Bobby Albert

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Wise Men Worship The story of the wise men in the Bible is a beautiful depiction of what it looks like to seek after Jesus. What is incredible about this specific pursuit is their heart condition. They sought after Him not to earn any merits or accolades. Rather their intention is revealed...

Welcome To Values-Driven Culture

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Bobby was able to share his heart with you and how Values-Driven Culture was birthed out of a desire to serve growth-minded leaders. Values-Driven Culture offers leaders and their teams the capacity to see their work as a ministry and worship, without sacrificing results. Watch this Video from...

How Culture Transforms Any Organization

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

In recent years an organization’s culture has become the metric that best determines success or failure. We know that a culture transforms our business, church, non-profit, and educational institutions. Sadly, Gallup relays, “that fewer than one in four U.S. employees feel strongly that their...

Discover your Life Purpose

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Why do you exist? It is one of the most important questions you could ever ask yourself. So, let me ask you again…Why do you exist? The answer to that question is your life purpose. And you have the potential to discover it. That’s especially important for you as a leader because your life...

More Engagement Means More Learning

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever heard the statement, “The teacher learns more than his students”? For over 30 years, I have been teaching high school boys at my church. And I’ve been surprised by how much I have learned just in my preparation time, and how much I’ve retained–long after the lesson is taught. And...

Discover Your Life Purpose

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Is Your WHY Big Enough to Succeed?

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The Problem: The report hit me like a two-by-four. With survival rates like that, you might as well get your affairs in order now! I’m talking about business survival rates, and several years ago, I learned a startling statistic about family businesses. According to The Family Firm Institute,...

The Benefits of Asking, Why?

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

I was a curious young boy, and I truly enjoyed exploring. And I loved to get on my little bicycle (especially on early Saturday mornings) and ride slowly in our neighborhood just to explore. I went further than my parents ever knew because I was fascinated with the world I was seeing, and I had

Communicate and Project Your Purpose Powerfully

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

I have written quite a bit about our purpose (Why do you exist?) and our vision (Where do you want to be?). As leaders, once we understand why our purpose and our vision are so important, the next logical step is to spread the word. This question of why we exist is foundational to

Watson, The Secret to Quality is Elementary!

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

I have always been fascinated with Sherlock Holmes. When presented with a mystery, he seems to extract so much information with his strong sense of curiosity and observation. Then he pieces together the details into a convincing explanation – just in time to solve the case! One such mystery...

Empowered Teams Follow Through

Mon, 23 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

I recently reviewed the results that followed our first Operation QIC® workshop, and the numbers are astounding! Would you like to experience significant financial success in your business? Read on to learn what happened in my business, and how you can use the same principles to grow your...

Is Your Quality Contagious?

Tue, 17 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

As a leader, I’ve often struggled to identify what company-wide message or theme I should promote to our people. Let’s face it, this is one of the key roles of the leader of an organization. While most of your team is busy serving your customers, it’s up to you to identify the larger objectives

Tune up Your Organization and Check its Core Values Alignment

Tue, 10 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The other day I took my car into the shop to get the oil changed, tires rotated, and wheels aligned. As you may know, the failure to correct misalignment of your wheels usually results in uneven tire wear and your vehicle pulling to the left or to the right. This misalignment leads to the

See How Easily You Can Validate Your Values

Tue, 03 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Imagine you, as the leader, want to recreate the highest quality organization with the very best attributes on another planet…But you only have enough seats on the rocket ship for five people. Who would you send? They would most likely be people who: Exemplify the organization’s core values and...

What Your Sleep Reveals About Your Leadership!

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

What keeps you up at night? When I was President and CEO of our company, I had four main issues that would keep me up at night: People Money/Financing Government Regulations Changing ways of customer buying I learned that I could NOT control most of these challenges. But I could control how I...

Three Ways to Build a High Performance Team

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Sometimes a business or organization gets bogged down. It seems like you are trying to push a string uphill! Everything is a battle. Everything takes more effort than it should. As the leader, you think to yourself, “This shouldn’t be this way!” What we need is a way to build a high-performing team

Four Steps to Prepare Your Core Values for Maximum Impact

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Leaders are communicators. If you don’t communicate well, chances are you won’t lead well. One of the most important messages I’ve ever communicated to my team is our core values. I knew that I had to get this right. After I determined my core values, I took four steps to prepare and position them

These Two Questions Will Help You Discover Your Core Values

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Do you have a thinking chair? For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a chair that I call my thinking chair. It’s my favorite chair in the whole house. This chair is where I go to think, reflect, and evaluate. I vividly remember what happened on a sunny afternoon in my thinking chair

Escape the Cycle of Self-Defeat

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever felt a sense of guilt because you couldn’t make things work? Then you think…If I just try harder? Then you become fatigued? And then you want to quit? Finally, the cycle starts over again, and again, and again… Author John Ortberg has a name for this cycle – he calls it

Asking Questions and Listening – a Summary

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

About 30 years ago, I served as the youngest District Governor in the world for Rotary International service clubs. After serving, I was shocked when they asked me to train future District Governors. In preparation for my new training role, I went through a one-week training course. The training...

Your Competitors Are Using This Strategy, Are You?

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

There was one particular skill that really helped me in college. I had a goal to practice this skill during each class. You see, I truly valued… …the process of asking questions. I would challenge myself to think of one question to ask during each class. It helped me develop a relationship with my

Do You Make These Same Customer Service Mistakes?

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

You may believe, after all of the great stuff that I have mentioned about my company, that I have never had any problems, challenges, or customer complaints. However, that is far from the truth! As the owner of my company, I have heard many complaints over the years from customers – and some...

The Secret of Top Salespeople

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

A friendship that started about 30 years ago eventually developed into my good friend consulting me and my company. And he still consults me even today. He is one of the smartest people I know. On one hand, uses his legal mind (he has a law degree) with a high level of logical thinking, and on

Use Questions to Give Constructive Feedback

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Did you hear the story about the boy in the Cummings family that was very uncomfortable? Every time his father said grace and asked forgiveness for the family’s shortcomings, the boy thought he was the “short Cummings” that his father was concerned about! How many of you have ever had a...

I’ll Take “Asking Questions” for $500

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

I’ve written quite a bit about asking questions and listening. I expect that by now, you understand why I’m passionate about asking great questions AND listening to the replies that follow. As leaders, once we understand a concept like this, we’re excited to communicate it to our people, but...

You Too Can Ask Profound Questions!

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

One morning several years ago, I received a phone call at my office from the executive secretary of my pastor. Little did I know that this call, and the strange request I was about to hear, would change the very future of my business… She asked if I could pick up a gentleman at his

Three Reasons You Should Ask Questions Like Columbo

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

From elementary school through high school, I participated in a Saturday morning bowling league. I learned a lot about bowling in that league, but perhaps the most important lesson I learned while bowling was about the power of questions! I had my ups and downs, but eventually, my bowling scores...

Why Most People Never Ask the Right Questions

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

While in high school, I found that asking questions helped me better understand what was being taught. It also helped bring clarity and understanding to the rest of the class as well. I remember in one math class, the teacher would call me by my last name. And she would often wave her hand

Get Rid of Your Listening Problems Once and For All

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

When I was young boy, I really enjoyed building model space ships, and sometimes, model cars, boats and ships. As I think about it, when I take my grandkids to the big toy stores, I don’t see any more of those model kits on the shelves. I guess toy models are hard to find

5 Timeless Truths About Listening

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Most of the crowd was slowly shaking their heads in disbelief. What had just happened? It was a simple communication exercise, and something went horribly wrong

Navigate Your Way to a Better 2022

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

When I think of the word “navigate”, my thoughts turn to my many good memories of canoeing the Guadalupe river here in Texas. This cool, blue-ribbon of water runs through the Hill Country of Central Texas and is the most popular canoeing destination in the state. I would always take the rear...

Smile More in 2022 With These 5 Goal-Setting Tips

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Think about some of the most gratifying times in your life. I’m talking about the moments that brought a smile of satisfaction to your face. If you’re like me, the reasons for such times vary, and include: Accomplishing a task or project Living into one of my primary life roles in a meaningful...

Goal Setting and the Power of the Pen

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Remember when we used to be frequent flyers, jetting here and there for business and pleasure? I remember one such trip; I lumbered down the aisle, carry-on baggage in hand, and found my seat. I buckled in and grabbed my boarding pass, planning to stuff it in my pocket. That’s when it struck me…. a

Article: The Hidden Dangers of Competence-Based Hiring – Faith Driven Entrepreneur

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

When you interview a potential employee, do you focus on their competence or focus on their character? Are you afraid your best employees will soon give their 2-week notice? Read my recent article from Faith Driven Entrepreneur to find out more. Plus you can

Dare to Dream

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

It’s that time of year. People are busy planning and shopping for Christmas. Many of us are stuffed full of stuffing and already thinking about how we will lose those extra holiday pounds. It’s also a time when we start to think about the coming year. What will 2022 look like? What do I want

Preparing for Success in 2022

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

“Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.” Proverbs 4:26 ESV This time of year brings out a special part of everyone – the part of us that slows down, prioritizes relationships, and realizes how quickly time has flown. We tend to look back, think about the fun times and

4 Ways to Listen That Fall Short – And the 1 Powerful Way to Listen Like a Pro!

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Just a couple of days ago, my wife of over 40 years responded with a hand on her hip and with a disgusted look (because you know we have been here before) when I innocently asked a question. Her quick response was, ”I told you….” So why didn’t I listen (again)? Does this sound

Thankfulness – An Attitude of Gratitude

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

If emotions could be bottled and sold, gratitude would fly off the shelves! People who express an abundance of thankfulness frequently experience a happiness “high” that can last for a long time. In the workplace, employees feel better when their boss expresses more gratitude for their efforts,...

You Don’t Have to Be a Speech Writer to Communicate Effectively

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Leaders – how you communicate may be the most important skill you develop. It will impact your culture, employee engagement, customers – even your suppliers. I want to explain some of the basics of good communication. Many leaders often overlook these fundamental principles and sabotage their...

Principle vs Expediency – A Summary

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

When our three sons were in high school, I would say to them, “When you get in the car with your buddies on Friday night, you already know how the night is going to turn out.” So decide before you are asked about going out on the town Friday night whether you are going to

Three Strategies to Help You Make Better Decisions

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

My wife and I have three sons. They are all adults now, but I remember holding hands with them as we crossed the street when they were little boys. Like most parents, we tried to help them avoid physical injury. Getting physically hurt would have been a tragedy, but there are other risks that

Why Abundant Thinkers Succeed with Flying Colors!

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

I wish I had Superman underwear like my three young grandsons have! They remind me of when I was a little boy. I would watch Superman on TV, and he would always say, “Up, Up and Away” right before he took flight! After watching Superman, I would pretend to have his superhero powers. It’s

Does Your Smile Reflect an Abundance Mindset?

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

People have asked me since I was a young boy, “Why do you smile so much?” At one time, I would answer, “I don’t know.” However, over the years I have come to know that my smile comes from a grateful heart. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which

Learn to Lead – 11 Examples of Expedient and Principled Behavior

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

I love eating Krispy Kreme donuts! WOW! They are lip-smacking good! Have you eaten a Krispy Kreme donut when they come out fresh and are still warm? They literally melt in your mouth! Eating a Krispy Kreme donut requires little discipline. It is an expedient, emotional experience. Until I weigh...

Learn How Successful People Make Better Decisions

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Several years ago, I was enjoying a tasty Texas BBQ lunch with a manager at my company, when he said, “Bobby, I’ve noticed you use the same way to make a decision, no matter if it is a six-pack of Cokes or 6,000 cases of Coke.” I took that as a compliment about how I

The Hallmarks of Principled Behavior

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Two of my young grandsons were born two years apart from each other, and their birthdays are only one day apart. The boys call me “G-Bob” (that stands for Grandbob) and my wife, “Mimi”. Since their birthdays are so close, most parents would throw one combined birthday party -right? Wouldn’t it...

Four Benefits of an Inspired Workplace Culture

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Our people were always important in our business. But it was not until 1989 that I got intentional about it.

Why I Wrote a Non-Business Book

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT

My first two books are business books and focus on my many years of learning and refining my approach to leadership. So, it may come as a surprise that my newest book is a non-business book. Well, as I’m sure you’ll agree, some problems transcend business, and leadership applies to more than...

Bill of Responsibilities

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

By Bobby Albert Most Americans are well aware of the Bill of Rights, but what about the responsibilities for the citizens of our great nation? The concept of a “Bill of Responsibilities” came from my book, The Freedom Paradox, Is Unbridled Freedom Dividing America?. You can preorder the book ....

Stories Matter. Here’s How Smart Leaders Use Them to Inspire Action

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The power of storytelling is undeniable. When you speak at a conference, or with your friend one-on-one, notice how much they remember of the conversation when it’s attached to a story. Likely, they (and you) will forget much of your conversation, except those pieces that revolved around a...

A Summary of the ON IN Principle

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Every day for two to three hours, I read numerous articles and books, watch videos and TV programs, and listen to podcasts and many other sources for my personal growth. On one recent day, I came across what was said to be a true story by Joy Garrison Wasson, an English teacher in Muncie, Indiana.

Is it Purpose or Mission?

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever spent quite a bit of time researching a subject only to come away from your research scratching your head–even more confused than before? Were you frustrated? Boy, I’m glad that I’m not the only one feeling that way. Back in the early 1990s, I was searching out the answer to an...

Do You Want More from Business and Life?

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Do you want more? Do you want more money? Do you want more of the best of things? Do you want more time? Do you want more out of life? Do you want more life fulfillment? In your business, do you want more revenue, more employee productivity, and more profits? Are you open for change

The Business Investment That Yields Growth and Loyalty

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Are you a frustrated leader? Are you frustrated with your employees, with your business, with your life? Are you afraid of being left behind in this booming economy? Do you wish your employees would come to work each day with enthusiasm, excitement, and passion rather than just “clocking in and...

Your Team is Not Your Problem

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I want someone to come in and ‘fix’ my people?” Take another serious look in the mirror at yourself to raise your self-awareness. Can I suggest that your people are merely a reflection of you? The Truth Would you give me permission to speak truth...

Change Your Leadership, Change Your Life

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Do you ever feel like “you are up to your neck in alligators”? Do you spend all day dealing with all the worries that are threatening to pull you (and your business) under? If you are open for change, please take our FREE 5-minute ON&IN Leadership Assessment . I’ll never forget the day that my

Here’s How to Grow Your Business

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Many years ago, a friend told me about a seminar that he had attended. Each seminar participant received a cap with the word ON on the front of the cap and the word IN on the back of the cap. They were asked at the start of the seminar to wear the cap backward – showing the IN above

Five Habits of Personal Growth

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

A few years ago, I took my oldest grandson to a traditional circus show passing through our hometown. We had such a great time. It reminded me when I was a little boy, and my dad would take me to the circus. I have such fond memories of those days that when our three boys

Why You Should Listen to Lead to Grow

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Good leadership comes with a lifetime of experience. In this inaugural podcast, host Bobby Albert shares why helping others develop and learn from leadership principles is his way of giving back.

Serve First, Lead Second

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Recently, I ate breakfast at Chick-fil-A. The food was delicious, and their uncommon and consistent customer service was excellent as usual. I bet you’ve eaten at a Chick-fil-A, and can almost guarantee you have had the same experience that exceeds expectations. In my company, we called this a...

A Simple Way to Measure Your Leadership Effectiveness

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As the years went by, I learned to hire people who complimented and completed me and who were better than I was at driving for results and managing the things of the business. My strength was enhancing relationships and leading the people. I knew our leadership team was better at the technical...

A Sure-fire Way to Stand Out From Your Competition

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As our business kept growing, I had less and less time to help around the house. And I’m so thankful that my wife agreed to become the plumber, the electrician, the person to take care of the yard, a whole host of trees, and the swimming pool. She paid all our personal bills along with

Should Leaders Focus on Training or Development?

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Some things that happen in life hit you like a tidal wave and my dad’s unexpected death was like that for me. The year was 1973. I was 20 years old and a recent university graduate when my dad died. That is when I was thrust to become the new leader of our small family

The Six-Figure Productivity Technique

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Recently, I read a famous story told by James Clear: “By 1918, Charles M. Schwab was one of the richest men in the world. Schwab was the president of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, the largest shipbuilder and the second-largest steel producer in America at the time. The famous inventor Thomas...

Are These Personal Growth Myths Limiting Your Leadership?

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Recently, I arrived at a meeting to find an empty Mason jar positioned in front of each person sitting around the table. An orange balloon was lying beside each jar. The facilitator instructed each of us to put the balloon inside our jar and blow up the balloon until it filled the jar. Then we

If You Miss This Leadership Opportunity, You’ll Regret It Later

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The other day, I ran into a friend from high school. After our initial pleasantries and greetings, my friend started to talk about our “good ol’ high school days.” A few minutes into our chat, I tried to turn the conversation to what was going on in his life now. But he repeatedly turned the...

Why Some Leaders Can Never Grow Their Business

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

When I was a little boy, I was full of curiosity. I was also full of energy. My parents could have said I was ADDDDDDDDDDD! I believe that is why they put me in kindergarten a year younger than all of the other kids at the age of four. All of my early years in

Every Employee Asks These 5 Questions

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

For my first Olympic-distance triathlon, I trained with a good friend twice a day, six days a week. We scheduled our training round each other’s personal and work schedules. During our weekly training, we found that our strengths complemented each other very well: I was the morning person who...

What’s Your Leadership Roadmap?

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Years ago, after losing more than 50 pounds of weight in six months, I participated in a short bicycle race. It was a 15-mile individual time-trial, a race where each individual competes against the clock for time. To my surprise, I was leading the race, until… …close to the finish line when I...

The Greatest Leadership Gap

Tue, 22 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

“Bobby, I want you to come in and ‘fix’ my people.” As I have mentored CEOs, presidents, owners, and other key leaders, this is the most common initial request that I hear. What about you? Do you ever want someone to come in and “fix” your people? Have you ever looked in the mirror and

I Had to Hitch a Ride from My Own Employee – For 2 Years

Tue, 08 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The unexpected death of my father left me as the young new leader of the family business. I was only 20 years old, and every one of my five employees was older than I was! To top it off, one of the first things I discovered about the business I was leading was we were

An Uncomfortable Conversation for Any Leader

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As a leader, owner, president, or CEO do you feel at times like you’re trying to swim in this ocean called “the marketplace” but you struggle to keep your head above water? Do you feel like a concrete block has been tied to your ankles, pulling down even your best efforts?” Does it seem like

Life Was Good and Then Everything Changed

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The year was 1973, and life was good: I had just graduated with honors from our local state university after only three years at the age of 20. I had just concluded serving as the President of Student Government (PSG) at a university of over 4,000 students. By the conclusion of my term, I was able

Engage2Lead – A Summary of Participative Leadership

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As I conclude this series of several articles below, I have found completely different atmosphere exists with an Engage2Lead-sensitive leader who respects his or her subordinates and who has the good sense to seek and appreciate input from employees! When participative leaders use the 1-2-3...

The 10 Benefits of Engagement

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Recently, I have been reading about the founding of our nation and the actions of young Col. George Washington during the French and Indian War. In 1755, Col. Washington lead a group Virginians along with British troops into battle, and they suffered enormous losses. Remarkably, George...

Principled Profits – Outward Success Is an Inside Job

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

It is finally here – my new book, Principled Profits – Outward Success Is an Inside Job officially releases today! Click here to read the press release. It’s been a long time coming. Hundreds of hours of effort. A labor of love for sure. Principled Profits contains what I found to be the...

The Wonder and Wisdom of Disney

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Walt Disney’s brother, Roy said, “It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” Okay, before you pass over that quote and let it flow down the river of “that’s nice, but let’s get going” I suggest we pause and think about it. Life and business can be hard. The workplace

Do You Think Like a Manager or a Leader?

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Regardless of your title, do you think more like a manager or a leader? What is the mindset of a manager? What is the mindset of a leader? These are good questions, and often, people get confused about this topic of managing vs. leading. One of my favorite quotes from Peter F. Drucker can bring

A Tale of Two Companies

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

I am regularly interviewed as a FOX News Radio contributor, and a recent interview subject was about companies’ year-end bonuses. The following is a summary of my comments: Frequently, you hear of a person’s promotion, or wage increase, or a company giving out bonuses to their employees....

A Simple Way to Protect Your Brand Without Discouraging Your Team

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

One day while I was talking with a leadership team member in my company, I just happened to ask about a project assigned to one of our very creative and empowered front-line employees. Upon further investigation, we discovered that the employee was in the process of procuring tens of thousands...

This One Policy Can Minimize Your Leadership Headaches

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As the years went by, my company began to optimize results by engaging our employees through a participative leadership style that I call Engage2Lead and employing the 1-2-3 leadership tool. I was very excited how empowered our front-line employees felt to make decisions, and how inspired and...

Do You Recognize the 6 Consequences of Poor Leadership?

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

“You won’t believe what they did to us at work today!” I’m sure that you have heard this comment before. You may have even said it yourself. A great idea One day, an executive I’m mentoring excitingly told me how he came up with a great, new quality improvement process to better manage their...

Which of These Assumptions Is Limiting Your Leadership?

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

I’ve been mentoring an executive at a mid-size organization, let’s call him “Jack.” One day when we were talking about his work, Jack became very despondent. The story that unfolded was a warning flag regarding the leadership of the organization. A Great Idea Jack explained that he had a great...

4 Excuses That Destroy a Leader’s Effectiveness

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Think of how you might feel if you arrived at work one day and your work-station had been moved. You didn’t know it was going to happen, and you don’t know why it happened. Then you learn that your senior manager had decided they wanted to ‘rearrange’ the seating so it would be easier for

Is Ineffective Leadership Stifling Your Profits?

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

An executive who heard me speak at a conference and then read one of my articles shared with me the following experience. As you read the account below, please understand that this type of behavior is common in many workplaces today, and it results in stifled profits and frustrated team members....

We Need a Change in Leadership

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Over the years as I have mentored executives and consulted organizations, I have noticed that when organizations are in trouble, they rapidly seek new leadership. We see it in large businesses, sports teams, and even churches—the assumption that the subtraction of one person at the helm and the...

The Key to Doubling the Effectiveness of Your Team

Tue, 19 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Not long ago, I read about a survey of workers in the United States who were asked if they could work harder on the job than they currently were. 85% of those surveyed said that they could. And more than half claimed that they could double their effectiveness “if I wanted to.” I don’t know about you

This One Leadership Principle Could 10X Your Effectiveness

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

My wife and I have seven grandkids. All are eight years old or less. They call my wife, Mimi, and they call me, G-Bob –which is short for GrandBob. Most likely you have heard of the old adage that you must “crawl-walk-run.” Well, over the past several months, it has been so much fun to

See How You Can Get Your Employees to Think Like Owners

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Years ago, several of our moving trucks began to show their age and required a significant amount of maintenance. It was time to shop for replacement trucks. Instead of making an executive decision and informing the rest of the team after the fact, we pulled the drivers and crew members together...

The Effectiveness Quotient

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

I don’t think I had ever contemplated either of my parents dying – that is until my father died when I was 20 and left me in charge of our struggling family business. Dad’s death came as a shock, and in the early days, I struggled to adjust to my new roles and responsibilities. However

House Rules

Thu, 20 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Leading a family resembles leading a team in the workplace. To lead our “home team”, my wife and I made specific decisions about how we would teach and guide our boys.

Good News, Bad News (and Great Outcomes)

Thu, 29 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Years ago, I rolled out some good news to our leadership team. My voice and verbal pace quickened (as much as possible, for a Texas boy) as I shared my exciting news with them, “We’ve just purchased eight acres, including some existing facilities that we’ll transform into our new offices!” After...

Are You Tired of Trying to Know It All?

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Do you feel like you’re drowning is a sea of change that surrounds your business? The grocery and apparel (usually known as “fast fashion”) sectors are experiencing this warp-speed change, and much of it is driven by how consumers are buying online. I have found that my own buying habits have...

Plan your Best Summer Vacation Ever!

Thu, 25 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Good things happened when we asked our two older sons, who had already married, and our youngest son, who was near finishing college, to help plan a holiday vacation! Specifically, we asked them to get involved in the decision-making process to find a common place where everyone could meet for a...

The Key to Great Workplace Culture

Tue, 09 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Building a great workplace culture is not about what you get. But what you give! It is not what you get from your employees. It is what you give to your people. Prior to me selling my company of over 150 employees to a publicly-traded company, it was rare that we ever used the word

Political Talk Hotspots and Not-spots

Wed, 03 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The political climate is hot right now, as are people’s opinions. It seems that everywhere you turn, someone is expressing their political views, whether it’s on Facebook, a blog, on the streets, or at the dinner table. People have the right to speak their mind, have differing opinions, and even...

Every CEO Wants Three Things

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

There are three things every CEO wants. They wake up thinking about these three things, they go to sleep thinking about them, and pretty much every moment in between is consumed with the same three things.

A Simple Way to Empower Your Team

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

I love to study trends in business. And two trends are clear: operating a business has grown increasingly complex, and the organizational structure of companies has become more flat, requiring greater transparency.

Does it Have to be Lonely at the Top?

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Until you have experienced it yourself, it may be hard to understand the oft-repeated phrase “It’s lonely at the top.” But when you are the leader of an organization, department or even a small group, you realize how true that statement is. As CEO of our company, I knew this feeling all too...

The Secret to Creating 4X Growth in 4 Years

Tue, 28 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

I have always enjoyed learning about other leaders and observing what makes them successful. And I’ve learned a lot from one particular chief executive whose greatest skill is perhaps the way he interacts with others.

How to Get Your Team On Board

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever tried to lead a group of people, but the people did not want to follow? Did it seem like they didn’t see the benefits of getting on board with your goals and direction? I think it is human nature for leaders to strive to lead their people toward greater results. And I

The 360-degree Evaluation That Changed My Leadership

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

He impacted my life and leadership more than any other person. I can still remember the first day that I met him. He exuded confidence, and when our eyes locked I could see a twinkle in his eye. It was if he knew about a hidden gift, and was delighted with the thought of revealing

What Do Chili Dogs Have To Do With Success?

Tue, 07 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

As a young boy, Saturdays were my special days. Often, my dad would take me to lunch at a tiny downtown café where the specialty was chili dogs. I always had mine with cheese, onions, and extra mustard. To this day, those were the best chili dogs I have ever eaten.

Our Multi-Generational Workforce

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Do you know and understand the three main generational groups in the United States workforce? Here’s an overview for quick reference: Baby Boomers Born: 1946-1964 Current Population: 75 million1 Agents of social change Baby boomers have often been characterized by the significant social changes...

A New Way to Lead

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

It was the Fall of 1989 when I had an “aha” moment about my leadership style. My good friend and mentor, Jim Lundy, had completed a 360-degree evaluation of me, and the news was not what I expected. In fact, when I first heard the results, it made me mad! That was until I finally

The Secret to Employee Motivation

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Sometimes a simple story can reveal a powerful truth. Such is the case with a story told by my good friend and mentor, Jim Lundy

Three Bold Predictions for 2017

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

I try to stay out of the prediction business. It’s a prescription for inevitable failure. Think about the weatherman. He’s right about half the time only because he’s wrong the other half! Peter Drucker expressed it this way, “Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country...

What Are Your Dreams for 2017?

Thu, 05 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Recently, a friend and I were talking about setting goals for the new year. One of my questions to him was, “What do you dream to accomplish in 2017?” He replied, “That’s a good question”, then paused for a while and eventually said “I can’t answer your question, because I don’t know what I would

The First Step Toward a Successful 2017

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

I love this time of year! It seems like that for a brief time, generosity and relationships take their rightful place in our busy lives. As we come to the end of 2016 and think about the new year before us, we have a special opportunity

Lone Ranger Decision-Making

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

For years I was “Mr. Idea Man” in our company. But that was my job, wasn’t it? As the leader of the company, I thought it was my duty to generate the ideas and map out how to implement them. Eventually, I learned that there was a better way to lead my team. I discovered a method

My Most Public Bad Decision

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever made a bad decision? I have made many, but one stands out in my mind because it was a very public decision. I’ve thought quite a bit about what went wrong. Although at first it wasn’t obvious, I have discovered the root cause, which is present in many of our bad decisions.

Volunteer Leadership

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Little did I know that in 1983 I would be asked to be the President of my local Rotary Club, an international volunteer service organization. A few weeks before I started, I asked our Board of Directors if it would be okay for me to arrange an off-site club assembly at the home of one

Gratitude

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and

The Journey from Young Entrepreneur to Effective Leader

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

I started working in my father’s moving business when I was very young. One of my first jobs was folding the pads used to protect furniture and the like during cross-town (and cross-country) moves. I took pride in the task and tried to fold every pad with excellence. In fact, the moving crews...

Two Problems That Can Sink Any Leader

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

I remember my days as a young leader. Some days, it seemed like I was on top of the world. Other days, I wanted to beat my head against the wall in my office! More often than not, my problems stemmed from people. But what I learned one day in 1989 would rock my leadership

Does Anyone in America Remember the High Road?

Thu, 13 Oct 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Watching the recent Presidential and Vice-Presidential debates and all of the political advertising has caused me to wonder why our culture has come to not only expect but also accept taking of the “low road”?

To Fire or Not to Fire?

Tue, 04 Oct 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The other day while I was talking with a business executive, he shared a personnel matter. Then he asked me, “Bobby, should I fire _______?” I’m sure as a leader, you have posed that question to yourself.

Do You Think Like a Gold Medalist?

Tue, 13 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

At 43 years old, many would say that she is an unlikely Olympian. And yet, she is not just an Olympian, she is a medalist, a gold medalist.

Happy Labor Day 2016

Mon, 05 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” –Thomas Jefferson Hoping you enjoy your rest from meaningful work this Labor Day

Which Pain Will You Choose?

Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

We must all suffer one of two things: The Pain of Discipline or The Pain of Regret. Which pain will you choose? – Jim Rohn

Do You Have These Four Qualities Of Olympians?

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Who doesn’t like to watch the Olympics? It’s the best of the best competing on a world-wide stage. I think I ride my bicycle faster on the back roads of Texas after I’ve watched a close Olympic race! Maybe I’m unusual, but at times during the Olympics, I imagine joining the athletes in...

Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.

Lead with Purpose and Vision – A Summary

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Do you want transformation to occur in your organization or just change? Transformation occurs only when your people actually live and behave differently than they had before. Otherwise, change only occurs temporarily, and then your people revert back to how they were doing it before.

Unveil Your Vision, Inspire Your Team

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

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How to Project Your Purpose

Tue, 12 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

I have written quite a bit about our purpose (Why you exist?) and our vision (Where do you want to be?). As leaders, once we understand why our purpose and our vision are so important, the next logical step is to spread the word.

What is Your Destiny?

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Let’s face it, you don’t know what you don’t know. And when you do know, you’re often surprised. I remember how surprised I was when I saw the effect of a simple statement. I’m talking about the impact of discovering our vision statement. At the time, I did not realize the importance it played in

Have You Charted a Clear Course for Your Business?

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

For 10 years straight, I organized a canoe trip for a group of guys. We had fun times paddling down the Guadalupe River in the Hill Country of Central Texas. The Guadalupe is the most popular canoeing river in the state. It offers some of the most advanced canoeing in the United States.

Is Your Leadership Drifting Like a Paper Airplane?

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The other day two of my young grandkids (they call me G-Bob for Grandbob) wanted me to fly their paper airplanes that they had made. It reminded me when I was their age my mom and dad took me every Friday night with them to their couples bowling league. As you can imagine, being a high-energy boy

The Business 2-Step: Lead First and Manage Second

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

My long-time friend and mentor, Jim Lundy, and I would often talk about that managing a business was more like triangulation rather than a straight line.

Are You Climbing the Wrong Ladder?

Wed, 25 May 2016 00:00:00 GMT

We all are climbing a ladder. Everybody’s on some ladder. And there are lots of ladders. You know what is amazing? If our ladder is not leaning against the right wall, then every step we take just get us to the wrong place faster.

3 Traits That Reflect an Abundance Mindset

Tue, 17 May 2016 00:00:00 GMT

When I was a young boy starting in junior high school and through college, I worked with my dad’s moving crews. I took on being the “swampier” for the crews. I did the work the others did not want to do or did not like to do. I took one break from work to their

Is Your Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

Wed, 11 May 2016 00:00:00 GMT

How do you see your glass – half full or half empty? I have observed that people who see their glass as half empty have a scarcity mindset. And once you see your glass as half empty, it’s like wearing a blindfold that limits your ability to see where you are going – your vision.

A Scarcity Mindset Today Limits Your Vision of Tomorrow

Tue, 03 May 2016 00:00:00 GMT

I was saddened to hear of a talented athlete who was recently featured in the national news for unlawful conduct (again). So much talent under so little control. A couple of years ago, he seemed destined to live out a hall-of-fame level career, now he’s headed nowhere, and fast. His vision for...

Why Some People Almost Never Know Where They Are Going

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMT

A few years ago my wife and I enjoyed a day at Walt Disney World with one of our sons, daughter-in-law, and our two young grandkids. I especially remember riding the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel with our two grandkids.

Is Life Pulling You Under?

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMT

When I was elementary school age, my parents took me on a family vacation to sunny California. One day we went to the beach. And it was the first time I ever saw and heard the roaring ocean. WOW!

Do You Know Where You Are Going?

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Where are you going? You may ask, “What?” The question bears repeating, where are you going? Where are you going in your personal life? As the leader, where are you going in your business?

Please Take My 2016 Reader Survey

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever encountered a company that asked you, “How can we serve you better?” Well, that’s exactly what I’d like to learn from you!

How to Discover Your Organization’s Purpose

Tue, 29 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Going once… Going twice… Sold! It almost seemed like an auctioneer had just sold off a big part of my life and work.

The Power of Purpose

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

ZAP! POW! When I hear those words, I think of the word “power”. I laugh and think about when I was a kid watching the Batman TV series, starring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin.

What is a Purpose Statement?

Tue, 15 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Prior to 2011 when I sold my business to a publicly-traded company, I was doing meaningful work. I, along with our leadership team, worked hard, and in some cases, long hours, but we had lots of fun in the process.

Meaningful Work

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Are you searching for meaning in your work? Or more precisely, are you searching for meaningful work? It is impossible to have a great life unless it is a meaningful life.

Living Out Your Life Purpose

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Once I discovered why I exist (my life purpose), the first question I asked myself was “Now what?” That is when I realized I needed to start living out my life purpose!

Discover The Compass For Your Life

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wished that you had a compass for your life? Something that would point you in the right direction and help you make better choices? Years ago, I discovered a compass for my life, and I can show you how to find yours too!

Why Do We Stop Asking, Why?

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

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Goal Setting – Your GPS to Success

Tue, 19 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

This is my last blog post in this series on goal setting. In this summary I’ll lay out a simple process that will lead you to success, if you choose to follow it! These principles serve as a GPS that will guide you toward your desired destination.

Now is the Time to Act on Your Goals

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

For many years I volunteered at the North Texas Rehabilitation Center including being asked to serve as the Chairman of the Board. One of the Rehab Center’s largest fundraisers is the Texas Ranch Roundup.

A Simple Way to Write Effective Goals for 2016

Tue, 05 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

During a recent trip to New York City, I found myself sitting in an airplane, wishing the seats were larger, and my fellow travelers were smaller! (Hasn’t everyone thought that?) After reality set in – in the form of a cramped seat – I diverted my attention to my boarding pass. That’s when it...

5 Tips to Get More Done in 2016

Tue, 29 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Did you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year? Like many, my family has enjoyed the sights and sounds of the TV broadcast of this parade each and every Thanksgiving morning. But, this year was different – we did not tune into NBC to watch the parade

What Do You Dream to Accomplish in 2016?

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT

As a young girl, my wife would read her mother’s home and garden magazines. She would redraw floor plans displayed in those magazines and dream about someday being an architect. To further her dream, she even wrote a high school term-paper on Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello. Even though her...

Your First Step to an Extraordinary 2016

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Are you like me? It’s that time of the year I get somewhere quiet or go on a long walk to pause and reflect. I look closer and observe some of the smallest things around me, things that I probably rushed by in the past year.

Do You Set Goals?

Tue, 08 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Goals. Some people set them, some people don’t. Some people set a number of goals yearly. Others don’t even consider setting goals. Still others think about it, maybe even worry that they should be setting them, but never seem to actually set any goals. Let me say, it’s okay – regardless of...

Quote – Bobby Albert on the intent of listening

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Intent of Listening Are you a model listener? Read about the four ways to listen in Tuesday’s blog post, “Get Rid of Your Listening Problems Once and For All”.

Quote – Larry King on listening

Thu, 08 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Do want to learn how to listen better? Read Tuesday’s blog post, “5 Timeless Truths About Listening”.

The Secret Sauce for Success

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

When I was a young boy, Saturdays were special days. My dad would often take me to lunch at a very small downtown café where their specialty was chili-dogs.

Goals & Controls – A Summary

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Business is like marketing warfare. And someone needs to step-up and propose a strategy.

7 Communication Opportunities For Every Leader

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Concerning real estate, you have heard the phrase, “It’s all about Location, Location, Location.” Then may I say that in business, “It’s all about Communication, Communication, Communication!”

How Business Reviews Can Help Leaders Achieve Better Results

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

As the years went by and my moving and storage company grew, so did our leadership team. I learned that as an organization grows, its leaders and leadership tools must also grow.

Leaders Must Distinguish Symptoms vs. the Root Cause

Thu, 10 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Years ago, my moving and storage company set up a highly successful continuous quality improvement program (QIP). It turns out that our ability to distinguish between the symptoms and the actual root cause of a problem was key to having an effective QIP.

How Anyone Can Identify Cause and Effect

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Today you hear a lot about companies using “big data” to run their business more effectively and efficiently. After attending the school of hard knocks for a number of years, I discovered that having the right data is only half of the equation!

How to Set Performance Goals That Motivate and Inspire

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Over 20 years ago in our moving and storage business, I experienced the true significance of setting measurable performance goals. And I discovered the key to setting performance goals that truly motivate and inspire!

Are the People You Lead Laying Bricks or Building Cathedrals?

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A great teacher or communicator can use a simple story to convey an important truth. My good friend and mentor, Jim Lundy, was one such communicator. He would often tell the story about the two bricklayers

Two Guiding Objectives for Every Business

Thu, 27 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever formed a habit for one reason, and then discovered some unexpected “fringe benefits” related to your new habit. Bicycling has been that way for me. I started cycling as a way to get in shape, but that is only one of its many benefits! For many years, I have used my long

Leaders: Cast Your Vision in 3 Simple Steps

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

What is your destiny? Where will you be in five years? Or 10, or even 30 years?

Every Leader Needs a Vision Statement – Here’s Where to Start

Thu, 20 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Three years ago, my wife and I went on a tour of the country of Israel. It was a very enjoyable and educational trip. And one factor was perhaps the main reason for our delightful trip – we had a wonderful tour guide.

Do You Have These 4 Key Leadership Qualities?

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

I have bicycled for over 30 years, and I usually ride the country roads near our home. Bicycling is an enjoyable way for me to exercise, and it gives me time to think! In fact, a recent ride revealed some powerful insights on leadership

Goals Have Different Meaning to Different People

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Several years ago my wife and I went to see the Cirque du Soleil show “O” in Las Vegas.

Is Goal Setting Top-Down or Bottom-Up? (The answer may surprise you)

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

I love bicycling. And I love watching the Tour de France, the Super Bowl of cycling. The Tour is an annual 21-stage race with three weeks of furious cycling primarily held in France. This year it was mountain-heavy and covered 2,084 miles with only two rest days. One thing I know is that...

Are You a Lone Ranger When Setting Goals?

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

For years I was the “Mr. Idea Man” in our company. But that’s my job…isn’t it? As the leader of the company, I thought it was my job to generate the ideas and map-out how to implement them. Eventually, I learned that there was a better way to lead my team – a way to

What Can Albert Einstein Teach Us About Leadership?

Tue, 04 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A few years ago, a friend told about hearing Billy Graham tell the following story as the keynote speaker honoring the delegates to the United Nations in New York

Quality is Contagious – a Summary

Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

As we wrap up this topic about our company-wide quality improvement efforts, it is important to give credit where credit is due! Our first Operation QIC® company-wide workshop was quite a success. It proved to be the catalyst for the significant results that occurred afterwards. But, I want to...

3 Simple Principles To Help You DO Quality- Not Just TALK It

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

!Bobby Albert explains 3 principles to help you DO quality, not just TALK it! They are creating a people first culture, measuring quality, and simplifying business processes/images/2015/07/Blog2015072

Feedback is the “Breakfast of Champions”

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

What does a cookbook have to do with an empowered workplace culture? Well, for me it has everything to do with it! Let me explain

Catch the Quality Epidemic by “Scoping-Out” Four Questions

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Because of the tremendous success of my company’s first Operation QIC® (pronounced “quick” for Quality Is Contagious) half-day workshop, eight months later we had our second Operation QIC workshop.

5 Baby Steps to Build A Mature Team

Tue, 07 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

I can remember feeling stuck. I knew that I wanted to rally our people around a common theme for the coming year, but I did not know what the theme should be! I was certain about the need to cast the vision and unify our people, but I was unsure of how to do it. Have

A Summary of the ON/IN Principle

Thu, 02 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

I remember it well – getting to the end of a busy workweek, only to realize that the next workweek had already started! Some days I felt like a gerbil in a spinning wheel – lots of activity, but little real progress. Then I discovered the wisdom of the ON/IN™ principle

8 Simple Questions That Will Dramatically Grow Your Business!

Tue, 30 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

In 1999, a friend told me about a seminar that he had attended. Each seminar participant received a cap with the word ON on the front of the cap and the word IN on the back of the cap.

Grow Your People, Grow Your Business!

Thu, 25 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The other day, I ran into a friend from high school. After our initial pleasantries and greetings, my friend started to talk about our “good ol’ high school days”.

How to Lift the Lid Off Your Personal Growth Potential

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The “F” on my 6-week progress report glared up at me, stunning me with its accusation that I was failing science.

Five Essential Questions All Great Leaders Must Answer for Their Employees

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

For my first Olympic-distance triathlon, I trained with a good friend twice a day, six days a week.

If You Come to a Fork in the Road, Should You Take it?

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Years ago, after losing more than 50 pounds of weight in six months, I participated in a short bicycle race. It was a 15 mile individual time-trial, a race where each individual competes against the clock for time. To my surprise, I was leading the race, until… …close to the finish line when I...

If You’re Tired of Fighting Alligators, Drain the Swamp! (How to Work ON the Business, Not Just IN the Business)

Thu, 11 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

My father’s unexpected death in 1973 occurred when I was 20-years-old and a recent university graduate. Consequently, I unexpectedly inherited the leadership position of the small family business of five employees along with a shocking revelation!

An Overview of the Nside/Outside Principle that Will Motivate and Unite Your Team

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

As a leader I often become frustrated with wanting to lead a high-performing team that really makes a difference in the lives of our external customers. But sometimes, I don’t know how to unite and motivate our people. Maybe you have this dilemma, too? The Nside/Outside™ principle is one way...

2 Mind-Bending Approaches to Improving Customer Service

Thu, 04 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Making a profound distinction between a contractual relationship and a covenantal marriage, the pastor at my nephew’s wedding ceremony described the differences

3 Secrets of My Success

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Some days are etched in your mind forever. For me, one of these days occurred after returning from a particularly arduous business trip. I entered our offices, exhausted, and needing to refocus my attention when my assistant pulled me aside to say that a couple of people from the Chamber of...

Listen to Lead and The Skill of Servant Leadership

Thu, 28 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

I was a bit “rough around the edges” during my early years as a leader. As I continued to develop my leadership, I started to focus on how I could be of service to those around me as the bible calls us to do in 1 Peter. “Each of you should use whatever gift you

Memorial Day Isn’t Over

Tue, 26 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Let’s continue to give thanks for the freedoms purchased with the service and lives of our veterans. #gratefuleveryday Use the buttons above to share this message with friends and followers. click to leave a comment

The Upside of Inside-Out (& The Key to Service Excellence)

Thu, 21 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

After a bicycle ride, I turn my jersey inside-out to launder it – in order to minimize wear on the fabric. I have ridden my bicycle about 3,000 miles a year over the last few decades, so you can imagine how many cycles (on the road and in the laundry) it’s had to endure! I have

Magically* Transform Your Customer Service

Tue, 19 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

How to Teach Employees the Nside/Outside Principle (With Props!)

Thu, 14 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

In order to introduce the Nside/Outside (internal customer) principle to our employees, one member of my leadership team and I had to get crafty!

3 Questions Great Leaders Ask to Prevent Dysfunction

Tue, 12 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Recently my wife and I went to watch our four- and six- year-old grandsons play indoor soccer.

Who is Your Internal Customer – and Why You Should Care

Thu, 07 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

About 20 years ago, I experienced the largest failure that I have ever encountered. I had invested about 4 million dollars to develop a new service – and I eventually had to shutter the whole operation. – Ouch!

3 Steps to Extraordinary Customer Service

Tue, 05 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

On Saturdays, my wife and I enjoy doing our early morning long bicycle ride or long walk, cleaning up, and then going to our favorite grocery store. Before we begin shopping, we usually enjoy a delicious, cooked-to-order omelet in the store’s deli. We like this grocery store because of how well...

6 Reasons Why Your Customers Are Leaving

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

My good friend and I regularly have lunch at a nearby deli. We enjoy the food (and ice cream), and as you can imagine, during our long discussions, we always have an answer to solve all of the world’s problems!

The Unexpected Outcomes of Expediency

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever made a bad decision? I sure have, and I’ve thought quite a bit about what went wrong. At first, it wasn’t obvious, but I have discovered a common problem that is present in many of our bad decisions.

What’s More Important – Managing or Leading?

Tue, 31 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

I have written several blog posts about the differences between leading people and managing things. This post is a summary of the series where we highlight our conclusion that BOTH leadership AND management are necessary to produce healthy and thriving organizations.

Do You Focus on Efficiency or Effectiveness?

Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Boy, did I “open a can of worms”! At a recent family dinner, I posed a question for some fun discussion. I challenged everyone to come up with word pairs that are almost always said together, and they have the word “and” between the two words.

Participative Management Yields Powerful Results

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever noticed when you read or hear something, you may learn some interesting information or knowledge, but when you experience something, you gain understanding? How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. Proverbs 16:16 ESV

Do You Lead Followers or Leaders?

Thu, 19 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Prior to October 1989, I thought that I was rocking along pretty well, leading my successful business. I had even served in leadership roles at several non-profit organizations. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was missing one crucial component for effective leadership!

Use Leadership Math to Multiply Your Effectiveness

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever noticed when organizations are in trouble, they naturally turn to find new leadership? How often have you seen a sports franchise try to turn things around by hiring a new head coach?

Learn the Two R’s of Effective Leadership

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Early in my career, I began looking for information to help me improve my leadership. I knew there was more to leading a company than just occupying the corner office and signing paychecks.

Who Are Your Leadership Role Models?

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever thought about your role models and what they are teaching you? Once I started thinking about it, I have had a lot of people in my life, in addition to my dad, who were good role models for me.

What Type of Manager are You?

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Throughout my entire life, I have always been asked to lead. You are probably thinking, “so what?” Here is the interesting part – I never sought out a leadership role in anything. And I think I understand why.

Effective Leaders Wear Two Hats

Tue, 03 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Going back to when I was young boy and over the years, I have observed that my bent, or bias was toward building relationships (leading).

Why Some Managers Stink – and What to do About It!

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever played the airport game? I recently took a trip and was forced to “play”. On the return part of my trip, I ran into problems and thus the game began. First, my flight was delayed, then they changed the gate, then my flight was delayed again, etc, …finally they canceled my flight

The Truth About Leading and Managing

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Some things that happen in life hit you like a tidal wave. My father’s unexpected death was like that for me. The year was 1973. I was 20 years old and a recent university graduate when my father died. That is when I became the new leader of our small family business of five employees.

Give Me 5 Minutes and You’ll KNOW if You’re a Leader or a Manager!

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

As July 4th quickly approaches, I’m reminded of the courage of our founding fathers but more specifically, George Washington and his tremendous inner strength. He had a bent (natural leaning, propensity) that was recognized by others at an early age. Ultimately his bent toward courage and...

Results From My 2015 Reader Survey

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Last month I conducted my first ever Reader Survey. I asked, and you answered! Thanks for jumping in there and leaving your opinions and feedback. Let’s break down the results: It was interesting to dig into the survey results and learn more about you, dear reader. In an effort to build a...

How to Discover Your Core Values and Create Extraordinary Results

Fri, 13 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Every year around Valentine’s Day, I try to do something extra special for my wife. The holiday serves as a reminder for us to celebrate our 42-plus years of marriage! One of the best ways I’ve learned to demonstrate my love to my wife is with acts of service. I’ve also learned that acts of

How Could Value Cards be so Dangerous?

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Warning! Warning! Warning! Danger Will Robinson! That was what the robot would say to the young boy in the TV series Lost in Space, with his arms flying in the air, up and down, up and down. When I was a young boy, I really enjoyed that TV series and related to Will Robinson because

Super Bowl Core Values Wins Championships

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Last year’s Super Bowl had a viewing audience of 111.5 million people! It has become the most-watched American television program in history. The Super Bowl game is a wonderful annual event, and the two teams there have gone through a very lengthy season (a process) to arrive at this event.

Why Some Companies Generate Super Bowl Sized Profits

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Why do only a few companies have Super Bowl sized profits, while the rest never make it to the top level of competition? What do these super successful companies know that the rest of us do not? I asked myself these questions when I was trying to grow our business. And the answers I found

Please Take My 2015 Reader Survey

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

I want to make my blog better and more relevant to your needs and interests. To do that, I need to know more about you. So, I’ve created my 2015 Reader Survey. Would you please take a few minutes to fill out the survey? By doing so, you will ultimately be helping yourself. – Why?

Goal Setting as Simple as 1-2-3

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

I’ve been setting goals for as long as I can remember. When I was a little boy playing in the dirt, most of my friends wanted to be a policeman or a fireman. I wanted to be an astronaut. I guess it was the thrill of shooting for the stars… the first seeds of my

The Silver Bullet for Effective Goal Setting

Thu, 08 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Did you know statistics show that while roughly 45% of adults make New Year’s resolutions, 92% fail to achieve their resolutions? [1] In fact, most abandon ship in as little as six months! However, there is hope for the resolution-breakers

10 Ways to Change Your Thinking and Set Better Goals in 2015

Tue, 06 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

My business requires me to fly often. When I look at my boarding pass, it not only has my name but also “where I am now” and “where I am going”. It lists my boarding and departure date and time, my seat number, and other valuable information. It occurred to me that a boarding pass

Asking Questions and Listening – a Summary

Sat, 03 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

About 30 years ago, I served as the youngest District Governor in the world for Rotary International service clubs. After serving, I was shocked when they asked me to

Happy New Year!

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

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The Secret of Learning from the Past

Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Merry Christmas

Thu, 25 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

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Christmas and Giving

Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

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Three Ways to Shatter the Communication Barrier

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Picture yourself standing on one side of a pane of glass, trying to communicate with people standing on the other side of the glass. You can see them. They can see you. But what you are trying to communicate just bounces off the glass. Sometimes that’s how we feel when we roll out a new

Lead Better With These 5 Follow-up Strategies

Tue, 16 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

So, you’ve rolled out your Core Values to your organization, and now you’re wondering, “What now?”. Whether you are a “mom & pop” shop or a large company, any big initiative that you roll out to all your people takes a lot of effort! Here’s what to do next

Make Your Core Values Stick!

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

As a leader, I always get pumped and excited when we have an event, like Our Values QIC-Day, to get our employees involved in “how” we should “live out” Our Values. In a previous blog post, I shared that I met with our “Value Leaders” immediately after our QIC-Day event where I introduced Our...

Give Me Five Minutes and I’ll Help You Expand the Impact of Your Next Event

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever attended a conference, workshop, or meeting that just “blew your socks off”? You walked away enthused, pumped, and ready to “go and tear up the world”! Silence How often have you heard great ideas and were highly encouraged by what was said? But after you walked away, you never...

How to Roll Out Your Core Values to Your Entire Company

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

I’m sooooo excited that I have finally come to this writing about the day when we rolled-out our Core Values to our employees. At that time, October 2005, it was the most significant company-wide event we had ever held.

Crush Your Next Company-wide Event!

Tue, 02 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Think about the last organization-wide event that you attended. Did it roll out without a hitch? Was everyone in the room inspired, informed and aligned? I have hosted countless such meetings and know it’s harder than it looks to pull off an event like this. I’ve discovered the secret to...

Gratitude

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and

Key Steps in My Core Values Journey

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Sometimes leaders get that feeling in their gut that something isn’t right. Have you ever experienced that feeling? Well, in early 2005, I knew that something wasn’t right. I had a growing sense that I needed to figure out who I was, bone deep. Fortunately, I discovered some questions that...

What Core Values Are (…and What They’re Not)!

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

You know when you run into someone from high school and the conversation just pulls you back to your teenage years? Even hearing a song from our youth can stir up thoughts and feelings from decades past. The experiences, thoughts and actions from our past can reveal some interesting clues about...

The Key to Extraordinary Growth

Thu, 06 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

In February 2005, while I was attending my monthly CEO group meeting at the CEO Institute, one of the CEOs said something that prompted me to write down this statement… I want to be a Values-Driven Company that achieves results; not a Results-Driven Company that has values. — That statement...

The First Step to Success

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

For years I have read books about business and leadership. I read Tom Peters’ book, In Search of Excellence in 1989. I did not know it at the time, but that book started me on a journey that would ultimately transform the way I ran my business.

Sleep Busters

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

When I was leading and growing our company, I had my share of worries. More times than I can count, I awoke in the middle of the night with concerns over a certain aspect of the business. Lately, I’ve been asking folks to share some of their pressing or nagging business concerns with me, and

Want Help Starting a Business?

Thu, 23 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever dreamed of launching a business? Many do. So why do many never get started? Maybe you don’t have time the time, or you don’t know where to start. Well, I’ve got good news for you! There’s plenty of help for aspiring entrepreneurs

Need toilet paper? Go to Home Depot

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

What did you buy online last week? If you are like most people, you’ve become accustomed to purchasing books, clothes, shoes and concert tickets online. On top of that, we custom-design our TV viewing experience by accessing “play it now” streaming media sources like Netflix and HBO Go.

Launch Your Passion

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

I led Albert Moving and Storage for 38 years. As you can imagine, our company was a huge part of my life. And then, in 2011 I sold it. I sold the company that I had grown from five employees to over 150. You might guess that this was an end to a great career

Chaplains in the Marketplace

Tue, 14 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Can you believe this?…Just a few weeks ago I attended the best banquet ever. There were about 1,500 people who experienced this highly, uplifting and patriotic event.

15 Ways You Can Improve Your Workplace Culture

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

When we encounter an organization that has a great culture, it’s natural to wonder how they created their inspiring workplace. We might wonder what event, activity or HR policy created their cultural success. The truth is, there is no magic formula for achieving a great, inspiring culture. There...

Here’s the Key to Keeping Your Customers

Tue, 07 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Think about the last time that you ate at a restaurant and the service was poor. If you’re like me, the poor service affected your overall impression of the business, even how the food tasted! Now, you’ll probably also agree that great service makes the whole meal more enjoyable. TARP...

Get Gold Medal Results for You and Your Company

Thu, 02 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

There’s nothing quite like the smile on an athlete that has just competed with the best of the best and won an Olympic gold medal. They know that they competed with excellence. While most of us have not won an Olympic medal, we all know the sense of satisfaction that comes from doing an excellent

Who Else Wants Confident and Courageous Employees?

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

In 1982, I weighed 238 lbs. and was out of shape. Through diet and exercise, I lost 30 lbs. in 30 days, 50 lbs. in 6 months, and 70 lbs. in one year. I also completed two Olympic distance triathlons during that time. The same principles that transformed me can transform your organization.

6 Ways to Achieve Work/Life Balance

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever had an employee who failed to perform at their highest level because of personal problems? It can be frustrating when someone’s personal life impacts their professional life in a negative way. Many employers simply tell their people to keep their personal problems out of the...

An Uncommon Way to Grow Your Business

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

I felt a tap on my shoulder, and then I heard, “Hey Bobby, will you help us? We have some pressing needs and would like to have you pitch in and help.” Have you ever been asked to serve your community or a non-profit organization in a volunteer capacity? I’ve had this happen several times

What Does Dr. Seuss Know About Building an Inspiring Culture?

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

When leaders think about building great organizations with inspiring cultures, they usually don’t consult children’s books for guidance. But childhood author, Dr. Seuss, revealed a key culture-building principle when he said

The Secret Every Leader Needs to Know

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

I’d like to share with you a leadership secret – a way to boost the morale of your team and motivate them toward excellence. Perhaps like no other aspect of leadership, this one behavior can supercharge your team!

7 Ways You Can Up Your Communication Game and Build a Great Culture

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Years ago, I discovered that good communication is necessary for effective leadership. A leader always sets the expectations and defines the level of communication by example. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to...

Are You Investing in Training and Development?

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve been intensely curious. I also have a passion to add value to others. I’ve discovered that before you can add value to others and really help them, you must first grow yourself.

How to Hire the Right People

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Best-selling author, Jim Collins said, “First who, then what.” He went on to say, “People are not your most important asset. The right people are.” The key point he was making was the “who” question came before the “what” decisions – before vision, before strategy, before organization structure,...

Two Ways Leaders Can Improve Their Culture

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

One thing is clear. Every organization has a culture. And every culture is driven by the leader. That is why John C. Maxwell said, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”

How to Win in the Marketplace

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Doug Conant of Campbell Soup said, “To win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace.”

What Affects Your Culture?

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT

In a previous post, I likened culture to the wind by explaining you can’t see culture, but you can see the effects of it if you know what to look for and where to look.

Are These Three Leadership Practices Stunting the Growth of Your TEAM?

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Let me ask you an important question: Do you have individuals on a team or a TEAM of individuals? The differences between those two options are worlds apart. We see these differences all the time in sports. Individuals on a team will win games, but TEAMs of individuals win championships. Michael...

Finishing Great – A Day with Jim Collins

Tue, 05 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT

About a year ago, I had a 30-minute one-on-one meeting with Jim Collins (www.JimCollins.com), best-selling author of Good to Great and Built to Last. The meeting was part of a one-day experience sponsored by Bob Buford

A Proven Way to Gain Clarity and Grow Your Business

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

I recently got away for a couple of days with an amazing group of people – and here’s the kicker, each of them devoted time to help me on my business! I’m talking about the Communicator Coaching (www.CommunicatorCoaching.com) mastermind event. I joined several

How to Get Noticed in a Noisy World

Tue, 29 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Early last year, I attended one of the best training conferences that I’ve ever experienced. In fact, it was so good, I attended the same conference held later the same year! I agree with Michael Hyatt when he states

Leadership Lessons from the Tour de France

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

I love bicycling. I’ve been cycling for over 34 years and have cycled about 100,000 miles. I love July because that’s when they hold the Tour de France, the Super Bowl of cycling. The Tour is an annual 21-stage cycling race primarily held in France. This year it covers 2,276 miles from July 5...

Use 1-2-3 to Double the Effectiveness of Your Team

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Recently I read about a survey of workers in the United States, who were asked if they could work harder on the job than they currently were. 85% of those surveyed said that they could. And more than half claimed that they could double their effectiveness “if I wanted to.”

Ben Franklin Revealed the Key to Learning

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Ben Franklin said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” The 1-2-3 approach reminds leaders to involve their team when making important decisions. Every leader can develop a more effective and efficient team by asking three simple questions.

The Iceberg of Ignorance

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

“The Iceberg of Ignorance”, a study popularly attributed to consultant Sidney Yoshida concludes: “Only 4% of an organization’s front-line problems are known by top management, 9% are known by middle management, 74% by supervisors and 100% by employees…” Although the Yoshida study involved...

How to Sap the Enthusiasm from Those You Lead

Thu, 10 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

“You won’t believe what they did to us at work today!” I’m sure that you have heard this comment before. You may have even said it yourself. Decision-making is a continual activity within any organization with lots of leaders involved at all levels of the organization. I’ve discovered that poor...

Four Excuses that Destroy Effective Leadership

Tue, 08 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Skip the RedBull and Energize Your Team with 1-2-3!

Thu, 03 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

A few years ago, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced that they were going to dramatically change their program for purchasing services from our industry. In advance of implementation, they issued a set of “business rules” – hundreds of pages of them! Although these changes surely...

Build Your Team Using the 1-2-3 Approach

Tue, 01 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Years ago, I experienced first-hand the value of 1-2-3 decision-making. The general manager of one of our companies had done analysis that showed that expenses for repair and maintenance of our trucks had been rising steadily to the point that it made more sense to buy new trucks than to keep...

Three Questions for the Lonely Leader

Thu, 26 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

“It’s lonely at the top” is a comment you have heard from leaders. Are you really leading if you are alone, in isolation? There was a time that I was the lonely guy at the top of the organization. Eventually, I learned three powerful questions that helped me lead more effectively by tapping the...

Decision Making – from Mr. Idea Man to 1-2-3

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Four Ways to Lead and Motivate Your Team

Thu, 19 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Finally, let’s explore the final question in the Motivation Survey. Before we dig into today’s post, you might want to scan the survey again (click the link in the previous sentence) to refresh yourself on the brief survey.

What Motivates You?

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

In the previous blog post we reviewed the first six statements of my motivation survey.

Everything You Need to Know About Motivation – Part 2

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

In my first blog post about motivation, I posed ten statements as part of a motivation survey. I have found that questions are one of the most powerful tools that we have for discovery and learning. The statements in the survey require you to ask questions of yourself and think more deeply about...

Everything You Need to Know About Motivation – Part 1

Tue, 10 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Perhaps you’ve heard the story of the man who wandered around a major construction project. At the south end he asked a worker what he was doing. Using a very negative tone, the employee growled “I’m laying bricks!” The visitor wandered over to the other end of the block-long construction site...

You Don’t Have to be Exhausted to Lead Well

Thu, 05 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

As the CEO of a growing company, I quickly discovered that a leadership role comes with its share of challenges. Sometimes a leader feels as if he or she is herding cats. To excel in leadership, you must show up daily and attend to the important aspects of leading your organization.

Stand and Deliver with the SCORRE Conference

Tue, 03 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

A few weeks ago I attended one of the best training conferences that I’ve ever experienced. The SCORRE Conference was hosted by Ken Davis (best-selling author, frequent radio and television guest, one of the country’s most sought after inspirational and motivational speakers) and Michael Hyatt...

A Summary of Process and Content

Thu, 29 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

I’ve been writing about this concept of Process and Content™ for several blog posts, and today I’d like to summarize the concepts. This post should provide a good reference piece for this principle. Perhaps most importantly, I’d like to challenge you to apply what you have learned to your...

The Leadership Paradox

Tue, 27 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

As a leader, do you think you have time in your schedule to ask for input and decision-making help from your employees? Most leaders sincerely believe it takes too much time and effort to adopt a more participative, process-oriented leadership style.

Where Most People Go Wrong With Leadership – and How to Remedy It!

Thu, 22 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The other day I read a quote by an unknown author, “Prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child.” Process-oriented parents are preparing their child (the person). However, content-oriented parents are preparing the path (the thing).

The Leadership Trap – and How to Spring Free

Tue, 20 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Many of the great pioneers who came to our country and expanded our frontiers were seeking an environment where they could have a greater sense of control over their own decisions. They were fed up with the dominating leadership of dictators and royalty.

Do You Make These Same Leadership Mistakes?

Thu, 15 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that I tend to live my life focused on things that I need to do. And before I sold our moving and storage business, the things I usually focused on were Content items such as phone calls to make, parts to buy for our trucks, reports to complete, financial

See How Easily You Can Improve Your Leadership

Tue, 13 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Anyone can improve their leadership when they understand the following truth: How something is said is often more important than what is said! This new insight is the difference between Content (what is said) and Process (how it is said). When it comes to leadership, communication matters!

Give Me Three Minutes and I’ll Boost Your Leadership!

Thu, 08 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

It’ll take about three minutes to read this blog post, and I guarantee that if you apply the principles below, you’ll take your leadership to the next level.

Who Else Wants To Leverage Their Leadership?

Tue, 06 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Recently I heard best-seller author and speaker, John C. Maxwell, say, “You have two choices as a leader. You can lead followers or you can develop leaders. And 90% of all leaders lead followers.”

How to Fail as a Parent (and a Leader)

Thu, 01 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Last week I spoke with a good friend who said, “If your dad gave you everything, but he never had time for you, the things would not mean anything because there was no relationship attached to the things.” WOW!!! What a powerful statement.

This Principle Transformed My Leadership

Tue, 29 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

In my previous blog post I shared how I was introduced to the powerful leadership principle of Process…as well as Content. This principle is so powerful, it’s helpful to dig deeper and define what I mean by Process and Content.

How I Learned that Relationships are Key to Effective Leadership

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

In October of 1989, I attended a three-day workshop called TRAC 5000 lead by Dr. Jim Lundy, author of the American best-seller “Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way”. Jim was my personal friend and a long-time mentor. During the workshop, Jim introduced: Process…as well as Content. Although I...

Lemonade Leadership

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Our moving and storage business was based in Texas and there’s one thing you can count on in Texas – HOT summers! Triple-digit temperatures are common in our part of the country. Here’s another fact: The busy season for the moving industry is in the summer months when kids are out of school....

All Aboard to a Strong Corporate Culture

Thu, 17 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Like individuals, an organization has only one chance to make a good first impression. Even small efforts can work wonders in alleviating new employee anxieties. The way we welcome and treat a new employee can make a significant impact on how soon, and to what extent, they become the most...

Next! Serving up Leadership Training Across the World

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

People are hungry. Well, not the way you think. No matter where you go in the world, people are hungry to learn leadership principles and how to apply them.

I Could Have Missed My Last Chance to Thank and Encourage a Friend

Thu, 10 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Often we don’t realize that our words and actions have a powerful impact on others. A simple “thank you” or gesture of kindness goes a long way toward forging and reinforcing strong relationships.

You’ll be Sorry if You Ignore This Sales Trend

Tue, 08 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

There’s a major trend in sales today – and it’s affecting your business, whether you know it or not. What worked in sales ten years ago will not work best in our current marketplace. The most successful businesses today have changed how they sell. They understand that today’s customers have more...

An HR Policy to Boost Morale & Effectiveness

Thu, 03 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

My mother used to say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. We have all heard that saying, and I think you would agree with me that mom was right. This is why we ask our children to move their milk glass away from the edge of the dinner table. We know

Even a Boss’s Son Can Learn to Lead

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wanted your son or daughter to take over the business? Because they’re your children, they’ll have to work harder than others if they want to step into a leadership role in your business. According to the Family Business Institute, only about 30% of family and businesses survive...

My First Blog Post

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT

August 25, 1973 is a day that I’ll never forget. That’s the day that my father died. It’s also the day that I became the president of my father’s business. At the ripe old age of 20, I was suddenly in charge of, and responsible for, five employees – and all of them were older