Articles in Leader Development
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February 03, 2010 • Jeremie Kubicek
If you want a tip to get better at connecting with others, here is one from my good friends at Booster Enterprises - “Be Interested Before Being Interesting.” Here is an example… When you first meet someone, genuinely focus on them first before you start thinking … More…
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January 21, 2010 • Jeremie Kubicek
When was the last time you started a campfire? Some of you are experts, while others maybe have never tried. The process of starting a fire is a good picture of momentum, and, specifically, the roles people take in the momentum process. The most crucial part … More…
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January 12, 2010 • Jeremie Kubicek
As we start the year together I would like to challenge you with one large, bold request. This is the type of challenge that will cost you a lot, but benefit you dramatically in your leadership. The request will feel awkward and cause you ego fits … More…
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October 27, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
When my wife, Kelly, and I bought our first home we were given some great advice - plant trees. The advice came from a guy who had moved into a home and five years later had wished they had shade in their back yard. They started … More…
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October 20, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
Recently I experienced one of the most powerful examples of leadership that I have ever seen - a man who is leading transformational leadership in reality. This man doesn’t lead with just words, nor solely with action - rather, he tells and shows. He is not … More…
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September 29, 2009 • Chris Ediger
Over the past few months I have had the privilege of transitioning many of my roles to our new COO, Linda Sasser. It has been very rewarding and, yet, difficult at the same time. Linda is an all-star. She is really gifted at things that I … More…
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September 17, 2009 • Chris Ediger
There are two crucial traits that must be built into every leader in every organization in order to achieve lasting success. These two traits should be in the cross-hairs of leaders worldwide. One is Capacity. The other is Capability. An organization that is weak in these … More…
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September 08, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
If you are a leader of an organization, it is crucial to keep value at the forefront of your mind… the value of your organization, the value of a customer, and your value to your customers. The goal is to consistently raise the value of each … More…
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August 28, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
You are responsible to grow as a person and as a leader. It starts with you. The key is in being self-aware… to admit that you need to grow… to admit that you need some fresh perspective. You are the key to the growth of your … More…
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August 27, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
We believe that growth happens through leadership. Every organization needs twice as many leaders than they currently have. In fact, the number one issue I hear from organizations is, “We simply need more good leaders.” The issue might be the quantity of leaders, but I would … More…
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August 26, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
There have been many great examples of maximizing time in my life. My family did not waste time. Growing up working at the farm or in other business ventures caused us to plan our day around something I call “Formal” time. Formal time is the time … More…
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August 25, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
In today’s leadership culture there is a lack of holistic thinking that benefits both the leader and those they are leading. Instead we have yielded to the trends of the society and the whims of the publisher hoping for the next Good to Great. This actuality … More…
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August 18, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
Many of you have been putting projects and ideas on the “back burner.” It is only natural as the economy and needs of the day overrule the plans of tomorrow. Yet, let me challenge your thinking and give you a philosophy I have used over the … More…
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August 14, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
My greatest contribution on earth will occur in the development of the lives of my three amazing children. They are future leaders, in their own way, and, as their father, it is up to me to be intentional in their growth. My wife and I are … More…
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August 06, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
I have some opinions. See if you agree with me. Give me your honest, open feedback on the following: 1. If you are a learner, you are a writer. It is impossible to fully gain knowledge without journaling, blogging, or writing in some form or fashion. … More…
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July 15, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
How many minutes a day are you in your car? According to multiple sources, the average commute for most Americans is 34 minutes a day. How about you? I have a ten minute commute one way. That is the shortest of my career. However, I spend … More…
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June 29, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
For me, books are one of the greatest assets I own. I collect specific historical books like the Harvard Classics and specific rare biographies. I love to read and I love books. Yet, I know the pressure to read can wear many people out. Hopefully this … More…
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June 12, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
Momentum is a great word. It is movement that picks up speed. It finds itself in businesses, sporting events, relationships and so forth. Momentum can go up and momentum can go down in a single day. It was recently found in an overtime NBA game. I … More…
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May 27, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
Which hand do you prefer? Are you right-handed or left-handed and how does it relate to being a good leader? If you are spending the majority of your time and energy working from your weaker hand, you are half as strong as you could be. I … More…
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May 20, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
How do you know when something is changing versus innovating? I am in the innovation business. My personality testing heavily labels me an innovator. So do my friends, family and others. I am also in the change business. Again, my testing shows that I like change … More…
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April 10, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
One of my favorite phrases is “A great question is better than a right answer to the wrong question.” Questions are powerful. The good ones evoke a little bit of perspective and a lot of inward thinking to the thinking man or woman. With that I … More…
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April 07, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
What should a leader’s biggest goal be? I like that question. Some might answer “Results,” “Company Value” or “Team Loyalty.” I have thought about this often lately as I have been leading through these uncertain times. I found the answer in the last words of King … More…
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March 10, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
This blog is aptly subtitled “The Tension & Thrill of Leadership.” Does that relate to you these days? This past week was full of tension and full of thrill. In fact, both tension and thrill happened in the same hour. It is imperative that you understand … More…
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March 03, 2009 • Chris Ediger
You had a bad year last year. Your board shared some things that were hard to hear. You had to let employees go over the last six months. You had to scrap a long-term strategy for short-term survival. You’ve started to doubt your capabilities or … More…
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February 26, 2009 • Chris Ediger
My whole life has been plagued with an impatience to impact and a desire to start and build companies. All through my 20’s and thus far through my 30’s I have raced against the clock of potential. It is my potential. I read biographies regularly. The … More…
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February 24, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
If you are a seasoned leader you will resonate with this post. If you are an up-and-comer, listen well. Flattery is a form of manipulation. Stay far away from it. It will destroy the trust you have worked hard to build with those you lead or … More…
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January 29, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
Some of you consider yourself to be a pioneer or an entrepreneur. Some of you believe you are an intrapreneur (entrepreneur inside a large corporate). No matter which one you are there is a foundational mandate to people like us. The mandate is simple, but powerful… … More…
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January 06, 2009 • Jeremie Kubicek
While watching some great football over the holiday, one question became quite clear to me - when do leaders practice? The question became clear while I was listening to a commentator talk about a collegiate quarterback who made significant progress from his sophomore year to his … More…
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December 17, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
Yesterday we focused on leading growth with your team. So many of us must lead people we are not around consistently. In yesterday’s post we talked about things you should do with you are WITH your team. Be sure and read through this helpful list if … More…
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December 16, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
If you are trying to influence others, you are at one point or another leading someone who is not with you on a daily basis. The measure of your impact on them will be determined not only by how you lead when you are with them, … More…
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December 12, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
Several years ago we had a drought at our farm that lasted about four years. We didn’t know it would be three more years during that first year. In fact, we didn’t know that we were in a drought until we were already about a year … More…
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December 11, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
Have you ever faced a stern, brisk wind? I have. Growing up in the plains provides numerous opportunities to deal with wind - lots of it. A drought resistant leader has a few options when facing a stiff, negative wind. You can run away, stand still … More…
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December 10, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
We are in a drought. This is a fact. Yet, the drought is as much a scarcity of drought resistant leaders as it is economic by nature. Picture a single oak tree with sprawling branches and fallen leaves in the midst of an autumn day. We … More…
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December 04, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
Yes, I believe communication is more art than science. Would you agree? Every book I have read on the subject normally places a scientific view of communication with a formula of activities to be the most effective communicator on the planet. I think I am pretty … More…
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December 02, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
Let’s talk about Mondays. I love them. I don’t really like meetings, but I do like starting the week. What I want to know is what do you do to make the most of Mondays? Help me make my Mondays better. Here is what we do, … More…
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November 26, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
This is a year of Resilience. I have made it my word for the year. It is important for me, my family, our shareholders and our employees. In fact, it is important for a company to live out resiliency in every season it is in. Here … More…
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October 31, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
The current economic and financial woes are truly a sign of poor leadership over past years and decades. It has little to do with one party or the other, but rather a collective compromise of “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” Freddie Mac, Fanny Mae, … More…
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October 15, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
Over the past few months I have been intently in tune with the economy, media reports and historical perspective. I am amazed at how quickly the nation’s mood has swung. Yes, I must admit it has affected me as well. I am a bit more fidgety. … More…
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October 08, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
Today, I get the privilege of gathering with 12,000 leaders from around the U.S. at our Catalyst conference. This 3 day event will bring together amazing young leaders, with inspiring speakers and powerful events. We will hear from speakers such as Jim Collins, Seth Godin, Tim … More…
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September 23, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
It is impossible to lead others with any longevity or excellence without first leading yourself. Influence from a title will only last so long. People will not follow leaders who do not lead themselves. What does that mean? It means that whatever you expect of your … More…
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September 17, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
While some say stewardship is the management of what we have been entrusted with, I believe it is a higher standard. It is more than just maintaining the status quo. Stewardship, rather, is the maximization of every opportunity in our lives and organizations. To maximize means … More…
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September 02, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
Last week was amazing. I had the privilege of spending a day with Patrick Lencioni in the San Francisco bay area. I was expecting a great day because Pat is a great leader and his team (Amy, Jeff, Karen, Allison, Amanda, etc.) is amazing. What I … More…
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August 28, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
Stacy Wood, our HR manager, recently shared a powerful quote that impacted me - “A leader’s pressure is directly related to their potential.” We see this all the time. Think of the pressure on Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and other high profile athletes and leaders. The … More…
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August 20, 2008 • Chris Ediger
After every speech or presentation I have a process of tough, objective review. In fact, within the GiANT companies this process is part of every process of innovation. This is not a process to simply feel good or look for praise. We are actually improving each … More…
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August 14, 2008 • Chris Ediger
This is a mantra I want every one of our employees to live out. It is an old principle with fresh meaning. It means giving before receiving; planting before harvesting; serving before asking. The biggest part of this principle is not in what you get (opportunity) … More…
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July 17, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
How many times have you heard the phrase, “What’s In It For Me?” Some people call it WIIFM. This phrase probably best defines our culture more than any other phrase. Yet, I am convinced it is a short-sighted philosophy. I would like to challenge us to … More…
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July 17, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
I recently had the chance to listen and speak to Peter Roy, co-founder of Whole Foods and private equity, while at the YPO meeting in Virginia. He shared his wisdom and years of risk and reward in the natural foods and distribution business. There were several … More…
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June 27, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
Working on teamwork within your company can be a waste of time if you’re attempting to do so in the wrong spirit. I’ve watched dozens of leaders pour resources into training only to become cynical when the training seemingly did not work. The desire to motivate … More…
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June 23, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
Over the last few weeks I have been working on a project with an amazing man, Mike Breen. In discussing influence, he brought to my attention one word that has affected my leadership lens on my employees and the way I think of the leadership topic. … More…
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June 05, 2008 • Jeremie Kubicek
The smoke was still lingering from the heated confrontation in conference room two. The observers and passing by employees stood in shock at what they had heard - the struggle for power. Tim had won, again, by sheer will, obnoxious commentary and the higher title. Goliath … More…