Leading Narratives

This blog is no longer active. We encourage you to check out The Leadership Publishing team's founder Dan Spainhour's journal, Game Changer: Change The Way You Look At Things And The Things You Look At Will Change.  Magnificent Mondays Your life is either growing and expanding or it is decaying. This weekly journal will be designed to help its readers see the value in evolving through life. Every Magnificent Monday, there will be a new post with ideas that could change your life. Each week, information will unfold from a fresh, new evolving topic designed to change the way you look at things.   We'd love to have you join the team! 

Check out Dan Spainhour's new weekly journal, Game Changing. Magnificent Mondays Your life is either growing and expanding or it is decaying. This weekly journal will be designed to help its readers see the value in evolving through life. Every Magnificent Monday there will be a new post with ideas that could change your life. Each week, information will unfold around a fresh, new evolving topic designed to change the way you look at things.   We'd love to have you join the team! 

Life is controlled by vibration and vibration is controlled by thoughts and thoughts are controlled by you. Here’s the thing though, and this is the part that separates really winning the game of life from simply playing it--you are controlled by your paradigm.  A paradigm is a standard, perspective, or set of ideas. A paradigm is a way of looking at something. The word paradigm comes up a lot in the academic, scientific, and business world. Most go through life and never really realize they are part of a paradigm.  Why is this important? Paradigms are important because they are the way we automatically view the world. It influences if we see possibilities or limitations. It affects our belief--not only in ourselves but in our potential.   Put simply, our thoughts influence the way we are looking at things--our willingness to take a risk or to play it safe. To go for a dream or to be afraid of being ridiculed.   And if you want an extraordinary life then yo...

We have all experienced what it’s like to “hit the wall.” While the wall is definitely not a good state to be in, there are two important facts we must remember for our own sake as well as that of the people we lead.  First, everyone must understand that these moments can be overcome. People have more in the tank if they grind it out. Second, when you don’t quit these walls serve as a catalyst for growth and potential future success in a way your team would otherwise never experience. Here are a few more things to think about. One step at a time . A popular cliché is “one game at a time.” This mentality is imperative for individuals and teams to succeed. When we hit walls, the finish line can seem very distant and the goal, which started out as a motivating force, can instantly become overwhelming and even de-motivating. We must remember that the emotional and physical tank is already running low when the wall comes into the forefront, so the time to focus on the big picture is not...

Do not confuse misaligned action with paying your dues. A comedian friend was talking to me about how tough it was when he started out. He had to work in all the lower-end clubs with very little pay.  Now, he is well-respected and makes a good living doing his craft. I asked him why he stayed with it. Surely those early days weren’t fun. Did he feel inspired to go to work those nights? His reply sums it up perfectly,  “Inspired? Hell no! Motivated every night? No f-ing way! But there was always my inner voice telling me that I am a comedian. My vision of becoming one never left.”  That is a perfect example of what inspired action is.  Every extraordinary person must start from somewhere, but they all have an inner knowing that they are becoming the essence of what they want to be which carries them through on the days they feel uninspired.  The point is that there is a difference between uninspired action and misaligned action. Misaligned action will never flow ...

Randy Pennington wrote a very good book titled Results Rule. It is a book built on a solid premise—at the end of the day, leadership isn’t about what you intended to do but what got done. Approximately 70% of CEOs are removed by their boards of directors because of their inability to deliver results. Several years ago, a leading business publication summed it up nicely—perform or perish. Yes, results rule and how you get those results is critical. Methods matter. How do we balance results and methods? Suitable methods can quickly be qualified as legitimate by asking these two questions: Is it legal? Seems obvious but maybe not based on daily headlines. This is the easiest test for any practice or strategy you might employ. The problem, of course, is in the “gray zones.” Those are the areas that seem/might be/probably are/ could be “legal” but we’re not sure. Oddly, we applaud leaders who push the limits—until they cross the line and end up in trouble. Taking risks in legal matters is...

Andy was in the kitchen playing with his toy train as his father cooked dinner. Andy stopped the train and said, “All you assholes who want to get off, get the hell off. All those who want to get on, get the hell on!” “Andy!” exclaimed his father. “I can't believe you are using that language! You should be ashamed of yourself! I want you to go to your room and don't come back until you have thought about what you've done!” So, Andy goes to his room and comes back an hour or so later.  He resumes playing with his train, only this time when he stops it he says, “All of you ladies and gentlemen who want to get off, you may now get off, and those who want to get on, you may now also get on. And as for those of you who have a problem with the hour delay, talk to the asshole in the kitchen!” Moral? Sending a problem away doesn’t fix it. Sometimes it comes back pointed at you! Leading Narratives:  The perfect collection of stories, jokes and wits of wisdom for leaders ...

That’s not in my job description. It can’t be done. It’s not my fault. This will just take a minute. —Unless something will literally take only 60 seconds, don’t overpromise and under deliver. I don’t need any help. It’s not fair. This is the way it’s always been done. Everyone wants to be successful, so make sure your words aren’t holding you back. 

By its very nature, politically correct thinking is most often disingenuous, if not altogether intellectually dishonest. Politically correct thinking replaces individuality and authentic opinions with socially acceptable rhetoric and watered-down behavioral tendencies. In the good ‘ole days most conversations consisted of unpredictable, highly charged, and stimulating discourse—you know the ones, where people were encouraged to openly share their true thoughts and opinions. The irony of politically correct thinking is that a society void of individual thought actually creates the opposite of diversity. It is, in fact, politically correct thinking that results in a brainwashed group of sheep that completely lack diversity as a result of a generification of thoughts and actions. The dark secret behind politically correct thinking is that it slowly dulls your senses and neuters your innate ability to be discerning. Leaders shouldn’t want to hear what you think they want you to say, or...

Strange as it may seem, many people are more afraid to succeed than to fail. To succeed means that you might have to change your life or get out of your paradigm. To succeed means taking chances, risks, going for it with an open mind and a willingness to go where your dreams take you. All the while you must understand that living according to your own choices can make you appear a threat to a world bent on keeping people normal and denying personal choice. Religions, governments, and institutions have flourished for centuries by teaching people that they are unworthy, guilty, and powerless.  But we are not here to be small and feel bad. If there is a bigger world to live in--and there is--why not go out and find it? We must be careful not to mistake stagnation for security--stagnation is not living. Security is a popular disguise for death. You could appear to have your life together, but you may be dying of stagnation or boredom If you expect to improve your life, you will have to...

  An angry wife met her husband at the door. There was alcohol on his breath and lipstick on his collar.   "I assume," she snarled, "that there is a very good reason for you to come waltzing in here at six o'clock in the morning?"   “There is," he replied. “Breakfast!”   Moral of the story? No matter how certain of another’s reasoning or motives you can never assume what their answer will be.   Leading Narratives:  The perfect collection of stories, jokes and wits of wisdom for leaders By Dan Spainhour Paperback 6 x 9; 124 pages $24.95 Buy Now   Click here to Download Instantly for $19.99 Click Here To Order by Invoice The book is available from our website & any place books are sold.

This is John Wooden’s Seven Point creed which was passed to him by his father Joshua upon his graduation from grammar school. Wooden kept this creed in his wallet and printed many copies over the years after the original wore to shreds.  Be true to yourself. If you are true to yourself, you will be true to all others. Make each day your masterpiece. Do the best you can. You can’t do anything about yesterday. The future depends on how you prepare yourself today. Help others. Do something for another, which you didn’t expect something in return. There is real joy in helping others. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. Make friendship a fine art. Work at it, don’t take it for granted. Friendship is like marriage, its not a one sider. Make a lasting friendship–you have to work at it. Build a shelter against a rainy day. You’re building that shelter by the life you lead–its not a material shelter. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day. Be thankful...

Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you too can become great. – Mark Twain So many times, people want to keep the people around them small because of the fear of losing them. Often these are the people closest to them--spouses, parents, and friends. Those who we love and those who profess their love for us.  Everyone comes at the world from their own viewpoint--even those most well-intended, those who “love” us. And from these points of view, they see us playing the role they want us to play in their movie. Sometimes the thing that keeps many people from taking risks and evolving past an ordinary existence is the lack of support from those closest to them. Husbands and wives are notorious for keeping their loved ones small. A husband could fear losing his wife if she accepts a bigger job or decides she wants to travel more by herself. A wife could fear losing her husband to his job or to th...

  A bad habit is the result of repetition. Awareness is the key to breaking the cycle. First become aware of unwanted tendencies, then your awareness can help replace bad habits with good ones. Make yourself aware of what motivates the leaders of your organization. As important as what you do is the enthusiasm with which you do it. Bad habits are your enemy. Starve them the fuel of repetition and they will begin to fade. Associate with those who have a positive, passionate outlook on life. Their energy is soaked up by those around them. What you get may be how you make a living, but it's what you give that defines you. Be aware of your thoughts. You can choose to focus on the positive. If you want something to happen in your life, visualize it happening. Make it your intention. Matter is thought materialized.

  A store owner overheard a boy talking on his phone:  Boy: Ma'am, can you give me the job of cutting your lawn? Woman on phone: I already have someone to cut my lawn. Boy: I will cut your lawn for half the price than the person who cuts your lawn now. Woman: I’m very satisfied with the person who is presently cutting my lawn. Boy: (with more perseverance) “I’ll even sweep the floor and the stairs of your house for free. Woman: No, thank you. With a smile on his face, he hung up. The store owner, who was listening to all this, walked over to the boy. “Son, I like your attitude; I like that positive spirit and would like to offer you a job.” Boy: “No thanks.” “But you were really pleading for one,” the store owner said. “No Sir, I was just checking my performance at the job I already have. I am the one who is working for that lady I was talking to!”  Moral? Always check your work and don’t take anything for granted!  Leading Narratives:  The perfect collec...

Your best player and the head coach should never have a bad practice. If a coach cannot coach his best player, he cannot coach the team. The coach must create an identity for his team.  Good or bad your team will be known for something every year. --The Coaching and Leadership Journal

 Here are 10 leadership essentials: Create a positive work environment. You set, maintain, and change the tone. Model and encourage a positive one. Set clear expectations. Tell people what you expect, when, and how, or your day can be filled with surprises, such as, “Oh, you meant today?” Unclear expectations create an atmosphere of unease and frustration Give clear guidelines. As others participate in your organization, give them clear road maps. Don’t keep your processes a secret. Delegate. The added perspective on a job can create even more substantial results than you might create if it were part of your balancing act. Be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is contagious and creates an energetic work environment. Demonstrate confidence. Believe in your product/service and yourself. Others will be far more eager to follow you. Provide necessary resources. Ensure that team members can access information and people to help them achieve their goals. Provide training. Provide team member...

  When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was very difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my country.  When I found I couldn’t change the country, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.  Now as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself and I suddenly realized that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could have indeed changed the world. --Author Unknown

  A sea captain and a crusty engineer were talking one day, and they began to argue about whose expertise was most needed for the running of the ship. They decided that they should trade jobs for a day.  The chief engineer would be on the bridge, and the captain would go down to the engine room. Only a few hours into their shift, the captain emerged from below decks.  “Chief” he bellowed, “you need to get down to the engine room. I can’t get her to go.” “Of course you can’t, barked the chief, “She’s aground!”

Coaching, like politics, can be a world of compromise. It shouldn’t be, but often it is. A coach knows that his battles are not just in the sports arena. His battles are out of the arena, as well. Why? Because no matter what level of coaching you’re on, you are high profile compared to others in the community. And, because you are high profile, people enjoy taking pot shots at how you do things. Some people can even be ruthless in how they criticize you. The pressure can make you want to back down some. To compromise. Take heart. If you’re standing for good values, you are going to be under attack. There is a natural battle line drawn between people who stand for doing things the right way and those who either don’t or who don’t give a rip. So, don’t be alarmed when you are under attack because of what you stand for. No, you don’t have to go out looking for a fight. It may come to you. When it does, be diplomatic and considerate in how you share what you believe. Be understanding of th...