Leaders do not look back in anger or forward in fear. They look around in awareness. The past is the past. Opportunity lies ahead. ─ Ken Chapman, Ph.D.

Leaders know what we plan for does not always happen and what we do not expect often does happen. A plan which accepts the need for a backup plan is a wise plan. ─ Ken Chapman, Ph.D.

Leaders value truth. They understand that the greatest courtesy they can extend to their team is to speak the truth about performance. Leaders avoid falling into the trap of misplaced compassion — while trying to avoid hurt feelings, and thus, hurting the person by failing to be truthful. Leaders know that the human need to make sense out of things requires that they know where they stand. ─ Christy Beem ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

Buddy McClinton, 2017 College Football Hall of Fame nominee, offers one of the keys to a successful team: “You’re only as good as the person beside you.” It’s not enough to be your best. You have to help your team members be the best they can be. Your success as well as theirs depends on it. ─ Deb Miller

During the Great Depression of the 1930’s, the US. Soil Conservation Service paid Southern farmers to plant a little known Japanese vine called kudzu. It was intended for erosion control. It does control erosion; it, in fact, controls everything it grows over. The runaway vine now dominates over 7 million acres of former farmland that is no longer useable for row crops or forestland. A wise leader makes decisions conscious of likely impacts, knowing effects matter far more than good intentions alone. ─ Derek Conrad Brown ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc

An effective leader appreciates the value of example: “I am already doing what I ask you to do.” She understands that when her walk matches her talk, her influence with the team increases. For example, a leader who wants a health conscious team, makes healthy choices. An effective leader expects nothing of her team that she is unwilling to do herself. ─Christy Beem─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

Economist Thomas Sowell said “It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.” Leaders limit their ignorance by listening at least as much as they talk. ─Derek Conrad Brown─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

The popular host of The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon, has a comedy skit about high school superlatives being used for current NFL players. It is a reminder that those high school year book superlatives are more humor than prophecy. However, what if your team was unanimously voted titles by the company? Would the list be “Most Likely to Bite off your Head” “Most likely to Exaggerate” or “Biggest Gossip?” Or would the list be “Most Supportive” “Greatest Team Cohesion” or “Most Compassionate and Honest Feedback?” ─ Christy Beem ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

In spite of the best possible plans, leaders are often faced with outcomes they couldn’t have predicted and do not desire. At those moments, they embrace flexibility and adaptability. Disappointments and setbacks are inevitable. A leader knows a bend in the road is never the end of the road unless you fail to navigate the curve. ─ Deb Miller ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc

By Ken Chapman, Ph.D. Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc. We would all like to get ahead on the job, but some of us are better than others at actually doing it. What sets the “haves” apart from the “have-nots”? A number of things. The following are twenty-one ways to get ahead: 1. Make the most of your employee review. If you don’t already know, find out what your performance ranking is based on and how raises are determined. Keep track of your progress: copies of memos suggesting new ideas that are implemented, praise and positive comments that you’ve received, etc. Keep a notebook with detailed records of your achievements that you can refer to at review time. When you go to your review, be prepared. Review your notes and be ready to outline your accomplishments. Put those accomplishments into real terms whenever possible—demonstrate how you’ve helped the company save or…