Henry Ford invented the modern charcoal briquette from sawdust and scrap wood generated in his automobile factory. Ford encouraged people to use their cars on picnic outings by offering barbecue grills and Ford Charcoal at his dealerships. Leaders are open to the possibility that what others call “scrap” may carry the seed of an innovative idea. ─ Ken Chapman, Ph.D

As temperatures rise, so do tempers. Leaders know the value of a “time out” — they take time outs and encourage their team to do the same. A cooling off period can provide relief from the weather and stress. This simple strategy — along with hydration — helps everyone keep their cool. ─ Christy Beem ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

Leaders know the problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem. Problem solving is not merely normal. Problem solving refines a team’s competence and confidence. ─ Ken Chapman ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

Leaders know the value of connecting with their team. The more connected team members feel, the better they behave and perform. The same holds true for leaders. Leaders who are connected to their team strive to be their best selves for the team’s sake as well as their own. A ship’s captain is more effective when in the boat rather than directing it from shore. ─ Deb Miller ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

A leader values diversity and knows that each person has a unique life lens full of experience including joy, sorrow, accomplishment, failure, inspiring mentors, and harmful foes. A leader understands that each idea brought to the table pushes the team towards that one superior idea. Diversity in the team introduces new ideas, new perspectives, and new energy. ─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

A man went to a psychiatrist and told him, “My brother needs help. He thinks he’s an orange.” “That sounds serious,” said the doctor. “I’ll be happy to see him as soon as he makes an appointment.” “Well,” said the man, “since the situation is urgent, I brought him along right here in my pocket.” Leaders know even those who present themselves as reasonable can be unreasonable. Leaders match words to behaviors in order to know reality. ─ Ken Chapman ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

By Ken Chapman Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc. Shortly after Booker T. Washington became President of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, he was walking past the house of a wealthy family. The woman of the house, assuming Washington was one of the yard workers her husband had hired, asked him if he would chop some wood for her. President Washington smiled, nodded, took off his coat, and chopped the wood. When he carried the armload of wood into the woman’s kitchen, a servant girl recognized him and rushed to her mistress to tell her of his identity. The next morning, the woman appeared in Washington’s office. Apologizing profusely, she said repeatedly, “I did not know it was you I put to work.” Washington replied with grace and generosity, “It’s entirely all right, madam. I like to work and I’m delighted to do favors for my friends and neighbors.” The woman…

Leaders know you create opportunities by performing, not complaining—though complaining is the easier path and the one complainers applaud. ─ Ken Chapman, Ph.D.

By Debra Miller Ken Chapman and Associates, Inc. “These are times that try men’s souls”, penned Thomas Paine more than 200 years ago. It could have been written last week. Never in our lifetime has the need for leadership been more apparent. Greed and an absence of ethics from Wall Street to Main Street have created economic chaos unimaginable a short time ago. However, as a leader, there are simple success strategies you can employ to ensure your survival in this stressful stage. 1. Choose your attitude. Every day you determine to a great extent the outcome of your efforts by choosing your attitude. You can’t control the ups and downs of each day, but you can choose your reaction to them. If you can remain positive and enthusiastic in the face of adversity and disappointment you will always distinguish yourself. A positive attitude results from having the self-confidence you…