5 THINGS ALL LEADERS MUST DO AT THE END OF THE DAY

The end of the business day is the most anticipated time of day. Everyone, including leaders, looks forward to the end of the day. However, as a Leader while it may be tempting to get up and leave, things are not as simple. All leaders should have an end of day routine that focuses on planning for tomorrow, preparation all the time, and addressing issues of the day. The end of day routine must become a habit for the leader to succeed. Success will come in the form of being a great leader and in turn creating greater leaders.

Plan for tomorrow and the next day (and the next)

As a leader, the most essential skill to master is time management. Once mastered the world is your oyster and success is your pearl. However, every leader must begin long before they can master anything. Therefore, working and working through planning and preparation on a daily basis means one thing your proficiency and mastery will increase. Therefore, start with pen and paper. Put down in writing tomorrow’s plan of action including those involved as well as, materials or items you will need to achieve success. By putting your plan in writing, you have now made it real. Having a tangible plan a leader has a point of reference by which to launch more actions and activities, thus on to bigger and better things.

Recognize Others

Do not let the sunset without reaching out and recognizing those individuals that deserve that recognition. Of course, you should always recognize individuals the moment they do something extraordinary; however, it does not hurt to recognize those individuals one more time. At the end of the day, those recognized should get another congratulatory handshake, pat on the back and a Thank You big enough to take home and share with family and friends. Taking the recognition home is a great morale booster especially for those employees that find themselves feeling like the management and leadership does not even know they exist. As a leader, it is your job to create new leaders. Without recognition, they will never know if they are on the right track to becoming the leaders you are creating. Give them something to go on, something to build on.

Address Workplace Issues

Just like not allowing employee recognition to go unnoticed, the same applies to those annoying workplace issues. Leaving unresolved issues for tomorrow is not an idea any leader should entertain. Quite the opposite, when the unresolved issues involved personnel matters there is not time to waste or delay. There should be no exception when it comes to addressing personnel matters, the sooner the better. Any delay will create stress, increase any animosity, contribute to confusion, and most of all, taint the memory of those involved in the issue(s). By addressing issues immediately, everyone involved can close out today and start with a clean slate, tomorrow.

Take No Work Home

Taking work home is something that is best left for the kids. Homework is usually something that teachers use as a tool for memory and understanding by either writing spelling words or working math problems. For the rest of us, bringing work home is not something that should be considered an option. It is not to say that homework is wrong, it is that if it can be avoided or postponed until the next workday it should. There will be those times you will be tempted to bring work home but do not do it. There has to be a demarcation, a line, in the sand per se but a leader has to know when to close the book on work for the day and pick it back up tomorrow. Then again, if you have to, absolutely have to, then stay a little late and finish what has to be finished, otherwise get home, your family awaits.

Say Goodbye To Everyone

At the end of the day, a leader should try to say goodbye to his/her employees. This is not to say that you should make them wait at the door for permission to leave but you should at least wish them a great evening, say goodbye and say Thank you. While saying goodbye, make certain you are not taking roll or writing down at what time people are leaving. That is now what saying goodbye to everyone is about. What saying Goodbye to everyone is about is ensuring your staff members know you appreciate them and their participation in making your organization better.
Once an individual makes it to a position that allows him or her the opportunity to lead others, as well as manage and supervise others a completely new set of rules are bestowed on that leader. With those rules come responsibilities. Those responsibilities are key to remaining a leader. Remaining a leader is hard work, which is why creating new daily habits to accompany those new rules will ensure that your tenure as a leader remains solid.



Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
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Here are some Tags: Tags: • The Walking Leader • Great To Follow • ###### • ##### • ##### • ##### • Leadership • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

12 QUESTIONS LEADERS MUST ASK THEMSELVES EVERY DAY!

A Leader that makes it a habit to follow daily procedures is a leader that knows where he wants to go. However, the type of habit will get a leader faster or not at all. Make it a habit of asking and answering the following twelve questions every day. They are not difficult questions to answer, either you did or did not, a simple yes or no will suffice. If you are not already asking and answer one or more, if not all then, then it is time to start. Remember, to be honest with yourself.

1. DID I GREET EVERYONE TODAY?

The late LTG Hal Moore (US Army) author of “We Were Soldiers Once…And Young” once said, “I will be the first one on the battlefield, and I will be the last one to step foot off the battlefield.” A leader in the modern workplace is not about who wears the coolest J’s or who can ride the most Ubers to work, or who drinks the most wine on the clock. A leader is more than that. A leader must be the first person in the door at the morning and the last one to leave. Someone has to turn out the lights. If you can and you should find a way to do so, stand by the door and greet your guest, in this case your staff. Shake their hands. Say “Good morning”, wish them a “Great Day”, and always call them by their name.

2. DID I SPEND ONE-ON-ONE TIME WITH MY STAFF TODAY?

One-on-one time is critical to not only building deeper lasting relationships but also the understanding between the leader and followers allow stronger bonds to form. Seek out those one-on-one times with every staff member. Obviously, the bigger the organization the more difficult it is it to get to do the one-on-one with every member of the company. Set aside some time every day to meet with some of your staff until you have met with everyone. Then start all over again.

3. DID I HAVE BRIEF AND EFFECTIVE MEETINGS TODAY?

Meetings are the necessary evil of the modern workplace. The “meeting” needs an overhaul. Luckily, there is a small revolution taking charge and taking over when it comes to meetings. The revolution directly attacks the effectiveness of meetings and their length. Keep them brief and most of all keep them on point. If at all, avoid them especially when all that needs to be disseminated can be done in an email.

4. DID I PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO MY STAFF?

Are you telling them how you feel about them? Are you providing the information they need to make themselves better at what they do? Do not criticize but give true and honest feedback. Good or Bad feedback is a thousand times better than no feedback. Feedback makes the change happen. Feedback is the starting point of new and innovative change. Change from feedback means you (and them) are on the right track to building something different from the starting point of where the feedback originated.

5. DID I BACKUP MY STAFF?

When there are issues that involving external stakeholders never throw your staff under the bus. Even if it is blatant that the staff member is at fault. Your job as a leader is to lead both sides and come to a rational conclusion without leaving your staff member(s) hanging out to dry. Deal with them after the situation has been defused. Your followers want to know you got their back even when they are wrong.

6. DID I TRAIN MY STAFF ON SOMETHING NEW TODAY?

Every day is an opportunity to learn something new. Train them on something new, especially if what you are training is outside of your sector/market. Who knows it might inspire them to do something new and innovating for your organization. Training also shows your staff that you care enough about them and their future with or without the organization. Daily training opportunities shows your followers that self-improvement is a continuous process and ignoring it is not an option.

7. DID I EAT LUNCH WITH MY STAFF TODAY?

Eating lunch with your staff members is a great idea. It helps tear down walls and helps create solid foundations. It is also time away from the front lines to help those staff members decompress while sharing what is causing the stress. Again, if the company is too big then schedule lunch with everyone a few at a time until you have had lunch with everyone then start over again.

8. DID I DELEGATE MORE THAN I MICROMANAGED?

I find it difficult to believe that ALL leaders, before they became leaders, wanted to be micromanaged. Seriously, if people wanted to be micromanaged they do NOT deserve even considering expanding their career to include a leadership position. Micromanaging means no one is trusted. Micromanaging means you are NOT being an effective manager and most of all, NOT a trusting leader. Stop it, if you are doing it.

9. DID I COUNSEL STAFF THAT NEEDS A LITTLE EXTRA GUIDANCE?

There will always be problems. There will be problems with your staff. No organization is immune and if it has not happened to your company please know it is not a matter of if but when. It will happen and when it does, you must be prepared to counsel those individuals that you are leading. Remember, a leader is many things including a counselor. However, there will be issues that will be out of your league, do not attempt to go at it by yourself but guide those staff members to someone trained to handle such issues. If they come to you that means they trust you. Do not let them down.

10. DID I ADDRESS IMPROPER WORKPLACE BEHAVIOR BEFORE IT GOT OUT OF HAND?

The sooner the better. Unfortunately, too many managers hope any and all problems will address themselves. Usually, they do especially when people realize they are adults and recognize that any improper behavior is not tolerated in the workplace. However, there are those that will push the envelope until the behavior cannot be reined in. A leader will address issues in the workplace immediately with direct intent and the sooner the better.

11. DID I MAKE IT FUN FOR EVERYONE?

FUN is the number one thing everyone wants. So, make the workplace fun! Just because work has to done does not mean it cannot be fun. If you looked around, you would be hard pressed to find a policy and procedure manual that says “NO FUN IN THIS WORKPLACE”. Look in your own company’s rulebook and if you find the “NO FUN IN THE WORKPLACE” clause then you are exempt from answering this question. Otherwise, you have your challenge right in front of you. How much fun can you make it?

12. DID I SAY GOODBYE TO EVERYONE?

When it comes time to say “Goodbye” at the end of the workday, it behooves you to go and say Goodbye to each employee and do so by name. Shake their hand and Thank them for being here today. When you do that, make certain you are doing so without any judgment, sarcasm, or anything like that in the tone of your voice. Be authentic by wishing them a good evening. Of course, there will be incidents, circumstances and situations where you cannot be the last one out the door but do not make it a habit. Remember, be the first one on the battlefield, and be the last one to step foot off the battlefield.

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

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The Conversation Demands Dialogue To Make Change Stick

The national conversation has been going in many directions and that’s great. I truly believe that conversation should go in all directions. There should be conversation about every topic that affects everyone not just for this group or that group or that group over there but for everyone as a whole.

The conversation, the conversation must be a two-way dialogue.

A dialogue, information going out information coming in. It’s not a monologue. Many people want the only word to come from their monologue. Many people are demanding changes through the monologue. Unfortunately, that is not the way change works.

For those that do not know what it is, monologue is “a long and typically tedious speech by one person during a conversation.” As an example, monologue is what those late-night talk show hosts do for the first five minutes of the show, they tell jokes, try to make a point or two and some even try to they try to influence the viewers. That’s a monologue.

What else is a monologue? In school, the teacher stands at the front of the classroom teaching, telling you things, showing you new things. That's a monologue, however, that's not how change happens. In the classroom, monologue is how you learn and that while is considered change it is not the social change groups are demanding. Real Social Change happens through dialogue. Creating two-way conversations and working things out together is how change is made.

Dialogue is how you create change. Dialogue is how you make change that is sustainable. That is how you make change that is going to last for a long, long time. However, when every group decides to have an attitude of "it's my point and no other point matters" that is why we have problems. That's why we're in the situation we are in. This applies to any situation. That is why we're there or here.

Whether it is because of natural disasters, man-made disasters, other people's problems, or whatever the reason we are in that situation because of conversation not being a dialogue. All it takes for two people, two sides to want to talk, work things out and make things happen.

Remember, change is good just as change is bad because it won't last. It will not last if it is coming from one side. It is a one-sided conversation. It has got to be agreed upon by both sides or all sides for change to work. Everyone has to agree and if no one wants to work to be part of everyone then you've got nothing. When you have nothing then nothing is ever going to change.

Of course, you can sit there and spew all the monologue you want but if there is no dialogue nothing is going to happen. Count on it!

So stand up, speak up, join the conversation and make real change happen.

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Tags: Tags: • The Walking Leader • Great To Follow • Leadership • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Leadership, Communication, and Feedback

Today, I was asked the following question, "What are the three most important things for any organization to succeed?"

For most people the obvious answers are money, product and customers. Great answers but not the answers I gave.

I answered, "Leadership, Communication, and Feedback."

Leadership.

Great leadership at the begets Greater leadership at the mid-level and when that happens from the top down, the front-lines can only be a place where magic happens. I say this because if an organization has Great Leaders at the top, Greater Leaders at the mid-level then it should comes as no surprise that those on the front-line want to do better than those above them. That is because the corporate culture does not demand it, it inspires it.

Communication.

Communication is based on dialogue. Dialogue among all members of the organization. Monologue has a place in every organization yet in limited quantities. Communication is necessary when it comes to organizational success. The success occurs when the entire organization (top down) encourages and expects open communication. Failing to deliver that expectation then the organization gets what it deserves. What it gets is NOT a great organization. Avoiding this fate is easy, so long as everyone buys into wanting to and communicating to every stakeholder in and out of the organization. Yes, it is that simple.

Feedback.

Everyone in the organization must demand, expect, solicit, and most of all, ACCEPT feedback. A corporate culture that actually expects complete and honest feedback is one that values the input of everyone not just from those at the top. Unfortunately, for far too long the ONLY feedback available came in the form of the Annual Performance Review, a top down cluster of unwarranted, useless feel good words and a very INACCURATE picture of what was truly going on. The 360° degree Feedback has to come from ALL directions; top-down, bottom-up, sideways, laterally, inside-out, and outside-in. Seriously, for all this to work FEEDBACK must come from all directions and go in all directions.

Sure you can have all the financing you need, just the right product and all the customers you could ever want but without Leadership, Communication, and Feedback what do you have? You got nothing. If you think I am wrong then prove me wrong.


Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Tags: Tags: • The Walking Leader • Great To Follow • Leadership • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

DACA is a Wake-up Call for LEADERS!

Change. Change is coming. Change is here and Leaders what are you doing about it?

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has recently been rescinded by the administration of President Trump. However, the implementation of the end of the program was delayed six months to give the U.S. Congress time to come up with a solution for those previously eligible for DACA.

There are three groups of DACA individuals that are directly affected: children (under 18), those over 18 but still in school (i.e., college), and those over 18 and in the work place.
There is not much leaders can do for those under 18, as they are still under the responsibility of their parents. However, I want to focus on those individuals that are part of the workforce. Those that are gainfully employed (with or without a college degree or two) and are paying taxes are the ones I want to talk about.

The question I hear is how is their citizenship status my problem?

As a leader, it becomes your problem because what are you doing to address the potential loss of the individual(s) from your organization?

1. Are you encouraging them to do what it takes to become US Citizens?
2. Are you giving them time off to address their specific needs to citizenship?
3. Are you prepared to support any issues that may arise during this period of uncertainty?
4. Should the worst case scenario occur, what is your plan to continue to support/assist the employee?
5. After the worst case scenario, are you prepared to fill the vacant position(s)?

Of course, the greater conversation becomes one of us versus them. Us being the citizens and them the "illegals" the ones that are NOT doing anything to help their case (i.e., apply for citizenship). This conversation can be polarizing in any organization. However, if the conversation becomes ugly, then there are bigger problems in your organization and addressing those problems must take priority.

Why does this conversation have to take priority?

It takes priority because as history tells us time and time again, no one can fight and win a two front war without giving attention to one front at a time. In this case, addressing the internal issues of the organization helps with the buy-in of all members of that organization. A leader that is not afraid to address the difficult conversations is a leader that will have little to no resistance once he or she steps up to face the problem head on. Failing to address the problem serves to show only one thing: the leader is not a leader.

There is nothing more that differentiates a Real Leader than from your average run of the mill figurehead than when it comes time to deal with real issues. A Real Leader will step up and deal directly with the issues. A figurehead, will, at best, pass the buck and refuse to step up. Refusing to step up and deal with the issues an organization cannot grow, cannot get better.

Why The Wake-Up Call?

I am not going to get into the politics of the DACA issue any more than I already have. However, this issue is NOT magically going to go away. This issue will be around for a while and addressing what is addressable now is better than waiting for it to grow, fester, and become out of control. Wasting time and letting any situation get out of control, goes without saying but it is bad for business. A leader's job is not to destroy business but to make business.

Of course, organizations all over the world face issues greater and lesser than the one that is currently facing the US. The need for everyone to work together and work with a REAL LEADER at the helm is the ONLY way for a leader and those that follow him to overcome the fallout from this issue and any future issues. One thing that is certain: there will be more future issues.

Thank you for your time,
David G. Guerra, M.B.A.

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Tags: Tags: • The Walking Leader • Great To Follow • Leadership • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Amazon's Alexa and The New WALKING LEADER Skill

By now, you have seen the Amazon Alexa commercials.

If you haven't then let me share the following: Alexa "is an intelligent personal assistant developed by Amazon, made popular by the Amazon Echo and the Amazon Echo Dot devices developed by Amazon Lab126. It is capable of voice interaction, music playback, making to-do lists, setting alarms, streaming podcasts, playing audiobooks, and providing weather, traffic, and other real time information, such as news. Alexa can also control several smart devices using itself as a home automation system."1

Sounds pretty cool. You talk to a small device and it talks back. Heck, it even tells you a joke, if you ask it to. Folks, it is official, we are living in the future.

I have been intrigued with the Alexa IPA (intelligent personal assistant) since it first came out, then appeared on my Kindle Fire and then it was on my Amazon Fire TV Stick. I was hooked. I was beyond hooked, I was mesmerized. Here is the perfect opportunity to be part of an emerging technology. VOICE.

So what did I do to be part of this emerging technology?

During the recent Amazon Prime Day the Echo Dot was available at a price that was too hard to resist.

While I was waiting for my very own Echo Dot to arrive, I brainstormed and came up with a couple of ideas. However, I wanted to proof of concept as well as making certain that I was not in over my head when it came to creating a new Alexa skill.

Doing my homework, I discovered there are approximately 15,000 Skills (and climbing) so why not add one more to the list of skills? That's what I did.

What I did is put my daily audio,  the Walking Leader podcast, Going Beyond The Grind-Going Beyond The Hustle (Facebook video)  and the Amazon Skill development tool to get all that put together. A few days later, the approval email came in from Amazon and here is the link for  you to get my new Amazon Alexa Skill: Walking Leader Flash Briefing.

Now I am even more hooked. You can be too. Looking back, I was not in over my head. It was actually quite easy to create the "Flash Briefing". What I am saying is you can create your own. All you need is an account on the Amazon Developer Platform. If you have an account on Amazon then you already have an account on the Amazon Developer platform. You are going to need a few things the most important is having a audio content that resides (is stored) on SSL enabled web-hosting service.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the "standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private and integral."2

How do you know if you have an SSL enable web-hosting service? Simple, when people go to you website do they see HTTPS:// or HTTP://? If the see HTTPS then you are good to go. If not, then contact your web hosting provider to get the SSL added. Be warned, the SSL might cost you to install. However, once you have the SSL in place you are well on your way to having your Alexa Skill ready for the world.

If you have a message you want to share with the world, then give it a shot. Now is the time to get in on this new emerging technology. I am excited to be part of all this and I know you will be, as well.


Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Tags: Tags: • The Walking Leader • Great To Follow • Leadership • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Now that the Golden State Warriors Won, Let’s Talk about Teams by David Guerra

“Congratulations to the Golden State Warriors for winning the 2017 NBA Championship. Congratulations for creating the beginning of the end of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.”

That is most certainly one of the headlines you will be reading in the coming days. Delivering congratulations to a team then singling out one player and his team. One loss of a series of games and everyone is ready to throw in the towel for this individual, stellar NBA player. They are also ready to throw in the towel for his team. His entire team.

What does this all mean? It means that all over, LeBron James is recognized as the one individual that is the heart, soul and glue of the Cleveland Cavaliers. How can that be? How can it be that outsiders see this as the LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers instead of “The Cleveland Cavaliers”?

It is so easy for people to drive a wedge between a player and his team. The media is no help, they have all but exalted the most honorable and most high “King James” as they like to call him. Yet, what about the team? Do they call the Cavaliers something like “King James and his court”? You had better believe they do. They do so much that when the team does not do well you can almost hear the teaser commercials call it “King James and his court jesters”.

Seriously, not even James believes that nonsense or does he? While he has been quoted as saying, “There is a lot of pressure put on me, but I don't put a lot of pressure on myself. I feel if I play my game, it will take care of itself.” However, when has he been heard saying or asking not to be called “King James”?

James is a very good player. He does what he can to distinguish himself on the basketball playing court. There is no argument there. However, what about the team. It takes a great team to end the NBA Playoffs year after year. It takes a greater team to enter the NBA finals but the greatest team for the season is the one that wins the NBA Championship.

That last paragraph NEVER mentions an individual. It mentions teams. To be great players of the game and the sport you have to be bigger that the game. This means having to be more than the sum of all your teammates. That is why the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls will always remain great teams (no matter the Win-Loss record). It takes a team to make great teams. When one individual is elevated to a position above his own team, then is the team truly great?

To be great team and great team members, the individuals must believe in the team and the team must believe in ALL the individuals to make the team great. From game one to game 82, the team must work together as one cohesive unit with each member of that team doing his part. Eighty-two games later, if they worked and worked with one mission and vision, they enter the play offs. They advance as a team. They move forward building their legacy by being a team. One day, history will look back on that team and its legacy and with a little luck it will call that team GREAT. Then and only then will history decide which individual or individuals were great. Until then, this is still a game played by a TEAM and as a TEAM!

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Tags: Tags: • The Walking Leader • Great To Follow • ###### • ##### • ##### • ##### • Leadership • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Banks & Credit Unions & Real Estate by David Guerra

This past weekend, I saw a commercial from a local Credit Union. There was nothing unique about the commercial, it was your regular run of the mill here we are and come shop with us. The commercial was talking about the convenience of doing business with  the Credit Union. The commercial mentioned the many locations in the general area and then they went in for the kill. They introduced their new service and new location for that service: REAL ESTATE.

While it makes sense that a business expand into the sensible extension of the services they are already offering. For the organization, this is GREAT business. Generating revenue from many sources. Heck, I wish I was generating revenue like that.

 

Yet, is this good business for the customer? Yes and No!

 

Credit Unions have their depositors believing they are part owners of the Credit Union. They do this by offering token "dividends", special "members only" services and other contributions. The truth is this is a business and with or without your approval. Business is done based on what the business and its board members agree must be done. Remember, the board members are usually the ones with the most at stake with the Credit Union than the average depositor.

 

Before I continue I should in full disclosure say the following: I AM NOT A MEMBER OF ANY CREDIT UNION. I was in the past but I am NOT a member now. Reason I left the Credit Union is that I moved to another state and needed the services of a local banking institution.

 

Moving on.

 

While it is great for the organization to expand its services, the problem that when a member of the Credit Union buys a home they use the new REAL ESTATE SERVICE to broker the deal from finding a home to the initial offer to the financing and finally to the closing. While it may be convenient for the member of the Credit Union it is also too convenient.

 

It makes no sense why any individual would want to have their home mortgage where they do their banking.  This applies to the automobile dealerships, why would anyone want to finance their new car at the dealership. Of course, the salesman will tell you they will get you a "good deal" because they work with their financiers "all the time". It is no lie, but, they also fail to admit something else, the reward or incentives (paid to the dealership and trickle down to the salesman) for using the service to finance customers.

 

When someone arrives pre-approved (from the bank or credit union) the salesman will service you enough to the pre-approved limit. When a customer walks in cold, the entire interaction becomes a shark feeding frenzy. Things like "undercoating", "rustproofing", other accessories and services added to the final price. As the price increases, the amount financed increases, thus the reward or incentive to the dealership increases.

 

When it comes to other transactions like the real estate service offered by a credit union how does it compare? It does not! It does not compare because they are using the same transaction model as the auto dealership. This model works for them and it will work for about any other situation that calls for a financing situation (think home furnishings).

 

Still not convinced? Do you go to your Pastor to ask for their advice on how to repair a faulty O2 sensor? No! You go to your Pastor for spiritual advice. Do you go to your Dentist for advice on which roofing shingles are best for your Mid-Century Modern. NO!

 

So, why go and have the Credit Union to act as your Real Estate Agent?

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
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Journaling Your Leadership by David Guerra

When it comes to journaling and leadership the two have to go together like peanut butter and jelly. Writing down the actions of the day and recalling them at a later time is the main reason biographies of great military, political and business leaders are written. It is the exact same reason for you to journal your daily events.  Document activities as they happen. Obviously, there are times you cannot go into specifics (to protect the privacy of all parties) however you can present enough information that when you need it, there it is. However, all of this is not possible if you do not have the right materials to do the right job.

• Always have writing materials.

Any leader that has been a great follower knows to always carry something to write with and something to write on is vital to your existence. Typically, that means carrying paper and pen. Unless you like remembering names, dates, and other information it is best that you carry that paper and pen(s) at all times. However, I have recently seen a disturbing trend: People writing important (critical) information on the palm of their hand.

I cannot understand why people would take such a chance. Yet, they seem to have no problem writing names on the palm of their hand and hoping they don't sweat it away. Folks, don't take a chance and smudge a name or a word, don't take a chance of misspelling a word or running out of room to write. Make it part of your everyday carry (EDC) kit, have paper (notepad, note cards, journal) and pen or pens or pencil.

Having this will allow you to keep important information handy and within arm's reach.

• Document Everything especially names, times, places, and events.

Now that you have something to write with and something to write on what do you do? You start writing, of course. Now you ask, but what do you write? Great question. If you have never written in a journal you start slow.

At first, just give the highlights. However, the highlights should include names, times, places, and events. Then as you get more comfortable with your writing you start including things like time of day, weather, and actual dialogue.

As leader, now it becomes even more important to document, chronicle, or whatever you want to call it, all your daily interactions no matter how mundane or important. Treat every interaction as the same. As anyone who has spent anytime managing people you have to document or it didn't happen.
The ability to efficiently and effectively document your day will increase as you do it every day. Once you are effective and efficient, you will be able to describe and document situations with the best of them.  That documentation will come in handy as you move along in your career or time as a leader.

• Refer to the past to create a new future.

Once you are well on your way to journaling or documenting your day-to-day adventures as a leader something unique starts to happen, you are building a library. A library of events, situations, and how you handled them. This library built from your daily journaling not only shows you what happened in the past but helps guide you in the present and the future.

When a situation arises and it is similar to something that happened in your past, you can quickly refer to your journal(s) and instantly you have a point of reference not only to help you figure out what to do but to ensure that as a manager you remain consistent.

Keep journaling, even when you think that life is boring. It is a great tool to show your kids or those you mentor that life is mostly boring but when it isn't life can be a challenge. Future challenges will be in good company as you will have a resource, a recollection that allows you to use the past to address the present.

Keep writing.

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

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Why Baking A Cake Is Leadership in its Purest, Most Delicious Form by David Guerra

Have you ever baked a cake? Most people have at one point or another in their lives have baked a cake. I have baked cakes for as long as I can remember. While cake baking/making is not my vocation (and for good reason) I have baked cakes for many reasons and while all have been tasty, none of them have caused me to quit my day job. All that cake baking has failed to land me a private jet. However, it has done so much for my leadership skills. There are at least three leadership skills that are put into play every time anyone bakes a cake: planning, patience, and doing what you say.

Planning

I would be hard pressed to say that people are ever ready to bake a cake, even bakers. They have to plan for the cake they want to make. They have to know things like flavor, type, number of slices, frosting, frosting type, and any extras. No one just happens to have the flour they need. They plan and prepare for it. Any experience baker will know that you just have a "magical" supply of flour. You have to have an inventory of flour and all the other ingredients to make the cakes you make. Every leader, worth his or her weight in Almond Flour knows before beginning any new project or mission planning must take place. Planning to prepare for the people, resources, and time needed is key to becoming a successful leader.

Patience

Every baker, knows if they do not wait the minimum time to bake a cake the cake will not be done. No one likes a mushy cake, especially when you take it out the oven too soon. On the other side of the coin, no one truly likes a dry  cake. By dry I mean, the Sahara Desert has nothing on how dry the cake is because it sat in the oven for too long. Whether it is baking a cake or leading a group of individuals you have got to have patience to know when to start and the patience to know when to stop.

Doing What You Say

Those that eat the cake know first hand if that baker is worth the investment or not. The baker knows he/she is only as good as the cake that is eaten. If people are not eating the cake then he isn't putting his money where is mouth is (literally). If the baker is not delivering a quality product then it should come as no surprise that he is not doing what he says he can do which in this case, bake a delicious cake.  Doing and delivering on what you say is essential as a leader, as intent (intending to do something) is not what is going to make you a great leader. Doing things makes you a great leader.
When it comes to being a leader there are so many things that go into becoming the individual that others will follow. However, when it comes to planning, patience, and doing what you say are the top three elements that all future and current leaders must master. To master the top three and just like the cake maker, you have to practice. Practice every day, all day giving no quarter to slacking off. Those that follow you expect nothing less.

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

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The Hustle. The Grind. And Words of Motivation by David Guerra

Hustle. Grind. Those two words have recently got so much play. So much play in that they are now common place.

 

It seems that Hustling and Grinding has become the norm. Everyone is saying it and everyone believes it. They not only believe it but they are living it, as well.

 

So what's the problem?

 

The only problem I see is sooner rather than later, as is in most cases, words like Hustle and Grind will lose their punch. They will fade into the background and join the words and phrases like; "go for it", "kick it up a notch", "awesome" and so on.

 

Once they fade away, what will replace them? What will be the new "Hustle" and "Grind"? Does it matter?

 

Does it matter?

 

Of course, it matters. I need motivation, you need motivation, we all need motivation. So long as people need motivation, there will be words to motivate them. There will be people to say those words to motivate others (and themselves).

 

As leaders, we have to do and say what it takes to motivate those we are responsible for and lead. Those that follow need to feel inspired, especially from those that voluntarily follow. When those words of motivation start to become commonplace, leaders must remain vigilant to not become someone spouting words that have become tired and old. Any leader that values his followers will ensure that what he or she has to say is fresh and most of all; relevant.

 

After all, that's all that followers want.

 

A leader that is not only motivated but relevant 100% of the time and that's non-negotiable.

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
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Here are some Tags: Tags: • The Walking Leader • Great To Follow • Leadership • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

The Second Step Is The Hardest Not The First by David Guerra

They say the first step is the hardest. They are wrong. The first is actually the easiest. It is the second that's the hardest to do.

 

Why?

 

Think about this, the first step gets you off your ass. The first step is deciding to do something. The first step puts you on the path. But, it is the second step that matters most. See the second step can take you in any direction. Hell, it could even take you back to where you started. Then what?

 

The second step is all about taking you places. The second step is the realization that you are not going back to where you started even if you do take that second backwards. That second step is moving you in a direction that you choose to go on. You can go to the left or you can go to the right. Unfortunately, as by now I have made it clear you could choose to go in any direction including taking a step back.

So what's the point of all of this?

 

The point is to stop putting the emphasis on taking that first step. Anyone can take that first step. Anyone, including cowards can take that first step. It is what you do with the second, third, fourth step and so on that matters most.

 

When you are standing at the precipice of change and there is nothing you can do but to get out in front of it that the second and the next steps you take are what put you in control of change or riding the crashing waves of change. Now who does not want to be in control of change?

Set a course!

 

Before the first step and the second you must know where you want to be go. You have to make certain that your goal, your mission, the end of your journey is exactly what you want. By knowing exactly what you want you then can set off on that journey. Yet, as any sailor knows the winds, the tide, and other ships will interfere with charted course. The same will happen to you on your way on that journey. So don't worry when you go off-course. You adjust and get back on track. Ships and airplanes go off-course and adjust their path accordingly.

 

Take the second step, Keep moving forward, keep adjusting, and you will reach your Destination.

Then what?

You Start All Over Again!

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
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Here are some Tags: Tags: • The Walking Leader • Great To Follow • Leadership • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Fine Tuning Your Focus by David Guerra

There comes a time when all leaders, novice or masters, start to lose focus either by life becoming cumbersome or intentional. When leaders start to lose their focus is when they start to get sloppy and make mistakes.

While making mistakes is part of being a great leader, making preventable or avoidable mistakes is not the making of a great leader. It is carelessness. Being careless is something that while tolerated at first but is not something that is going to be good for follower retention or acquisition. However, as someone who seeks self-improvement and creating a solution to losing focus there are three things you can work on right now to make that happen.

By restoring your concentration, practicing patience and being consistent you can get your focus back to the level you had (if not better than) before you started noticing you were losing focus on not the little stuff but the big stuff as well. Remember, how you deal with the big and the small stuff contributes to shaping who you are as a leader.

Before I continue, I should explain that when I write leader I mean any leader at any level in any position in the organization. This includes those “recognized leaders” that are NOT in management positions but are individuals that others turn to for guidance or advice. “Recognized leaders” are those staff members that have been around the longest, the tenured staff. To be clear, I am referring to all leaders within the organization.

The individual’s ability to concentrate is key to remaining focused. When your concentration is on point, you are on point. However, with all the bells, whistles, and shiny objects in the modern age concentration is a commodity that is going the way of the Dodo. I know, I sound like I am over exaggerating but have you ever sat down and tried to write an 866 word article with Facebook, Twitter, and Email running in the background? Just three? Yes, as I am writing this after hours I do not have to deal with phone calls or text messages.

How we deal with maintaining concentration varies from person to person. No matter what works for you, remember to avoid what does not work. Of course, what works for me might not work for you. Personally, I prefer two things to help get my concentration back. Over the years, I have tried others but I have found that creating a quiet environment, my room/office, with the door closed is a starting point. Then when I am ready, the music comes on. It will either be classical music (Mozart, Chopin, etc.) or 80s music (Duran Duran, Talking Heads, The Police, etc.) and it is not at a low level.

Actually, the level the volume is set is not important as the music acts like white noise. I listen to it, I like it and it works for me. Music as white noise did not always work for me.

I tried many things to help with my focus. Some worked, most did not. Those that worked for me did not work for very long. However, that did not stop me from trying again. To find your way to keep and maintain your focus with no matter what you do, patience is the only constant.

Patience in the sense that it will take time to master getting your focus. Keep working at it and keep trying until you find what works. Most of all do not give up but remain patient. Patient, especially when interruptions occur. When they do happen, address them. Depending on the scope or size of the issue you can either address the issue immediately or request to talk about it later. This decision must be made immediately otherwise why bother attempting to remain focused. The sooner you can get back to work the better off you will be in completing your assigned task.

Through all of this and along with patience you must be consistence. Consistency is key when it comes to making you attempts at finding what works for you a success. You remain consistent by scheduling quiet time daily, schedule open door time daily. Do this every day. Avoid the occasional observance of the quiet time. Remember you have work to do that is non-negotiable, aside from leading people or reporting to managers or directors you have to do work that involves you. Usually this involves paperwork and other administrative activities. That is why it is imperative you stick to finding what works for you to get you focus but to also get that focus fine-tuned.

Finding your focus is not something that only you can do but by encouraging others to do the same, you are creating an environment of focused individuals that are not above doing the impossible but doing the impossible on a consistent basis. However, it will take time so be patient. Most of all, remember that finding what works for you will not be what will work for others. That is why it is important for everyone to remember that all good things take time to achieve but once achieved, the success behind having fine-tuned focus is awesome.

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
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Here are some Tags: Tags: • The Walking Leader • Great To Follow • ###### • ##### • ##### • ##### • Leadership • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

What Happens When Your Flowers Don't Bloom? by David Guerra

What happens when your flowers don't bloom?

Do you replace the flowers or do you find a new location for your garden?

In life there will be many things that will refuse to take root let alone bloom. When that time comes (and it will) what will you do? What can you do?

Most people will tell you to get rid of the old flowers and get yourself some new ones. That is all fine and dandy but what if they too fail to bloom? What then?

You most certainly cannot go changing flowers after every failed attempt at making them bloom.

Farmers have this thing called crop rotation. In crop rotation they change where they are going to plant their crops. See if they plant wheat or soy or corn or whatever on the same soil for too long the plants will suck the nutrients out of the soil and eventually nothing will grow there.

That being the case, it might be time to change the location of your garden and who knows your flowers might bloom.

The same applies to life. As human beings we love to get into a comfort zone. Especially, in a world where being a nomad means traveling here or there for a brief time then returning home. Oh no, not like our ancestor who moved because they went where the food went. They didn't stick around once all the Woolly Mammoths were either killed off or migrated away. Early man, moved. They traveled to get the best chance at hunting for food and surviving.

Unfortunately for us, there are no more Woolly Mammoths (at least not yet) nor are there any sabre tooth tigers that are out there making a meal out of us. No, nowadays we travel to the local Mega-Mart to pick up a modern prepackaged version of Brontosaurus burgers (a la Fred Flintstone). Yes, we are firmly entrenched in our comfort zones, our homes with a nice solid foundation.

Now, there is no need to move around. There is no need to rotate our crops. There is no need to do anything but sit back and reap the benefits and rewards that modern society has worked long and hard to attain. We seem to have forgotten that change is VITAL to our existence. Change is what keeps us alive. Change is what makes us better people. Change is essential to making the flowers bloom.

No matter what you want to grow (relationships, business, education, whatever) it is time for change. It may be as simple as finding a new spot for your garden, changing the way you think about relationships or deciding what education you need to succeed. It is all about change and finding what works for you.

As a leader, you have to be flexible to change. Remember, leading people is NOT done with a cookie-cutter approach, all people are NOT the same. You are unique and you are different. Being different means being receptive and open to change and in most cases, initiating change.


Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
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ON AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP

We hear words added to LEADERSHIP all the time.

 

Words like genuine, masterful, honest, and authentic. They all serve a purpose to describe the individual but when it comes to the act of leadership the only one that matters is AUTHENTIC.

 

When it comes to AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP, every leader must be ready to move beyond being open and transparent. You have to work on establishing your legitimacy as an authentic leader by building true and honest relationships with followers that value your input.

 

While all followers will value your input because they would not be your followers if they didn't.

 

However, the level of support by your followers will vary. It varies because each follower is a unique individual with unique needs and wants. That is why building trust, growing enthusiasm and caring and encouraging others to do the same is key to being authentic in your role as a leader.

 

A few things to aid you in being an Authentic leader is to ramp up being mission driven and stay focused on the long term. The long term being look at the big picture and keeping that picture dynamic.

 

Anything less and your run the risk of letting mediocrity creep in and settle. Once mediocrity has settled in doing anything else to raise any level will be all but a moot point.

 

It will be as if you are having to start from scratch. Starting from the beginning is always discouraging especially, when the leader becomes a master of starting from scratch over and over again.

 

When a leader becomes a master of building and rebuilding it might be the time to change the leader. Change the leader? Yes, he or she has become complacent.

 

A complacent leader is never going to be a true practitioner of authentic leadership. Well of course, if the complacent leader decides it may be time to change location, altitude, and most definitely attitude he or she might stand a chance but time will tell.

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
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Here are some Tags: Tags: • The Walking Leader • Great To Follow • Leadership • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

On Being Open and Transparent

When it comes to being a leader in the 21st century, being open and transparent is now the only acceptable and expected norm. It is the standard. However, unfortunately so many people continue to push that standard to the side. They throw it off and that is not a good thing. Folks that is not how it's done, that is not how it is going to be, most importantly that is not how one remains a leader.

One remains a leader by not deviating from the standard you set for yourself and for others that you lead, manage or supervise. You expect others to adhere to those standards but once you start saying “oh well, that's their standards and these are my standards” well it does not work that way. You have to remain open and transparent the entire time you are a leader. You cannot deviate from the ONE standard because when it comes to being transparent; "you deliberately go out of your way to try to be honest and open about who you are. There is no façade, no pretense – with you. People get what they see. You speak in your own voice. You are authentic. Others can see clearly who you are, what you are doing and why you are doing it.”

It is that simple. You just cannot deviate from that, if you're expecting others to behave in a manner that you say but you are not doing, well all I can say is something is very wrong there. It is when you begin to hide things, like openness and transparency; the truth will eventually become clouded. Once clouded you will fall down that slippery slope where people will begin to doubt their trust in you and as a Leader, you do not want that.

Once that trust is in doubt, there is no going back. Sure, you might get 98 – 99% percent but you will never have a 100% of that trust back. Seriously, you will not see all that trust ever again. Think about it this way; for some reason or another, you doubt somebody's trust. After the situation is settled, will you or can you ever truly trust that individual again? No.

It is sad but it is true. That is why the importance of being open and transparent is key to a successful career and even more importantly it is key to maintaining the honor of being called a leader for a very long time.

Thanks for your time,
Dave

P.S. What do you think of what I wrote above? Do you agree? Disagree? Let me by email (dave@daveguerra.com) or on Twitter where my handle is @DaveGuerra

P.P.S. I would love to connect with your here:
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Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Tags: Tags: • The Walking Leader • Great To Follow • Leadership • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero