One of the best things about riding motorcycles is the time you get "inside your head." I often use those moments reflecting on where I've been on my "professional ride," and remembering all the leaders and mentors who thought me worthy of investing time, talent, and treasure in my journey. That’s certainly been the case [...]
WHEN YOU'RE RIDING LEAD, DON'T SPIT! One of my favorite movies is “Remember the Titans”. It’s based on the true story of Herman Boone, an African American high school football coach in his first season at T. C. Williams High School in Alexandria, VA. Coach Boone arrived in 1971 just as the city consolidated [...]
Seems like I've been asked to discuss "TEAM" a lot this year; how to build a great team, determine why some teams fail so completely and provide some helpful insights into behaviors (good and bad) that are present in all teams. At a recent All-Team Conference, I delivered a presentation entitled, "Your Team Sucks-Now What?" [...]
There is a popular saying in the Harley-Davidson motorcycle community; “If I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand." Bikers have a hard time explaining "IT” – our deep appreciation for the freedom we feel when riding – to those who don’t have the same connection to this shared experience. When we ride, we instinctively [...]
Organizations do strange things in the name of "team building." Most of it fails spectacularly! For too long team building has been nothing more than simple games poorly executed and resulting in a false sense of team solidarity. Ineffective races, relays and networking events are the norm. You don't build great teams by getting participants to compete [...]
It's that time again. Promise to do this. Expect to accomplish that. We make all kinds of resolutions every New Year - 90% of them related to health and relationships - and most of us will, sadly, not achieve them. Maybe that's because most New Year Resolutions are focused inward - on us. And let's [...]
It's been said there are three rules for developing good leaders, but unfortunately no one knows what they are! The misconceptions of what makes a great leader have caused many organizations to choose leaders based on stage performance, confidence, passion for personal achievement and other personality characteristics – and often those choices have failed spectacularly. In [...]
One of the best things about 2013 was the many faces I met along the road. Whether at work or play, some amazing people touched my life and made this year one to remember. (l-r) ABC News Channel 10 Reporter Bob Lawrence featured my "Full-Throttle Leadership Ride" on a stop in San Diego, where I [...]
Another year is nearly done, so it's the time to look back and reflect on the amazing adventures, incredible people and inspiring moments we experienced in 2013. Influence was a running theme throughout this year; from working with organizations and individuals on business strategies, facilitating team building events, speaking at conferences or just meeting people as I made my [...]
The Full-Throttle Leadership Ride is MPI's "First Thing" feature in this month's issue of The Meeting Professional magazine. Check it out!