12 Leadership Lessons from a Family Game Night The Living Room Leadership Lab Leadership lessons often emerge in boardrooms or strategy sessions. But they also unfold in unexpected moments. During a recent trip to Nashville to visit my oldest son and his family, I landed in the middle of a leadership case study I never saw coming. The setting? My son's living room. The occasion? Family game night. The players? My grandchildren—ages thirteen, eight, five, and three—and a few enthusiastic adults. The game? Quiplash. A simple family game night became a vivid study of motivation, ...

What My Morning Coffee Taught Me About Leading with Intention Small Rituals Can Shape Big Leadership Moments Some of my most useful leadership insights haven't come from books or boardrooms. They've come from quiet, everyday moments—like making coffee before sunrise. This month, I'm exploring everyday leadership lessons. These insights come not from perfect plans or big titles but from being fully present in our lives. A conversation. A challenge. A mistake. A quiet moment. They all have something to teach us if we're willing to listen. Because the truth is, leadership isn't something we switch ...

Quiet Wins, Big Impact Reframing What Progress Looks Like Some progress turns heads. Other progress builds quietly behind the scenes. In leadership, we often celebrate the bold moves—the big decisions, the measurable results, the visible growth. But some of the most meaningful momentum happens out of sight. By the end of May, it's easy to wonder whether the effort is making a difference. The early-year energy has faded, the finish line isn't in view, and there may not be a milestone to show for all the work. This is where many leaders lose steam—not because ...

How to Reignite Your Energy Without Burning Out What to Do When Leadership Starts to Feel Heavy Not every season of leadership calls for a sprint. Some seasons challenge you to sustain. And sustaining? That's not always easy. At the onset, you might feel energized, focused, and clear on what must occur. But then it happens. Long to-do lists. Shifting priorities. Unforeseen challenges. Slowly, your spark dims. You're still leading, showing up, and moving ahead, but work (and life) feel heavier than usual. The truth is, fatigue isn't always loud. It doesn't announce itself with ...

Leading in the In-Between How to Lead with Clarity and Confidence in Uncertain Times There's a stretch in every season of leadership where things feel ambiguous. The decision has been made. The leap has been taken. The team is in motion. And yet—progress feels slow. Outcomes? Unclear. Motivation? Fading. That's the in-between—the space between the energy of starting and the satisfaction of finishing. It's not the launch, and it's not yet the breakthrough. For many leaders, this is an unsettling and frustrating season. But the in-between isn't wasted space. It's where growth quietly happens. The ...

5 Ways to Sustain Your Momentum This Spring Momentum Matters: Keep Growing, Keep Going Spring is nature's quiet reminder: growth unfolds slowly, intentionally, and unseen at first. Beneath the surface, roots stretch deeper, preparing for blooms that take our breath away. Leadership mirrors this rhythm. We often enter the year charged with bold goals, energized by fresh vision and high expectations. But by May, reality sets in. Deadlines pile up, energy wanes, and distractions multiply. That early motivation? It can feel like a distant memory. That's the nature of the 'in-between' season—not quite the starting ...

Leading Transitions: What Disney’s Crisis Can Teach Us Leadership's Defining Moments Every leader encounters defining moments—those critical times when the road ahead is unclear, the stakes are high, and people look to you for direction. Transitions are among the most pivotal of these moments. When handled well, transitions strengthen organizations and deepen trust in leadership. Mismanaged, they sow chaos, disengagement, and setbacks that can take years to undo. Leadership transitions come in many forms: a change at the helm, a strategic pivot, a team restructure, or navigating an economic storm. Regardless of the context, successful ...

How to Build Trust and Boost Morale During Transitions Leadership's True Test Leadership isn't tested when things are going well. It's tested when everything is uncertain, and people look to you for answers. They need three essential things from their leaders: direction, stability, and trust. As a leader, one of your biggest challenges during transitions is keeping your team engaged, motivated, and committed when everything feels unstable. When trust is low, even the best strategies fail. When morale breaks down, people disengage, productivity plummets, and change efforts collapse under the weight of doubt. Studies show ...

5 Essential Leadership Skills for Uncertain Times Leading Through Uncertainty Imagine stepping into a meeting, confident in your direction, only to discover that everything has shifted—a significant leadership change, a market upheaval, or a personal transition that turns your world on its head. One moment, everything feels steady; the next, you're navigating chaos—forced to make tough decisions, chart a new course, and lead through the unknown. Change is inevitable. Ambiguity and complexity are the constants of transition. But what if we could reframe these challenges as opportunities? The secret lies in mastering the skills that ...

How Great Leaders Navigate Transitions Flexpectations: Adapt Without Losing Focus The difference between good and great leaders is how they navigate uncertainty. Transitions—whether personal, professional, or organizational—are defining moments. Will you lead with confidence, clarity, and resilience, or will uncertainty paralyze your decision-making? In today's volatile world, successful leaders understand that change is not an obstacle—it's an opportunity. The best leaders don't just react to transitions; they anticipate, embrace, and drive them. Whether leading through economic turbulence, scaling a business, or restructuring an organization, your ability to guide others through uncertainty will define your impact. ...