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I had the opportunity this month to interview Walter C. Rakowich on the topic of transparency in the leader. Walt’s extensive experience at Prologis, Inc., as director of several educational and philanthropic organizations, and on the Global Leadership Council at Colorado State University made him an excellent choice to talk
There is one topic in the book I authored, Dare to Serve, that gets a disproportionate number of comments. It is the section where I tell the readers that I was summarily fired from my position as President, Chief Concept Officer of KFC in the fall of 2003. Readers tell
How well do your team leaders and team members collaborate during the workday? According to the cover story on the January/February 2016 issue of the Harvard Business Review, global organizations have seen a 50 percent increase over the past two decades in collaborative activities. The article notes that the time required
Meet Kirk Kinsell, President & CEO of Loews Hotels & Resorts: Kirk, in your leadership experience, how important is the notion of collaboration in organizations – and how do you define it? I define collaboration as people – better yet, different groups of people – that work together on a common
In seventh grade, I played piano in my junior high Jazz Band. It was six or seven budding musicians – a sax, a couple horns, a clarinet, a bass, a piano and a drum set – and the band leader was our teacher. Our sound probably fell short of New
Last week I posted my interview of Dina Dwyer on coaching. When I asked her to answer these questions, she said ‘sure, as long as you will answer them too!’” So I did. In this week’s blog, you will find my personal take on the questions that I asked Dina
Did you have a favorite coach or mentor in your career who invested in your development? I have so many mentors yet there are two favorites and I call them mom and dad. My father, Don Dwyer, Sr., taught me work ethic. Growing up in the Dwyer household was a
I don’t know about you, but I have never figured out the difference between coaching and mentoring when talking about the development of leaders. I’m sure there is a difference – but whether you call it coaching or mentoring – I think developing great leaders is one of the most
Guest post by Chip R. Bell The word “mentor” comes from The Odyssey, written by the Greek poet Homer. As Odysseus is preparing to go fight the Trojan War, he realizes he is leaving behind his only heir, Telemachus. Since “Telie” (as he was probably known to his buddies) is
In the Q&A blogs, I answer a question that I have been asked recently by a developing leader. This month the question is: As a leader, what do you do when your passion wanes? Leadership can be demanding. Leaders can become weary, even exhausted. Passion can evaporate and we plod forward,
This week I interviewed Joel Manby, CEO SeaWorld, on the topic of leading in tumultuous times — when leadership is anything but easy and convenient. Joel shares his perspective on serving your team well in difficult times. Don’t miss these important insights for your leadership. Tell me about a brave act
Purpose is the new conversation point, especially as Millennials are the new generational majority in our workplace. The reality: purpose is often discussed. From purpose-driven to purpose-centered, purpose continues to be a focal point. The difference may be in how it is playing an earlier role in careers, which is
The Inconvenience of Leadership Was it convenient for Winston Churchill to lead England through World War II? Was it convenient for Florence Nightingale to lead the nurses in the Crimean war? Was it convenient for Martin Luther King, Jr. to lead the fight for civil rights? Was it convenient for
Guest post by Molly Fletcher Fearlessness is an engine that can get us to a goal and overcome the biggest obstacles. So how do we nurture it in our lives to get more of it? The fear part of our brain can adapt if we practice new habits—the same way
Meet Phil Cordell – Global Head, Focused Service Brands, Hilton Worldwide You are often referred to as a passionate leader. Where does that passion come from? Passion comes from the heart. As leaders, we’re often challenged to find a balance between “head and heart.” Obviously, we need to establish strategic
By Mary Schaefer: Years ago my boss and I were talking about a controversial decision within the company. We in HR were charged with presenting it. It was not going be well received by the employee community. This news I could handle. The bigger issue for me was how the
Last month, at the Popeyes International Franchise Conference, our theme was Voices of Bravery: The Bold Lead Change. As part of our inspiring speaker line-up, I had the honor and privilege of interviewing Ms. Danielle Green. You may remember Danielle’s inspiring speech when she was given the Pat Tillman Award
Question: How do I explain servant leadership to my team? Answer: The first step is you demonstrate servant leadership to your team. Last week I attended the Popeyes international franchise conference in the windy city of Chicago, Illinois. This is the highlight of our year, as we gather with restaurant
Today I have the distinct pleasure of introducing you to my “boss,” Mr. John Cranor, Chairman of the Popeyes board of directors. Over the last 8 years, John has been a great boss. He has challenged me, encouraged me, and listened to my ideas. He has made me feel valued
Guest post by Paul Gustavson “Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway” – John Wayne Have you ever faced making a difficult decision that you knew could change everything? Perhaps it was a decision that kept you up at night causing you to wonder and worry; a
The best CEO I worked for in my career was at RJR Nabisco; his name, Lou Gerstner. He was exceptionally smart and exceptionally principled. I watched his leadership closely and found many lessons that would guide my career over the years. So when he was selected to be CEO of
Apparently our human minds can only remember three or four things at once. Psychologists at the University of Missouri published a paper in 2008 entitled “An assessment of fixed-capacity models of visual working memory.”* Up until this study, most researchers thought we could remember seven things at once – like the
It is Friday night and I am headed to LaGuardia airport in New York City– in the borough of Queens. The traffic is heavy. It is raining, and chances are good flights will be delayed. If you have ever traveled through a major airport on a Friday night, you know
One of my favorite childhood movies was The Sound of Music. I think it may have been the catalyst for my lifelong love of music. Maybe I was a romantic at the age of 9, but I can’t think of a more beautiful scene in a movie than where Julie Andrews
For over 18 years, I’ve been in a leadership position with small business owners, the franchisees who invest in and run restaurants. Let me share with just five things that are annoying about a small business owner: They have a lot of emotion and relatively few facts. They always want
When I joined Popeyes in 2007, my first day was the international franchising conference in Orlando, Florida. As you would expect, on my first day I was brimming with excitement and anticipation about this challenging new leadership opportunity. This would be my first chance to meet the Popeyes franchise owners
I’ve only been a waitress once, for one day. I was sixteen years old and had just passed my driver’s test on the second try. Excited to have the independence my age deserved, I realized I would need money for gas. It was time to get a job. Applications submitted.
Last night I enjoyed a dinner conversation with a Popeyes leader who oversees more than a dozen restaurants. In our chat, we were reflecting on how grateful we both were for the momentum in our business – and how blessed we felt to be a part of this company. I was
My father was my encourager in life. If I wanted to try something new, he was all for it. He was my greatest fan and his encouragement made me feel special. I only have one memory of my father saying a discouraging thing – and that was at my tumbling
Looking back over the years, it is so easy to see why you were my favorite boss. But at the time, I didn’t have enough life experience to know just how special you were. Please accept this letter as my way of honoring you for the positive impact you made
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