Why not begin 2026 by reading my latest book, “Finish Line Leadership?”

Finish Line Leadership

I’m hearing such positive feedback. It’s very encouraging!

Some have ordered 20 copies or more directly from the publisher to get a 50% discount, They want to invest in leaders on their team or in their organization.  Here is the link if you want to do that:

BULK ORDERS

Here’s something to get you thinking from the chapter, “Create A Safe Culture.”

Here are some ideas on what to do to develop a positive, encouraging, and life-giving culture:

• Model it. It starts with the top leader or leaders. Are they modeling what they want to see? Are they acting and behaving in ways they want to see others behave?

• Teach it. Talk about the kind of culture you want to see and the values you espouse that would lead to that kind of culture. Repeat it over and over, as people quickly forget.

• Praise it. When you see people living the kinds of behaviors and attitudes that lead to the culture you want to have, talk about it and publicly praise people doing the right things.  Catch people doing something right, not merely wrong.

• Celebrate it. A toxic culture is one in which there is lots of criticism but little celebration. Make a big deal with small wins and give second chances to small mistakes.

• Take responsibility for it. When you as a leader have done something wrong, violated your standards and values, or acted inappropriately, own it. Don’t make excuses for yourself or blame others. For the most part,  people are willing to forgive and appreciate honesty and vulnerability in their leaders.

• Watch out for meddling and micro-managing. Bring on people you trust and trust those you have brought on. People enjoy the freedom to be who God made them be and generally don’t like someone always looking over their shoulder.

• Praise publicly and confront privately. I cringe every time I see or hear of a leader who publicly calls out a team member and disparages them in front of their friends and co-workers.