Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and unprepared, constantly playing catch-up with your tasks and schedule? Even the most organized among us can fall into this trap. But fear not! Jim has a solution: building playbooks. In this article, he shares his personal experience and how building personal and professional playbooks has transformed his life. With the power to regain focus, eliminate tasks, and reorganize your life in a positive direction, playbooks can be a lifesaver. So if you’re curious to learn how to build and use a playbook, read on. It’s not easy work, but it works. We cannot change what we are not willing to acknowledge Even the most organized and strategic among us fall into seasons of chaos where we seem unable to focus, anxiety is high, task lists seem endless, and our schedule is like a runaway freight train. Fortunately, I’ve put some hard work into

Living with conviction can be a powerful way to transform your life and the lives of those around you. When we have a deep belief in something, it can give us the courage and motivation to take action, even when it may be difficult or unpopular. In this article, we will explore the concept of living with conviction and how it can lead to personal transformation, as well as the transformation of the environments and communities where we live and work. We will also examine how developing and communicating our values can help us to become more valuable to others, and how we can lead by example to create positive change. Whether you are facing a personal challenge or seeking to make a difference in the world, living with conviction can help you to achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life. Living with Conviction Do not be conformed

“Authenticity doesn’t automatically guarantee success… but inauthenticity guarantees failure.” Jamie Kern Lima, Founder IT Cosmetics Last week, I shared a podcast from my heart regarding authentic leadership. If I have learned anything in this life and through my work with leaders across the country, authenticity is cultivated by a right relationship with God, self, others, and one’s context. Philosophers have said that the more we learn about God, the more we learn about ourselves, and the more we learn about ourselves, the more we learn about God. And so as our relationship with God and self take shape, we become more authentically interested in others. We appreciate and enjoy others. We are also more equipped to care for and lead others. At the center of authentic leadership is relationship. However, It appears too dangerous for some because authentic relationships have a transparent quality. And to be transparent requires a sense

When it comes to running a business or managing your personal life, there are certain tasks that require your attention and expertise. While delegating responsibilities can be a helpful way to manage your workload, there are some things that only you can do. In this short blog, we’ll explore the importance of recognizing these tasks and taking charge of them. So, if you’re ready to learn about the crucial aspects of life that demand your personal touch, keep reading! Leadership is Diligence Delegation frees up leaders to do what needs to be done in their organizations. It’s a vital skill set that grows and sustains leadership. There are some things you just cannot delegate. You can’t delegate your opinion and the development of a team member within your reach. You also cannot delegate vision. Culture cannot be delegated as well. And you most definitely cannot delegate values. Values are the

In a world where we often strive for control and predictability, we sometimes overlook the profound impact of inviting God into our endeavors. In today’s blog, we explore the concept of making God necessary in our lives, particularly in the realm of work and productivity. By embracing a belief system that acknowledges God’s presence, wisdom, and guidance, we can tap into a deeper sense of purpose and unlock the full potential of our work. Join us as we delve into the significance of integrating God into our daily lives, transcending the need for stained glass windows and appointments, and discovering the transformative power that comes from making God necessary in all that we do. Making the Most Important Thing Necessary and Making God Necessary I’ve heard it said that God never calls us to anything that makes Him unnecessary. Many of us work hard to make things predictable. We like

I don’t know of a more important topic under the umbrella of leadership than team alignment. When your team understands and pursues the same goal while adhering to the same rules of engagement, you have alignment. When you’re aligned, your odds of success dramatically increase. I bought a 1965 Mustang in 1979. It was a fixer for sure. Among many other problems, the front end was out of alignment. As a result, it wore the tires, got horrible gas mileage, and shook like crazy at certain speeds. Bottom-line, the car could not go very fast and was dangerous. That’s what happens when your front end is out of alignment and that’s what happens when your team is out of alignment. When your car or your team is in alignment, you can go faster, get better mileage, reduce wear and tear, and get where you want to go in one piece!

Today, we’re diving headfirst into the exhilarating realm of personal goals, where the path to success is paved with determination, resilience, and a dash of audacity. Jim shares a very concrete plan for his goals this year. And you know what, sometimes a concrete example is just what someone needs so they can start making one for themselves. So give today’s blog a read and perhaps be inspired to start setting your own personal goals too! It might sound crazy but I write out one specific mission every year. Like you, I have multiple personal goals swarming around in my heart, so it’s not easy. And yes, I do accomplish many good things every year. However, with lots of goal setting, thought, and prayer, I’m usually able to identify the one thing I must accomplish. The one feat that would make it a successful year. Here’s the bonus. On the

Are you looking to improve your life and become a person of commitment? If so, practicing commitment is key. It’s a clear understanding of saying “yes” to something or someone and truly committing to it, even if it means saying “no” to other things. When you commit, you build inner strength, create direction, and experience true freedom. In this post, we’ll dive into the power of practicing commitment and how it can help you live a fulfilling life. So, let’s explore the importance of commitment and how you can start incorporating it into all areas of your life. You want to be a person of character and you want a life well-lived. You can have both if you practice commitment. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the importance of saying “yes” with conviction and the impact it can have on your life.   The Importance of Saying “Yes” with Conviction Commitment

In a world where deceit and hypocrisy often prevail, the importance of honesty and conscience cannot be overstated. Today’s blog delves into the profound relationship between honesty and conscience, highlighting how these invaluable tools can guide our choices and behaviors. So, read today’s blog and choose today to illuminate your path to a brighter and more truthful life. …some will depart from the faith… through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. 1 Timothy 4.1-2 Life & Leadership Lesson: Honesty and accuracy are twins. Together, they build trust and the opportunity to evaluate, adjust, and grow. Unfortunately, we experience the opposite much of the time. A person shades the truth for a variety of reasons. Furthermore, they do it again and again. On the foundation of insecurity, a person markets falsehood as truth in order to improve their position in a given situation.  Insecurity Leads to Dishonesty Sooner or

Discover the powerful connection between marriage and leadership. In this article, we delve into the pivotal role your marriage plays in shaping your life and guiding your leadership journey. Beyond all other relationships, your marriage stands as the cornerstone, influencing every aspect of your existence. Just like your walk with God, it demands utmost priority. So, read along to explore how a strong and supportive marriage can propel you to new heights in both personal and professional realms. Marriage and Leadership Life & Leadership Lesson: If you’re married or plan to marry, this relationship is central to your life. Next to your walk with God, it is the most important relationship. More than your kids, parents, siblings, or friends. Your marriage is your first priority. To be first, it must be central. A central priority penetrates and influences all other relationships and concerns of life. If you build a strong

We’ve all experienced the allure of tackling a task ourselves, thinking it couldn’t be that difficult. However, more often than not, we end up realizing that our ignorance got the best of us, resulting in a time-consuming and costly endeavor. The DIY approach may work for certain things, but when it comes to leadership, adopting a hands-on mentality requires a shift in perspective and understanding. So, read along and explore the power of hands-on leadership in a fresh and insightful manner. Gain a deeper understanding of how empowering others can transform your leadership style and drive organizational success. Whenever I hear the term “hands-on leadership”, I think of DIY (do it yourself). DIY projects turn out poorly for most of us. Certain things don’t look that difficult. How hard can it be? The question is really a statement of ignorance, isn’t it?  So, we jump in and the rest is

2022: COVID, Mom’s Fall, and Poor Leadership. I contracted COVID AGAIN while in Florida on business. I don’t know what your experience has been but I have known folks in my circles who died from it in one way or another. The first time I got it, I swore I would never get it again. I was determined to set my mind against this virus just to get nailed. The second time was not nearly as terrible as the first but still no fun. My Mom, 79 at the time and a very active person, experienced a fall in the garage and fractured her hip. She was operated on that same day. It was a disaster. After weeks of ridiculous pain, she endured another surgery – hip replacement. That was successful and she has begun the road to recovery. I still cannot get the image out of my mind – 

What did I learn this week? I ask myself this question at the end of every week and then turn my attention to the details of the week ahead. It’s a habit I practice and document in my playbook. While recording a podcast with Ryan Hawk, the host of The Learning Leader Show, we connected. Especially on one specific topic. Helping leaders get better. Since we both work with leaders, we are very interested in how they navigate time and priorities. We advise leaders in the ways of mastering their schedules and priorities yet some respond by saying “You don’t get it”. What they mean to say is that we don’t understand the demands and unpredictable nature of corporate America. That’s just not true. Here’s the truth: If we continue to live hectic, reactive lives, we will get worse. Over just a few months, neglecting the important things will result

In this thought-provoking article, we delve into the profound concept of doing work for the love of it and its transformative effects on our lives. Drawing inspiration from his grandson’s swimming competition, Jim shares this anecdote as he witnesses the power of passion firsthand and explores the intricate interplay between purpose, dedication, and success. So read through the article and learn what Jim has realized watching his grandson’s resilience and dedication. It’s a Saturday morning at the pool. I volunteered to be a timer for my grandson and a couple of his teammates. Meanwhile, athletes are in the water preparing to swim the mile. As the event is about to begin, a thought crosses my mind: “I don’t think I have ever swum a mile”. Love for the Sport I’m amazed at my grandson’s progress in this sport. He is creating a name for himself. NO one is putting pressure

The idea that unforgiveness is a sin may be too harsh for you to digest even though I maintain its veracity.  If so, at least start by considering it a weakness. Withholding forgiveness is a weakness. Is it that simple? I think not. It’s not just a weakness, It is a destructive weapon that knows no boundaries. It’s cancerous. Perhaps even more destructive than the original offense because by withholding forgiveness, a sin is empowered to live on. It not only lives but morphs into all kinds of darkness in the lives of numerous people penetrating generations yet to come. Many of these family tree victims will be ignorant of the source of their affliction. Some of these encumbrances will seem unrelated to the historical offense because the most damaging offense was unforgiveness. This willful act breeds far too many consequences to be mentioned here. How can I say such