As you know, I believe very strongly in the power of motivation, the importance of planning, and the role that a positive attitude plays in our success. So, if you—like so many people—start your Mondays with fear, loathing, and a sigh of resignation, guess what? It's time to cut that out. How you start your week will have a huge impact on how it ends. So, it’s time to give Mondays the love they deserve, plan for how you can start your week with positive energy and move forward with intention.  

As you know, I believe very strongly in the power of motivation, the importance of planning, and the role that a positive attitude plays in our success. So, if you—like so many people—start your Mondays with fear, loathing, and a sigh of resignation, guess what? It's time to cut that out. How you start your week will have a huge impact on how it ends. So, it’s time to give Mondays the love they deserve, plan for how you can start your week with positive energy and move forward with intention.

Make Monday the best day of your week

This week on "Aim Higher,” my panel and I talk about how to be successful during the critical, initial phase of a new job, new department, or new manager. Drew Bordas, Tammi Spayde, and Brian Berry bring up dozens of great pointers on the subject. Not only have they had to be the new person in some high-level roles, but they’ve managed many people through the process. If you want a crash course in how to land on your feet, make a great first impression, and get moving quickly in a new situation, this is the episode for you. 

This week on "Aim Higher,” my panel and I talk about how to be successful during the critical, initial phase of a new job, new department, or new manager. Drew Bordas, Tammi Spayde, and Brian Berry bring up dozens of great pointers on the subject. Not only have they had to be the new person in some high-level roles, but they’ve managed many people through the process. If you want a crash course in how to land on your feet, make a great first impression, and get moving quickly in a new situation, this is the episode for you.

The secret sauce for new job success

I don’t know anyone who hasn’t thought about “reinventing” themselves. That desire can be pushed on us by an unexpected job loss, or we may want to proactively reach for a new dream. The bad news is that it’s hard to reinvent yourself without a plan. The good news is that my guest this week, Richard Bliss, can help you make that plan. Richard has worked in the military, in executive marketing roles, and as an author, speaker, and LinkedIn expert. We discuss how he’s reinvented himself—and how he analyzed that process so that he can help others accomplish extraordinary, new things. 

I don’t know anyone who hasn’t thought about “reinventing” themselves. That desire can be pushed on us by an unexpected job loss, or we may want to proactively reach for a new dream. The bad news is that it’s hard to reinvent yourself without a plan. The good news is that my guest this week, Richard Bliss, can help you make that plan. Richard has worked in the military, in executive marketing roles, and as an author, speaker, and LinkedIn expert. We discuss how he’s reinvented himself—and how he analyzed that process so that he can help others accomplish extraordinary, new things.

Exploring reinvention with Richard Bliss

In previous episodes of “Aim Higher,” we discussed how to leave a job well, and how, as a manager, you can deal with someone who doesn’t. This week, based on a listener’s request (“for a friend...”), we’ll tackle the thorny problem of how to recover from a bad exit that you now regret. I share 7 tips that can get you through this difficult moment, using it to grow and rebuild trust. It’s always better not to burn bridges. But if you do, don’t despair—bridges can be rebuilt.  

In previous episodes of “Aim Higher,” we discussed how to leave a job well, and how, as a manager, you can deal with someone who doesn’t. This week, based on a listener’s request (“for a friend...”), we’ll tackle the thorny problem of how to recover from a bad exit that you now regret. I share 7 tips that can get you through this difficult moment, using it to grow and rebuild trust. It’s always better not to burn bridges. But if you do, don’t despair—bridges can be rebuilt.

7 ways to rebuild a burned bridge

We’ve talked before on “Aim Higher” about the importance of leaving a job with grace and positivity. A move made for the right reasons shouldn’t create friction or enmity, even if the change brings challenges. However, as a leader and manager, you will at some point need to deal with staff whose exit behavior is less than exemplary. How do you handle “bad good-byes" without making the situation worse? If you prepare for this eventuality—and I’ll give you seven areas to consider—you can turn many of these situations around, earning gratitude from the outgoing employee and better results for your organization. It’s not easy, but it can be done.  

We’ve talked before on “Aim Higher” about the importance of leaving a job with grace and positivity. A move made for the right reasons shouldn’t create friction or enmity, even if the change brings challenges. However, as a leader and manager, you will at some point need to deal with staff whose exit behavior is less than exemplary. How do you handle “bad good-byes" without making the situation worse? If you prepare for this eventuality—and I’ll give you seven areas to consider—you can turn many of these situations around, earning gratitude from the outgoing employee and better results for your organization. It’s not easy, but it can be done.

7 ways to better manage a bad exit

It’s “mailbag” time again! I love these episodes, as they give us a chance to hear about what’s top-of-mind for our listeners. This week, my panel of experts addresses a variety of questions, including how to keep up with the amazing pace of change in technology, managing remote teams, and how to quantify a vague “transformation” project assignment. I’m sure that at least one of these will resonate with you, and I hope you’ll give us a listen.  

It’s “mailbag” time again! I love these episodes, as they give us a chance to hear about what’s top-of-mind for our listeners. This week, my panel of experts addresses a variety of questions, including how to keep up with the amazing pace of change in technology, managing remote teams, and how to quantify a vague “transformation” project assignment. I’m sure that at least one of these will resonate with you, and I hope you’ll give us a listen.

Mailbag: tech, teams, and transformation

There are books and articles galore about how to start a new position successfully. What to do in your first days, weeks, and months to establish your expertise and make a great initial impression. Less discussed—but no less important—is how to leave a job successfully. We’re somewhat indoctrinated into thinking of departures as failures. Yet we know that sometimes we need to leave one situation to take our next logical steps. My expert panel for this episode—Cathy King, Bart Murphy, and Tammi Spayde—has some great advice on how you can make this uncomfortable situation much more proactive, painless, and productive. Remember: you also only have one chance to make a last impression.

There are books and articles galore about how to start a new position successfully. What to do in your first days, weeks, and months to establish your expertise and make a great initial impression. Less discussed—but no less important—is how to leave a job successfully. We’re somewhat indoctrinated into thinking of departures as failures. Yet we know that sometimes we need to leave one situation to take our next logical steps. My expert panel for this episode—Cathy King, Bart Murphy, and Tammi Spayde—has some great advice on how you can make this uncomfortable situation much more proactive, painless, and productive. Remember: you also only have one chance to make a last impression.

Tips for Leaving a Job Successfully

My guest for this episode of “Aim Higher” is research-based thought leader, Ford Saeks. Ford is known for his marketing prowess and for helping businesses grow and succeed. His book, “Superpower: A Superhero’s Guide to Leadership, Business and Life” is a must-read if you're looking to make a positive change in any area of your life. Don’t worry, though—you don’t need to leap tall buildings in a single bound to make dramatic improvements. As Ford says, "A superpower is the ability to expand your critical thinking skills, take action, and produce the results you desire in your life.” I completely agree. And I believe that you can be the superhero of your own story. Listen in for some good ideas on how to get started. 

My guest for this episode of “Aim Higher” is research-based thought leader, Ford Saeks. Ford is known for his marketing prowess and for helping businesses grow and succeed. His book, “Superpower: A Superhero’s Guide to Leadership, Business and Life” is a must-read if you're looking to make a positive change in any area of your life. Don’t worry, though—you don’t need to leap tall buildings in a single bound to make dramatic improvements. As Ford says, "A superpower is the ability to expand your critical thinking skills, take action, and produce the results you desire in your life.” I completely agree. And I believe that you can be the superhero of your own story. Listen in for some good ideas on how to get started.

Becoming a Superhero with Ford Saeks

Previously, we looked at the “death of ambition,” and why so many people seem to be less interested in pushing for high achievement. In this episode, my expert panel and I tackle the topic of ambition from a positive standpoint. What does “good ambition” look like? How can you distinguish it from things like greed or pushiness? How can you help identify and encourage appropriate ambition in your staff? And what can you do when they try to move too far, too fast? It’s a fascinating discussion, and my guests have some great advice that will help you harness your ambition more successfully. 

Previously, we looked at the “death of ambition,” and why so many people seem to be less interested in pushing for high achievement. In this episode, my expert panel and I tackle the topic of ambition from a positive standpoint. What does “good ambition” look like? How can you distinguish it from things like greed or pushiness? How can you help identify and encourage appropriate ambition in your staff? And what can you do when they try to move too far, too fast? It’s a fascinating discussion, and my guests have some great advice that will help you harness your ambition more successfully.

Channeling Ambition

A recent survey indicated that around one-third of people do not trust their employers. Now, that might mean “in general,” without applying to a specific manager or leader. But it’s an extraordinary statistic, nonetheless. As Drew Bordas, one of my panelists this week, puts it, “A lack of trust drags down our ability to get the job done.” He’s right! Trust isn’t just “a feeling.” A lack of trust hampers creativity, kills honest feedback, discourages respectful dialogue, and can negatively impact commitment and teamwork—an entire suite of qualities that are essential to success. Listen in as my expert guests and I discuss what builds trust, what erodes it, and how you can get it back. 

A recent survey indicated that around one-third of people do not trust their employers. Now, that might mean “in general,” without applying to a specific manager or leader. But it’s an extraordinary statistic, nonetheless. As Drew Bordas, one of my panelists this week, puts it, “A lack of trust drags down our ability to get the job done.” He’s right! Trust isn’t just “a feeling.” A lack of trust hampers creativity, kills honest feedback, discourages respectful dialogue, and can negatively impact commitment and teamwork—an entire suite of qualities that are essential to success. Listen in as my expert guests and I discuss what builds trust, what erodes it, and how you can get it back.

Trust Is A Must

Reach your full potential by joining a conversation with Skip Prichard and his array of guests as they share stories of their own leadership journeys.

I love the integration and synthesis of wise counsel and best practices in the area of leadership, plus  the inspiring blend of real world practical examples that help inspire and encourage you to apply what is shared in your own life and business. Thanks to Skip and his “guests” for your openness and willingness to share!

Great Synthesis and Inspiration

Great Perspective shift for so many of us in this leadership field.  Your podcast gives me the nuggets of gold that I need to keep me going throught the day. Reality.  That word can be negative, so this is a good perspective shift for me.  The Service---doing the DASH of our lives--Servant Leadership. The little actions, daily work...that is a defining moment. Then the gratitude. This keeps the focus for me.  Thank you!

The DASH in the Middle

Aim Higher: The podcast with purpose

In discussing the 5th of 9 traits of servant leaders, Skip and his panel remark on how we live in an “encouragement desert.” Even if we were to give 6-9 times more encouragement, research tells us that it still wouldn’t be enough to fill the need we have to hear that we are worthy and valuable. How can you, as a leader, develop the habits – and a culture – of encouragement? Listen and find out.

In discussing the 5th of 9 traits of servant leaders, Skip and his panel remark on how we live in an “encouragement desert.” Even if we were to give 6-9 times more encouragement, research tells us that it still wouldn’t be enough to fill the need we have to hear that we are worthy and valuable. How can you, as a leader, develop the habits – and a culture – of encouragement? Listen and find out.

The 9 traits of servant leaders: #5 Servant leaders encourage 

Cameron Mitchell

Cameron Mitchell sits down with Skip to discuss his “people first” model for leadership. A highly-successful, serial restaurant entrepreneur, Mitchell goes into detail about how acknowledging and learning from mistakes is an important ingredient to creating and leading an exceptional enterprise. It’s a values-based leadership success story with some important lessons for anyone seeking to rise above their competition. His “milkshake story” is also a great model for how to quickly encapsulate your personal leadership vision into a compelling, easily relatable story. 

Cameron Mitchell sits down with Skip to discuss his “people first” model for leadership. A highly-successful, serial restaurant entrepreneur, Mitchell goes into detail about how acknowledging and learning from mistakes is an important ingredient to creating and leading an exceptional enterprise. It’s a values-based leadership success story with some important lessons for anyone seeking to rise above their competition. His “milkshake story” is also a great model for how to quickly encapsulate your personal leadership vision into a compelling, easily relatable story.

Cameron Mitchell: A culture of hospitality

Patty McCord

In this episode of Aim Higher, Skip interviews Patty McCord, former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix. While there, she created and continuously updated what has become a famous presentation about Netflix culture called “Freedom and Responsibility.” She wrote a book about that experience, “Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility,” and discusses with Skip some of the most important lessons she learned at Netflix, and in the seven years since she left. Many of which can be summed up in her algorithm for success: “Is what you love to do—that you’re extraordinarily good at doing—something this company needs someone to be great at?” She and Skip touch on some tough subjects, including how to approach radical honesty with grace, incorporate listening into leadership and how doing hard things is often more important than being happy at work.

In this episode of Aim Higher, Skip interviews Patty McCord, former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix. While there, she created and continuously updated what has become a famous presentation about Netflix culture called “Freedom and Responsibility.” She wrote a book about that experience, “Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility,” and discusses with Skip some of the most important lessons she learned at Netflix, and in the seven years since she left. Many of which can be summed up in her algorithm for success: “Is what you love to do—that you’re extraordinarily good at doing—something this company needs someone to be great at?” She and Skip touch on some tough subjects, including how to approach radical honesty with grace, incorporate listening into leadership and how doing hard things is often more important than being happy at work.

Patty McCord: Creating a great culture

In this episode of Aim Higher, Skip and his panel discuss the benefits of long-term thinking, the 8th of 9 traits of servant leaders. While any leader must acknowledge the importance of short-term goals, Skip emphasizes that you can’t simply forget about long-term thinking if you want to be a great leader. If you do? You’ll find yourself spinning out-of-control, following yearly, quarterly and even daily routines with no way to tell if you’re making any true progress. Worse, the people you’re trying to lead won’t have a firm grasp of your organization’s direction. This powerful mindset has implications for hiring, investment, training and other aspects of leadership, and Skip’s guests take us through some great ideas of how to apply long-term thinking to your leadership journey.

In this episode of Aim Higher, Skip and his panel discuss the benefits of long-term thinking, the 8th of 9 traits of servant leaders. While any leader must acknowledge the importance of short-term goals, Skip emphasizes that you can’t simply forget about long-term thinking if you want to be a great leader. If you do? You’ll find yourself spinning out-of-control, following yearly, quarterly and even daily routines with no way to tell if you’re making any true progress. Worse, the people you’re trying to lead won’t have a firm grasp of your organization’s direction. This powerful mindset has implications for hiring, investment, training and other aspects of leadership, and Skip’s guests take us through some great ideas of how to apply long-term thinking to your leadership journey.

The 9 traits of servant leaders: #8 Servant leaders think long term

Over the past few months, Skip and his guests have explored “The Nine Traits of Servant Leaders.” This week on “Aim Higher” they review the most important moments of the series, focusing on details, stories and advice that can really make a difference in your servant leadership journey. Don’t worry about “spoilers” here: if you’re new to the series, this is actually a great place to start. Then return to the first episode and follow along as this group of experts unlock the tools you need to become a truly effective servant leader relying not on “positional” but “personal power.”

Over the past few months, Skip and his guests have explored “The Nine Traits of Servant Leaders.” This week on “Aim Higher” they review the most important moments of the series, focusing on details, stories and advice that can really make a difference in your servant leadership journey. Don’t worry about “spoilers” here: if you’re new to the series, this is actually a great place to start. Then return to the first episode and follow along as this group of experts unlock the tools you need to become a truly effective servant leader relying not on “positional” but “personal power.”

The 9 traits of servant leaders: Recap

Doing what you say you’ll do is critical to leadership and success. In this episode, Skip is joined by Tammi Spayde (Expert in Human Resources and Marketing), Drew Bordas, (Operations Expert and Customer Service Leader) and Elyse Wampler (Leadership Trainer). They all agree that if you can’t be trusted to follow-through on even the small things, why would anyone believe you’ll be dependable on larger issues? With some specific techniques on how you can improve your own performance in this area, their discussion is a great reminder of why personal accountability—while often overlooked—is a critical capacity for leaders. 

Doing what you say you’ll do is critical to leadership and success. In this episode, Skip is joined by Tammi Spayde (Expert in Human Resources and Marketing), Drew Bordas, (Operations Expert and Customer Service Leader) and Elyse Wampler (Leadership Trainer). They all agree that if you can’t be trusted to follow-through on even the small things, why would anyone believe you’ll be dependable on larger issues? With some specific techniques on how you can improve your own performance in this area, their discussion is a great reminder of why personal accountability—while often overlooked—is a critical capacity for leaders.

Accountability: The importance of doing what you say you’re going to do

What one thing can you do to guarantee failure? Destroy the trust of the people who rely on you. Sometimes the key to getting better at something is first understanding how people fail at it. Skip and his guests—Tammi Spayde (Expert in Human Resources and Marketing), Drew Bordas, (Operations Expert and Customer Service Leader) and Bruce Rhoades, CEO and Strategic Business Adviser—talk through an insightful list of ways in which leaders destroy trust among their teams. Listen carefully… are you making any of these major mistakes? The panel also discusses how we can rebuild trust after a bad situation. 

What one thing can you do to guarantee failure? Destroy the trust of the people who rely on you. Sometimes the key to getting better at something is first understanding how people fail at it. Skip and his guests—Tammi Spayde (Expert in Human Resources and Marketing), Drew Bordas, (Operations Expert and Customer Service Leader) and Bruce Rhoades, CEO and Strategic Business Adviser—talk through an insightful list of ways in which leaders destroy trust among their teams. Listen carefully… are you making any of these major mistakes? The panel also discusses how we can rebuild trust after a bad situation.

What it takes to destroy trust

What one trait of servant leadership is absolutely crucial to the other eight? Humility. And in this episode of Aim Higher, Skip and his panel talk about why that is. In a nutshell, it’s because humble leaders understand that their ideas, goals, strengths and concerns aren’t the only ones that go into the mix of a high-performing team. In fact, when leaders aren’t humble – when they’re arrogant or proud – they shut down the traits that make for the strongest teams: creativity, good worth ethic, entrepreneurship, selflessness. Because a leader who takes all the credit and only thinks of his or herself won’t inspire great performances in others, only the bare minimum. How do you model humility for your team? Skip, Tammi, Drew and Jenifer have some great, practical advice.

What one trait of servant leadership is absolutely crucial to the other eight? Humility. And in this episode of Aim Higher, Skip and his panel talk about why that is. In a nutshell, it’s because humble leaders understand that their ideas, goals, strengths and concerns aren’t the only ones that go into the mix of a high-performing team. In fact, when leaders aren’t humble – when they’re arrogant or proud – they shut down the traits that make for the strongest teams: creativity, good worth ethic, entrepreneurship, selflessness. Because a leader who takes all the credit and only thinks of his or herself won’t inspire great performances in others, only the bare minimum. How do you model humility for your team? Skip, Tammi, Drew and Jenifer have some great, practical advice.

The 9 traits of servant leaders: #9 Servant leaders act with humility

Over the past few decades, “authoritarian” style leadership – boss commands, workers obey – has, thankfully, been going out of style. Remnants of that behavior, though, still remain in many companies and for many leaders, especially in times of stress and for many people new to their leadership roles. In this episode of “Aim Higher,” Skip and his panel discuss how servant leaders get more from their teams by “selling the why” behind ideas, rather than just “telling people what” to do.

Over the past few decades, “authoritarian” style leadership – boss commands, workers obey – has, thankfully, been going out of style. Remnants of that behavior, though, still remain in many companies and for many leaders, especially in times of stress and for many people new to their leadership roles. In this episode of “Aim Higher,” Skip and his panel discuss how servant leaders get more from their teams by “selling the why” behind ideas, rather than just “telling people what” to do.

The 9 traits of servant leaders: #6 Servant leaders “sell” rather than “tell”

Anese Cavanaugh

How can you master your personal energy, presence and intention? Anese Cavanaugh, author of “Contagious You” and Skip’s guest on this week’s “Aim Higher,” suggests that the “how” may not be as important as the “when.” And the when is always… now. It is always the moment to start. Take a breath. Examine how you feel. What intentions are you brining into the room you’re in right now and to your leadership journey. Because that energy is going to be what is contagious about you. Skip and Anese talk about how leaders who are conscious of that energy can then take command of themselves and make much more of an impact. That’s what it means to be positively contagious. If you listen, you’ll get some good, practical advice on how to start with your inner game – taking care of your health, your self-talk, your self-kindness – and then move outward to being “positively contagious” towards others.

How can you master your personal energy, presence and intention? Anese Cavanaugh, author of “Contagious You” and Skip’s guest on this week’s “Aim Higher,” suggests that the “how” may not be as important as the “when.” And the when is always… now. It is always the moment to start. Take a breath. Examine how you feel. What intentions are you brining into the room you’re in right now and to your leadership journey. Because that energy is going to be what is contagious about you. Skip and Anese talk about how leaders who are conscious of that energy can then take command of themselves and make much more of an impact. That’s what it means to be positively contagious. If you listen, you’ll get some good, practical advice on how to start with your inner game – taking care of your health, your self-talk, your self-kindness – and then move outward to being “positively contagious” towards others.

Anese Cavanaugh: Be positively contagious

A servant leader is not one who does all the work or who is mild and easily swayed. Servant leaders provide strong guidance and direction by understanding what motivates customers, employees and shareholders. In the first of nine parts on this topic, Skip and his panel discuss how valuing diverse opinions is absolutely mandatory for a successful leader.

A servant leader is not one who does all the work or who is mild and easily swayed. Servant leaders provide strong guidance and direction by understanding what motivates customers, employees and shareholders. In the first of nine parts on this topic, Skip and his panel discuss how valuing diverse opinions is absolutely mandatory for a successful leader.

The 9 traits of servant leaders: #1 Value diverse opinions

In this episode of “Aim Higher,” Skip and his panel discuss how servant leaders think: “you, not me.” This is the 7th of 9 traits of servant leaders, and it helps bring about a culture of empowerment. This week, Skip is joined by his regular contributors Drew Bordas and Tammi Spayde, and first time panelist Rebekah Kilzer, a leader in information technology and learning. While it may seem obvious that a servant leader “puts others first,” Skip and his guests put that assumption to the test. They discuss how true servant leaders influence through service rather than position, while still maintaining a balance of self-care and planning.

In this episode of “Aim Higher,” Skip and his panel discuss how servant leaders think: “you, not me.” This is the 7th of 9 traits of servant leaders, and it helps bring about a culture of empowerment. This week, Skip is joined by his regular contributors Drew Bordas and Tammi Spayde, and first time panelist Rebekah Kilzer, a leader in information technology and learning. While it may seem obvious that a servant leader “puts others first,” Skip and his guests put that assumption to the test. They discuss how true servant leaders influence through service rather than position, while still maintaining a balance of self-care and planning.

The 9 traits of servant leaders: #7 A servant leader thinks “you, not me.”

Maureen Metcalf

In this interview with Maureen Metcalf, CEO of the Innovative Leadership Institute, Skip Prichard discusses her company’s approach to succeeding in a world where the workplace is changing very rapidly. In her “Innovative Leadership Handbook,” Maureen says that when you look at the stresses that businesses are facing, ideals of leadership really have to change. What’s the answer? She and Skip discuss how authenticity and openness are the key to leadership success in today’s new workplace. 

In this interview with Maureen Metcalf, CEO of the Innovative Leadership Institute, Skip Prichard discusses her company’s approach to succeeding in a world where the workplace is changing very rapidly. In her “Innovative Leadership Handbook,” Maureen says that when you look at the stresses that businesses are facing, ideals of leadership really have to change. What’s the answer? She and Skip discuss how authenticity and openness are the key to leadership success in today’s new workplace.

Maureen Metcalf: Authenticity is key to productivity

Across several dimensions, all of today’s panelists agree that asking questions is a key skill needed by great leaders. Tammi Spayde (Expert in Human Resources and Marketing), Drew Bordas (Operations Expert and Customer Service Leader) and Bruce Rhoades, CEO and Strategic Business Adviser join Skip to talk about both the practical and personal benefits of asking questions. They touch on using questions to clarify strategy, to identify areas of expertise, to strengthen ties within a group and to build confidence.

Across several dimensions, all of today’s panelists agree that asking questions is a key skill needed by great leaders. Tammi Spayde (Expert in Human Resources and Marketing), Drew Bordas (Operations Expert and Customer Service Leader) and Bruce Rhoades, CEO and Strategic Business Adviser join Skip to talk about both the practical and personal benefits of asking questions. They touch on using questions to clarify strategy, to identify areas of expertise, to strengthen ties within a group and to build confidence.

Why great leaders ask great questions.

William James

William James, often cited as the “Father of American Psychology,” brings us today’s Wednesday Wisdom: “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” As a leader seeking to “Aim Higher,” I’d like you to flip that around, and think about it from other people’s point-of-view. What do you do to show appreciation and send it out into the world? Every day, try to start a note or an email with, “Thank you for….” and go from there. Be a person who gives appreciation freely, and it will make a huge difference in the lives of people you interact with, and I promise it will come back to you.

William James, often cited as the “Father of American Psychology,” brings us today’s Wednesday Wisdom: “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” As a leader seeking to “Aim Higher,” I’d like you to flip that around, and think about it from other people’s point-of-view. What do you do to show appreciation and send it out into the world? Every day, try to start a note or an email with, “Thank you for….” and go from there. Be a person who gives appreciation freely, and it will make a huge difference in the lives of people you interact with, and I promise it will come back to you.

Wednesday Wisdom: William James

Amy Blankson

Amy Blankson is bestselling author of “The Future of Happiness.” A graduate of Harvard and Yale, she focuses on how to achieve happiness in a digital era.  She is a co-founder of the Digital Wellness Collective and most recently has shared her thought leadership as a speaker at TEDx and as a regular contributor for Forbes on Women, Technology, and Leadership, and as a featured professor in Oprah’s Happiness course. She and Skip discuss how leaders can use technology to help improve happiness outcomes for their teams, and for themselves.

Amy Blankson is bestselling author of “The Future of Happiness.” A graduate of Harvard and Yale, she focuses on how to achieve happiness in a digital era.  She is a co-founder of the Digital Wellness Collective and most recently has shared her thought leadership as a speaker at TEDx and as a regular contributor for Forbes on Women, Technology, and Leadership, and as a featured professor in Oprah’s Happiness course. She and Skip discuss how leaders can use technology to help improve happiness outcomes for their teams, and for themselves.

Amy Blankson: “The Future of Happiness”

Richard Sheridan

LEAD

Richard Sheridan is CEO &amp; Chief Storyteller of the award-winning software development company, Menlo Innovations. He is also author of “Chief Joy Officer,” a book about human-centered values. In this interview, Skip and Richard discuss how authenticity is the key to developing connections between leaders and teams. They also discuss the need to pass along leadership skills, and how teaching became a key part of Richard’s leadership vision.

Richard Sheridan is CEO &amp; Chief Storyteller of the award-winning software development company, Menlo Innovations. He is also author of “Chief Joy Officer,” a book about human-centered values. In this interview, Skip and Richard discuss how authenticity is the key to developing connections between leaders and teams. They also discuss the need to pass along leadership skills, and how teaching became a key part of Richard’s leadership vision.

Richard Sheridan: How to lead with joy 

Scott McKain

We’re looking to Scott McKain, a personal friend of mine and wonderful author, for today’s “Wednesday Wisdom.” Scott says, “Make the customer the star of the show,” and I think that’s a fantastic way to focus your energy. Who’s the star of *your* show? Your showroom? Your product? You? Maybe shift that thinking. People love to talk about themselves… Give them the chance, and they’ll remember the conversation much more positively!

We’re looking to Scott McKain, a personal friend of mine and wonderful author, for today’s “Wednesday Wisdom.” Scott says, “Make the customer the star of the show,” and I think that’s a fantastic way to focus your energy. Who’s the star of *your* show? Your showroom? Your product? You? Maybe shift that thinking. People love to talk about themselves… Give them the chance, and they’ll remember the conversation much more positively!

Wednesday Wisdom: Scott McKain

In this episode, Skip and his panel discuss the ways in which courage is necessary for successful leaders and successful organizations. Tammi Spayde (Expert in Human Resources and Marketing), Drew Bordas, (Operations Expert and Customer Service Leader) and Elyse Wampler (Leadership Trainer) discuss the ways that leaders can inspire courage in others and find it within themselves. They share some tips on how seemingly mundane activities—like feedback and reviews—can hinge on how courage is supported or punished within your organization. You may, personally, be quite brave—but are you willing to take the risks necessary to motivate courage across your whole organization? 

In this episode, Skip and his panel discuss the ways in which courage is necessary for successful leaders and successful organizations. Tammi Spayde (Expert in Human Resources and Marketing), Drew Bordas, (Operations Expert and Customer Service Leader) and Elyse Wampler (Leadership Trainer) discuss the ways that leaders can inspire courage in others and find it within themselves. They share some tips on how seemingly mundane activities—like feedback and reviews—can hinge on how courage is supported or punished within your organization. You may, personally, be quite brave—but are you willing to take the risks necessary to motivate courage across your whole organization?

There is no success without courage 

Bob Burg

Today’s “Wednesday Wisdom” comes from my friend Bob Burg. He’s a wonderful speaker and a great writer, author of “The Go-Giver,” book series, rated #10 on Inc. Magazine’s list of the “Most Motivational Books Ever Written.” Bob says, “The single greatest people skill is a highly-developed and authentic interest in the other person.” Such a great quote. Let me ask you: what does it take to be interested in another person? I’d say it’s valuing other people, judging less, understanding more. When you’re interested in others, you’re curious, caring, and supportive. And I love that he says this trait can be “highly-developed,” because this means it’s a skill and can be worked on. You need to be conscious of it and make an effort. Ask people, “Tell me more.” Make your interest in others a daily discipline. The second part of this important rule is that it must be authentic; it has to be sincere and from the heart. This isn’t a sales tactic. It has to be something you do because you believe. I recommend you put this quote from Bob on a piece of paper and leave it somewhere you’ll see it every day as a reminder.

Today’s “Wednesday Wisdom” comes from my friend Bob Burg. He’s a wonderful speaker and a great writer, author of “The Go-Giver,” book series, rated #10 on Inc. Magazine’s list of the “Most Motivational Books Ever Written.” Bob says, “The single greatest people skill is a highly-developed and authentic interest in the other person.” Such a great quote. Let me ask you: what does it take to be interested in another person? I’d say it’s valuing other people, judging less, understanding more. When you’re interested in others, you’re curious, caring, and supportive. And I love that he says this trait can be “highly-developed,” because this means it’s a skill and can be worked on. You need to be conscious of it and make an effort. Ask people, “Tell me more.” Make your interest in others a daily discipline. The second part of this important rule is that it must be authentic; it has to be sincere and from the heart. This isn’t a sales tactic. It has to be something you do because you believe. I recommend you put this quote from Bob on a piece of paper and leave it somewhere you’ll see it every day as a reminder.

Wednesday Wisdom: Bob Burg

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