Leaders Edge Blog

I recently attended a business event at Northwestern’s Pritzker School of Law, co-hosted by AGA (Accelerated Growth Advisors). The meeting was based on the “Make No Little Plans” quote accredited to Daniel Burnham. Burnham was the lead architect for the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, was a master urban planner, and designed over 500 buildings, many of which are considered to be architectural wonders still today.

The panel discussion featured numerous innovative and influential Chicago business leaders from organizations like RXBAR, Madison Dearborn Partners, Farmer’s Fridge, Driehaus Private Equity, and Northwestern’s

Recently David Brooks published an article in the New York Times, “The End of the Two-Party System.”

Brooks articulated what I’ve been trying to get my hands around for the last couple of months. For decades the United States has operated with an abundance mindset. In other words, we can accomplish things on a global scale that are good for America and good for the rest of the world.

As an American I’ve always believed and still do that we can all gain, and maybe even all win. It’s not a zero-sum

Earlier this week I had meetings with two 30-something millennials. Both extremely bright, compassionate, hard-working, and willing to speak strongly and respectfully as they expressed their positions. One had quite a conservative outlook on life, the other quite liberal.

In both meetings we had significant agreements and disagreements on important issues. The conversation was spirited and respectful, and when we ended we were better friends and genuinely understanding of the other’s opinion. Being able to disagree without being disagreeable is a rare thing nowadays.

Here are some broad stroke generalities about society,

This blog marks the one-year anniversary of my Leaders Edge blog. I began by telling the story of how I had just attended the funeral of Danny, my good friend Steve’s 26 year-old son.  Yesterday, on the anniversary of Danny’s death, I called Steve and we talked for a good length of time. While the contents are between Steve and me, here are a few important take-aways from that conversation.

Relationships Matter. As Steve and I discussed the roller coaster of emotions from the last year, I really can’t think of

In my last blog I encouraged you to answer five questions regarding “what matters most” to you. I suggested that you “take a few minutes” to write down your intentions, and then I “guaranteed you” that it would set a better course for 2018. Kind of bold, huh!

Well, I can guarantee you this because of: 1) the success stories of my friends/colleagues who regularly write out detailed plans and goals; 2) myriad research studies affirming this point, and; 3) I know it to be true from personal experience.

The picture above

Welcome to 2018!

The new year has arrived with a blast. As I walked my dog yesterday morning and today at 6:00 a.m. the thermometer greeted me with -12 both days! So, our new year arrived literally with a blast of dangerously cold air. And yet…the dog needed to be walked. Things needed to get done. The new year is off and running.

This is the time of year when many, and I hope you, are taking a bit of time to reflect on “what matters most.” Take a few minutes and

Recently I’ve been reflecting about several situations with which leaders are confronted. I realize that because of my personality, ego and experiences that I sometimes jump to conclusions too quickly. So today I’m offering four leadership scenarios for you to ponder. You can decide what would work best for you:

Situation #A – When people on your team disagree with you:

Do all you can to discredit them, squash their opinion or just fire them
Encourage diverse thinking and lead by appreciating controversy, deeply listen for understanding as to why others don’t share

With all of the media attention around sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my role as a father and how I raised, and continue to influence my son.

How does a dad teach his son to be a man? What does it take to become a man?

Let’s start with what it’s not about. It’s not about teaching your son to exert his size, strength, or power in an unfair way…anywhere. It’s not about being in charge or demanding respect, or being in control.

When I was

Last week while out of town on business I had the opportunity to visit a large nonprofit that is a potential client. I was invited to be a “fly on the wall” in their executive team meeting for about 90 minutes to just observe and get a feel for their culture.

As the meeting progressed it became more and more evident one of the executive team members, “Pat,” had a significant blind spot. She appeared to be oblivious to her own limitations around several issues that are greatly affecting her role

Are you weary of the endless blaming that happens in the media each day? I am! In my life I can’t remember a time when so many people in important and powerful positions of leadership regularly cast blame. The incorrect notion that “if I blame you or put you down, then I (faulty assumption) am lifted up.”

In this brief blog I’ll lay out why blaming others is always a bad strategy, and what to do about it.

If a situation, regardless of where it occurs, isn’t going well, and a person