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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
While touring restaurants in Chicago a few years ago, I met a restaurant manager who was doing a great job and doing it with great joy. It was obvious in everything she did that she was in this job for a reason. I asked her what she enjoyed most about her job
When I think of you, I wish that every employee in our company had your traits. I can only imagine what our business results would be if they did. To celebrate the way that you contribute to each day, I have brought together this list of the Top 10 Things
It’s January, and everyone is working on our New Year’s resolutions. We’re goal setting. We’re working out. We’re dieting. We’re planning new projects. We’re organizing our calendars. In our work life, many of us have a goal this year to get promoted, change jobs, and perhaps join a bigger company.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for following my blog The Purpose of Leadership in 2013. I am grateful for your insights and comments — you are enriching my own leadership journey each week. Because it is hard to keep up with weekly blog posts, this week I
In America it is the season of Christmas. The familiar holiday carols are playing on the radio. The Christmas trees are decorated. The malls are full of shoppers hunting for gifts. And the calendar is full of holiday parties. The season is both a festive celebration and on the other
A Popeyes employee sent me an email recently. He said he had been working on a school project with his daughter on the Maslow theory of human needs. He wondered if I had considered how this theory applies to the workplace and to servant leadership. My response – if leaders
Over 30-years ago, a friend told me a story. I’ve never found a source. A rabbi asked his congregation to go to the worry tree and place every difficulty and worry they had on the branches of the tree. He then asked the people to walk around the worry tree
This weekend I had the honor of teaching leadership at The Gloucester Institute Emerging Leaders Program entitled. A Brand Called You. This program assembles approximately thirty highly motivated African-American undergraduate students with excellent leadership potential. Over the course of the year, they are trained in leadership, writing, speaking, and critical
Servant leadership is so important, so aspirational, so ambitious, we must take time to rest. This week the purpose of my blog is simply to remind you that great leaders rest. “Everything needs a break.” ~ Toba Beta “It is the joy of work well done that enables us to enjoy
One of the blessings of my role at Popeyes is the opportunity I have to meet and learn from amazing leaders. This week was exceptional, meeting 10 leaders in four very different businesses: CEO of General Electric, Jeff Immelt; former U.S. President, George W. Bush; CEO, Jim Haudan of Root
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