When I was a young man I admired clever people, those with a witty remark at just the right moment. Now, I admire kind and brave people. For example: Those who, when they realize they are wrong, graciously admit it and apologize without a single excuse. ─ Ken Chapman, Ph.D.

By Ken Chapman, Ph.D. Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc. Dr. Thomas Edison’s fame had become international. He was advised to have scientists come to his lab and help him understand scientifically why some of his inventions had worked. Edison didn’t see much use in this, but being open-minded, he consented to the idea. As a result, a brilliant research scientist from Germany came to Edison’s lab to explain to him the principles behind some of Edison’s innovations. While the scientist was visiting his lab, Edison handed the man a globe that had been twisted into a gourd-like shape and said, “Give me the cubic content of this.” Weeks passed and eventually Edison sought out the man to ask him why he hadn’t replied. The scientist began to give him a lengthy explanation about the difficulties of solving such a problem with higher mathematics. Edison then picked up the globe, took…

A leader knows the value of a positive attitude. You can’t control the daily ups and downs, but you can choose how you react to them. A positive outlook and a belief you can handle any situation fuels self-confidence. Others are attracted to a confident, optimistic leader. ─ Deb Miller ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc

Once upon a time I heard a good and decent man offer this advice: Make your life your argument. Among leaders it is a shared wisdom. Because leaders know that what I say and how I say it; and, what I do and how I do it will always be my most convincing argument. ─Ken Chapman ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

As children we are taught honesty is the best policy, and as adults, it is still true! Leaders are honest with themselves and with others. ─ Whitney Tate

During a busy day of shopping, a woman didn’t realize she’d lost her purse until a little boy ran up to her and returned it. “Hey, Lady,” he said, “You left your purse over by the towels.” “Well, aren’t you a little prince,” the woman said as she patted the boy on the head. “Hey, wait a minute,” she said, “I had a fifty-dollar bill in my purse. Now I have two twenties and ten singles.” “That’s right,” the boy replied. “The last time I found a purse the lady didn’t have any change for a reward.” Leaders recognize an opportunity for recognition or praise when it presents itself. ─ Ken Chapman, Ph.D.

Upon hearing of his reported death, Mark Twain famously commented: Rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated. Leaders’ know that “saying it’s so, don’t make it so!” An opinion can be as unqualified as a rumor. And, an opinion can carry the gravitas of knowledge, experience and wisdom. Leaders’ know the difference. ─Ken Chapman ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

The best leaders know civil behavior is not weak behavior. The worst leaders tend to confuse the two. Politeness, even to those who are rarely polite, demonstrates strength. The best employees know this. ─ Ken Chapman ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our podcast, Brain Chatter. Click here to listen. Episodes will also be uploaded to major podcast platforms, so you can access them where ever you listen to podcasts.   WHAT IS BRAIN CHATTER ABOUT? Effective leadership in our daily life and work requires each of us to wisely sort through a tremendous amount of ‘daily noise.’ We all want to become better at hearing and processing what matters and hear past what doesn’t, without disruption or derailment. Brain Chatter is a series of interviews with organizational leaders on the front lines of leadership who are skilled at doing just that. These are leaders who lead themselves, their teams, and their organizations with clarity. In each episode one of them offers their insights into what works and what doesn’t. Among the front line leaders interviewed are general managers of manufacturing plants, HR directors,…

There are times when a coincidence can teach a lesson. For example: On a recent flight I was seated next to a man who spent the forty-five-minute flight telling me what a “lousy world” we live in. As I reluctantly listened to his whining, I read the following sentence on the page in front of me: Some people start each day with a smile so they can get it over with. Leaders know our description of the world is often a reflection of ourselves. ─ Ken Chapman, Ph.D.