I state in my book, Working Toward Excellence, that it is very hard to work toward excellence if you are not passionate about what you do. So how do you discover your passion? I am currently reading Fred 2.0 by Mark Sanborn, his follow-up to his 2004...
Today is MJ’s 50th birthday. And reports abound that Michael wants to come back and play. He just beat a player on his own Charlotte Bobcats team in a game of one-on-one. The fire is still buring, no question about it. I grew up in Northwest Indiana a huge...
I am reading a fantastic leadership book right now by David Novak called, Taking People With You. It is extremely well-written, thought provoking, and inspirational, no matter where you are on your leadership journey. In his chapter on “Being Your Best...
I just finished reading an outstanding new book by author Eric Chester entitled, Reviving Work Ethic: A Leader’s Guide to Ending Entitlement and Restoring Pride in the Emerging Workforce. According to Chester, “The emerging workforce must shed their...
This post focuses on how to work toward excellence in your work and life by developing the value of HUNGER, which is about your desire, passion, drive, initiative, and how proactive and self-motivated you are. To develop the Value of HUNGER: 1. Practice being...
The Indianapolis Colts’ season came to abrupt end last week with a tough playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, who look like they have all the makings for a championship run after beating the Denver Broncos on Saturday. The Colts, who went 2-14 in 2011, had a...
On Friday, January 11th, I will be presenting my workshop, Inspiring Your Students to Work Toward Excellence, at Clemson University for over 35 Clemson faculty. What a wonderful way to kick off the new semester! As I started to “crockpot” my preparation...
My all-time favorite poem by legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden is about character: “No written word/nor spoken plea/Can teach our youth/what they should be./Nor all the books/on all the shelves./It’s what the teachers/are themselves.”...
Nothing is as deflating and discouraging as mediocre writing. Writing excellence is hard to find, but when you do, it gives you juice and reason to turn the page. I have always heard that “everyone has a book in them,” but how do you begin? What are the...
EARNED, NOT GIVEN Students tend to think teachers give them grades, rather than taking ownership to earn their grades. This difference could not be more significant. The former puts the power in the teacher’s hands, where the latter puts the power in the...
