One of my biggest obstacles in life is getting through tasks that appear overwhelming. Rather than taking the challenge head on, I will procrastinate and hope the task magically becomes easier. It never does. Do other people ever feel this way? Do we hold off on our purpose because… 1. There are too many phone calls to make 2. No one will read the book proposal 3. A website is Continue reading…

After the publication of Tim Russert’s #1 New York Times bestseller about his father, Big Russ & Me, Tim Russert received an avalanche of letters from daughters and sons who wanted to tell him about their own fathers. A compilation of those letters, titled Wisdom of Our Fathers, was published in 2006. One of the letters reinforces professional honor and responsibility in a very succinct and profound way. It was Continue reading…

I have to admit one of the most humbling experiences of my life was sitting in driving school 3 years ago. Considering I had to be at least twice the age of the other “moving vehicle detainees”,  it felt like I was in after-school detention. It wasn’t my idea, I can assure you. That credit goes to the local judge. I was there to erase the memory (and insurance points) Continue reading…

Chances are, we’ve all been through phone interviews. These type of interviews are commonplace to pre-screen candidates. So the duration and expectations are fairly predictable for both parties involved. How you start the phone conversation the moment you pick up the phone is critical. My advice… Don’t Say Hello. Let me share an example to build my case: I scheduled a phone interview with a candidate at an exact time Continue reading…

It has now been 235 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Here are 17 fun facts about the Fourth of July to share with friends and family… 1. A Truly Young Nation The average age of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence was 45. The youngest was Thomas Lynch, Jr (27) of South Carolina.  The oldest delegate was Benjamin Franklin (70) of Continue reading…

The hard truth is that we will spend a lifetime understanding, acquiring, and developing the skills needed to be effective leaders. Even with constant awareness and rigorous choice, we will always be works in progress, with an endless stream of opportunities to improve and grow. How can we get the most out of our efforts to progress as leaders? It starts with four questions that form the foundation for leadership Continue reading…

Networking for a new job or client is easier said than done. Too often, I take the easy road. I blog. I tweet, I email. Nothing happens. Repeat cycle. Nothing happens. Do other people have the same experience? Do we rely upon technology and social media because it is easy? Are we afraid to do networking the old fashioned way? Where do we start? The good news for social media Continue reading…

It is time for confession. I broke down. I couldn’t resist the temptation. I fell off the wagon. Yes, I brought my TV back to life. My inner sports fan got the better of me. After two months of total TV shutdown and 7 wonderful behavioral observations in my home… I watched Game 6 of the NBA Finals. I then watched in joy and agony as my graduate school (UVA) Continue reading…

He was a great leader. He was organized, patient, and a great listener. He had the capacity to make others feel important. He had that magnetic leadership quality where he could control a room. These words were read by my Aunt Diane at her father’s funeral earlier this year. My grandfather Kenneth D. Wheeler passed away this year at the age of 94. He was born in Hastings, England, Sep Continue reading…

As a father, I try to regularly remind myself of what it means to be a good Dad. I wish I had this job all figured out. It takes experience. A lot of it. And with experience (and good role models) comes wisdom. Unfortunately, I tend to overlook that wisdom with so many distractions in life that often offer no value. Do others feel the same way? Do you ever Continue reading…