to providing everything people need to succeed.
 

Integrity

We’ve all heard the word “integrity” before. I remember that in high school, they always talked about it. Back then, I didn’t think much about it, but it turns out that to be a good leader, you need integrity. A leader is honest not only with the people they lead but with everyone. Keeping secrets can affect others’ morals a lot. If there’s a problem with someone’s work, a great leader will tell them, not in a mean way but in a helpful and teaching way.
 
There’s a saying, “A great leader can tell you to go to hell in a way that you actually look forward to the trip.” Also, it’s important to be fair to everyone, not playing favorites or leaving some behind. You shouldn’t embarrass anyone in front of everyone. Instead, you need to encourage unity and teamwork.


Leaders can be found in people of all sizes.

 
Leaders can be of various shapes, sizes, and personalities, just like the people they lead. They must understand the individuals they lead, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses. This helps in placing them in positions where they can succeed.
 
Leaders have to make tough decisions, but true leaders are confident in their choices. Even if they make a mistake, they shouldn’t let it discourage them; instead, they believe the situation can be fixed, and they’ll do better next time.
 
They need to be creative in finding solutions because what worked in the past might not always work. Leaders can have different ideas on how to succeed; there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
 
To be a boss and a leader, you need to know your purpose, and it’s not just sitting in an office and sending emails. The real purpose is to bring out the best in your team, teach them to be their best, inspire hard work, instill pride in what they do, and promote teamwork. To be a great leader, you must have integrity, commitment, good communication skills, accountability, and confidence in your decisions.
 
A boss truly becomes a leader when they do all these things. If you follow these principles, you’re sure to succeed and bring out the best in your employees.
 
Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Macro Leadership” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Break out of the office and get some ACTUAL work done

Break out of the office and get some actual work done.

You can work from any place; the challenge is convincing the boss to allow it!

Today, I did a lot of work at the office on my computer. I left early to take my son to lacrosse practice. Now, I’m chilling on the grass, enjoying the nice weather. I overheard other parents talking about their busy jobs and plans for promotions. It feels like we’re all in this together—juggling work and family, sharing experiences, and dreaming big. It’s a mix of personal and work life, creating a friendly atmosphere as we go about our daily routines.

Excited for the lifestyle shift ahead, I treasure the freedom to work anywhere, anytime. Curious, though—why does the corporate world cling to the notion of mandatory offices? Embracing change sparks my enthusiasm as I anticipate the liberating journey toward flexible and location-independent work.

The idea that you must be in the office to get things done is as old-fashioned as payphones, which most managers thought were cool when they were kids. To keep good employees and ensure their happiness, you need to be more flexible and trust them to do their best work. Let your employees choose when and where they work, as long as they finish their tasks.

Start by letting a group of interested people work from home three days a week. Don’t constantly monitor them. Evaluate their performance based on both the amount and quality of their work. When employees feel trusted and have some freedom, their creativity, quality of work, and even productivity tend to increase.

I know there are many arguments about how some people believe you can only be productive by working in the office. They think being watched by the manager or having coworkers around makes you get more work done. Some even feel superior because they’re in the office from 8-5. But all these ideas can be proven wrong with good leadership.

The new generations don’t want a traditional 8-5 “job.” They prefer a flexible workplace where they can attend appointments in the middle of the day and make up for it by working later in the evening.

Let’s discuss the various generations from my perspective. It’s okay if you don’t agree. One of the great things about where we live is that we can have different opinions and still get along. Baby boomers prefer working from 8 to 5 every day with a one-hour lunch break. They believe that this time should be spent in the office or at the workplace. If you’re on a salary, you’re expected to work at least 50 hours a week. If you’re the boss, you should arrive before any employees and stay later than everyone else to set a good example. It’s important to note that when this generation graduated high school, the 8-track was considered really cool. Gen Xers are somewhat similar to baby boomers. They also believe that their employees should be in the office from 8 to 5, but they are a bit more flexible. They allow leaving early on the Friday before a holiday.

They are trying to be more open-minded, but it’s a challenge because they grew up with the baby boomer work mentality. Gen Xers were the first to think having a phone in a bag was an amazing way to stay connected. They used to connect it to their car, and when the phone rang, the car horn would honk! Pretty stylish.

Millennials often get a bad reputation. People say they get easily offended and throw a fit if things don’t go their way. While this is true for some, many millennials are top achievers.

Some of the biggest and most successful companies are run by this generation. Millennials don’t like strict working hours, and they really don’t enjoy working in an office. They prefer working a few hours from home, going to the office only when necessary. They like a flexible schedule, including a break to work out and have meals. They can get their work done without needing to be in an office.

Each generation has its strengths and weaknesses. I want to tell you that to keep younger employees happy, we need to let go of the traditional office mindset. With today’s technology, there’s no need to constantly track or closely manage salaried employees. For many of them, having a physical office space is unnecessary.

All you really need is a place for meetings, and there are plenty of options in every town. Even in rural areas, you can find spaces like libraries, schools, or Grange halls that are big enough for your meetings. Let’s be creative about it. When evaluating, consider both the quantity and quality of their work, not just the time spent at a desk. Let’s step out of the office and accomplish meaningful tasks.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘BUILD YOUR HABITS TO BUILD YOUR LIFE‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at Eclipse DOT

Bridging The Gap Between The Crystal Palace (Cooperate Office) & The Field

Bridging the Gap Between the Crystal Palace (Cooperation Office) and the Field

As a company gets bigger, it becomes challenging to maintain strong connections between the main office and the field. The more it grows, the tougher it is to keep these essential relationships and communication open. Success relies on good communication in a growing business.

As a company gets bigger, it becomes challenging to maintain the important connections between the main office and the field. The more the company grows, the tougher it is to keep these crucial relationships and good communication going. Successful businesses rely on effective communication.

Let’s talk about communication. When the big bosses are open, the folks doing the actual work feel they can share their worries with the higher-ups. This creates a chance for lots of good things. Soon, employees will start bringing you new ideas to make the business better. Those on the ground notice where production has issues and why unsafe things happen. They also look for ways to do their tasks better, saving time and energy.

Spend a bit of time away from the office and go where the real work is happening—whether it’s in the field or on the production floor. This gives you a firsthand look at what your team faces. Make it a habit to have real conversations with your people every week. You’ll be surprised at how much this small action can achieve. It’s not just about fixing immediate problems; it’s about creating a place where new ideas pop up and everyone working together moves the business forward.

In the office world, we might not realize that when we make new rules or best practices, it adds more work for the folks doing the actual work. They usually don’t get a choice or a say in these new rules. Before making a new rule official, take a moment to talk to the people on the ground and ask what they think. If you haven’t done this before, they might agree to the new rule, but they might not be very happy about it. When you open up to their ideas, they will be more willing to share them. This way, everyone in the company works together to make the processes even better than before, instead of just a small group.

Remember the little things. In my experience with many companies, there’s something that often gets overlooked. Don’t forget the small details. Note down their birthdays in your calendar, and if you’re close, remember their work and marriage anniversaries. You don’t need to mention their age; just a simple acknowledgment and maybe a small gift. Corporate goodies work well for birthdays, and a dinner gift certificate is great for anniversaries. It shows you care not just about them but also their family.

Your actions and your team’s actions speak volumes. Remember when you were new, working from the bottom? What did you think of the higher-ups? Did they act like they were better, or were they friendly? Train your corporate team to understand they have jobs because they are unafraid to get dirty and get the job done.

I’ve often been invited by companies to help improve their relationship with the field. Quickly, I noticed most corporate employees felt superior to those in the field. With that attitude, they’re not just closing the door; they’re barricading it with office furniture. It’s crucial for everyone to be on the same level. When the corporate team recognizes the value of everyone’s contributions, it opens the door to collaboration and a stronger, more unified company. It’s not about who’s better; it’s about working together on a level playing field to achieve success.

If you’re leading any organization, consider these essential tips to bridge the gap:

  1. Be available for field employees as a corporate team member.
  2. Keep communication open at all levels, ensuring everyone feels heard in decisions that impact them.
  3. Truly listen when employees talk; take their words to heart.
  4. Discuss and understand company policies through communication sessions with the team.
  5. Remember the little things, like birthdays and important events in employees’ lives.
  6. Realize that the corporate team’s attitude sets the tone; a negative vibe from your team can affect others.

Every problem is a chance to make things better. Closing the gap between the corporate office and the field isn’t too tough, but it needs time and hard work from the corporate team. It’s like turning an ugly situation into an opportunity for improvement.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘Effective Leadership and Communication in Business‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at EclipseDOT.com.

Build Your Habits To Build Your Life

“Your life won’t change unless you change something you do every day.”

I’m reading a book that’s new to me. Many people around me are talking excitedly about it.

I thought, Why not give it a try? “Atomic Habits” by James Clear was really popular then. I wanted to find out why everyone was so excited about it. We all have habits, right?

Many of us likely have habits that we think are good for our mental or physical health, and some habits that we know aren’t the healthiest choices.

Usually, when I come across popular books and advice from self-help experts, I just brush it off and continue with my usual routine.

I realized that I often judge a book by its cover (no pun intended). Looking back, it’s probably not the healthiest habit to be stuck in.

I thought if there’s anything to this habit-building stuff, I might as well start now and hold off on judging this book until I actually have something to judge!

Shortly after buying and reading this book, I had a chat with my good friend, Daniel Greer. Dan and I usually chat while taking breaks from CDL testing and training sessions.

I asked Dan about what he does every day that’s crucial for reaching his goals and growing his company, which is not only liked by the community but also expanding quickly every day.

Dan basically told me something surprisingly similar to what my new book was saying. He asked me about my habits. He asked about my morning habits and how I relax after a hectic day. We realized my schedule lacked structure, and I lived spontaneously, taking each moment as it came. Being in the moment is good, but too much of it is not. It’s like having too much of a good thing—not great. We should enjoy the present, but too many good moments can turn into a bad thing. That’s the catch.

Then, we talked about areas where I thought I needed more organization. I suggested that forming some good habits could make me more productive and improve my attitude.

Even in my craziest dreams, I never thought that making small changes could have such a big impact on my life. I used to hate waking up and beginning my day, but now I’m as excited for a regular Tuesday as your dog is when you come home after a long day at work. A task list that usually took two days got done in just half the time.

This made me feel more sure of myself, more motivated, and more productive. It wasn’t only at work but also in my personal life. This positive change boosted my confidence and sense of value, bringing improvement in both my professional and personal aspects.

Remembering that the first step is the toughest is something many find challenging, cliché as it may sound. Creating healthy habits is tricky, but breaking them might be even tougher. It’s a common struggle we face—starting is tough, and sticking to good habits is no piece of cake either.

Building habits is hard because it depends on self-control. How strong is your willpower? Will you have another slice of chocolate cake? Will you skip the gym due to a ‘long day’? Are you staying up late to catch up on your favorite show? It’s all about making choices and sticking to them. Or…

Can you resist dessert tonight to build healthier eating habits? Can you manage a workout despite extra work and a stressful day? Can you hit the hay on time and save the binge-watching for the weekend? Well, here’s a news flash… It’s about making choices that contribute to your well-being and sticking to them.

There’s plenty of chocolate cake around. If you make a habit of going to the gym every day, there will come a time when you won’t want to miss it, no matter how ‘long’ your day feels. And that favorite Netflix show? It’ll be there for you on Saturday evening. Prioritizing healthy routines ensures there’s always time for things you enjoy.

Making these changes may seem really hard, and sometimes it feels like you’re being tough on yourself. But you’re not. You’re actually growing, and they call it growing pains for a reason. So, let’s shift our perspective a bit and see things differently.

Take a look at where you might be picking up not-so-healthy habits and see how they’re impacting you. Now, consider how things could get better if you focused on turning that not-so-healthy habit into one that boosts not just your health and happiness but your success too.

Someone once said, “Important things aren’t simple.” This is one of those important things. Trust me. So, no, it won’t be easy at first. But soon, it will be more than easy. What used to be hard will become your strongest habit. Stick with it, and you’ll see how it gets better. Developing healthy habits becomes your most powerful tool, propelling you forward as you work towards your goals.

So, I’ll leave you with two questions to think about:

  1. Identify the habit you think is most harmful to your success.
  2. Consider how you can reshape that habit to support you instead of working against you.

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “God Wants You to Succeed.” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Join our Newsletter

Get all latest news, exclusive deals and academy updates.