Leading Today: Be a Faithful Lighthouse Keeper

High above the familiar skyline of Alexandria stood Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The lighthouse was designed as a safety mechanism for sea-going traffic. At the same time, it had become an incomparable landmark for the city. In the ancient world, only Egypt would multi-task on such a grand scale.

Leading Today: It’s Performance that Counts

Few ballplayers ever have played the game as Mantle did. He launched homeruns like missiles. As a switch-hitter, he was dangerous from either side of the plate; and because of his enormous power, cautious infielders routinely would take a few steps backward as he stepped to the plate. As if playing tricks, Mantle often would lay down a bunt. He ran with the speed of a cheetah-gracefully yet powerfully. His throwing arm held runners in check like a cop with a radar gun. He was as complete a player as ever was.

Leading Today: Organizational Integrity

As captain of your organization's ship, you are responsible to chart the course, recruit the sailors and be ready to man the lifeboats. There's a lot riding on your shoulders-the integrity of your vessel is at stake! Integrity is a direct reflection of yourself. Here are some tips for leading with integrity.

Directing Attention

"I have a vision," one leader announced confidently. Then he frowned. "Or is it a mission? Or a goal? Oh, who cares? God knows what I mean." True, but He may be the only one who does!

Leading Today: Leadership or Management

To the average layman, the labels "Leadership" and "Management" are synonymous-swatches of the same cloth, mirrored images of themselves. Although they might be in the same gene pool, cousin is as close as they get.

Leading Today: What Attila the Hun Can Teach Us

For centuries, the resilient Roman Empire withstood every attack from history's most formidable foes. Through it all, the proud empire never wavered. Then, out of the steppes of Central Asia, came an invasion of unorthodox, nomadic tribes throwing Rome into disarray and ultimately to its ruin. The Huns had arrived.

The Power of a Well-Timed Word

If you haven't already, you'll soon discover the fantastic power of words. Words can be used as bombs or bouquets. Which would you rather receive at your doorstep? A few words can be forged together and lobbed into the life of another to cause more havoc than a 2-year-old at a tea party. Conversely, words can be handed out like candy to a discouraged teammate. A timely "Thank you" or "I appreciate you" can do more good than a paycheck bonus.

The Puppy Principle

If you want to learn to put people first, study the actions and reactions of a puppy. Puppies have the five characteristics that people-first leaders simply must learn to posses.