Mark Miller's Blog, page 11

One Word… Vision (Part 1)

This is the next installment of posts about words that impact leaders on a daily basis. Last week, I talked about Data and how it can help us lead at a higher level – if used properly. Today, one of the most important words in a leader’s life… Vision.

First, let’s start with a working definition. There are scores of different definitions out there. If you don’t like mine, pick one you do like. What’s most important is that you have one. My synthesis of all I’ve seen over the years is simply th...

Where are You on Your Leadership Journey?

Leadership as a journey is probably a tired metaphor. I’m as guilty as the next guy for wearing this out. I not only say it – I believe it! And as with any journey, there are stages or phases you and I consciously consider when planning a family vacation that we often overlook when we think about our leadership.

This is a topic I’ve not given much thought to recently. However, with some restructuring at the office, this responsibility falls squarely back to my team. Therefore, I’ve reengaged o...

Today’s Challenge: Making Better Decisions

A leader’s impact, career, reputation and legacy are all determined by the decisions he or she makes. Each week, I respond to a question I’ve received from another leader. Today’s question:How do you make better decisions?

Have you given much thought to this question? My hunch is that you and I may not think enough about how we make decisions. If you’ve been leading long, it can become instinctive or reflexive. You just do it – no thought required. Some would label this unconsciously competent...

One Word… Data

Today, I want to start a series on some of the key words leaders encounter on a regular basis. They are words we may not fully appreciate, and in some cases, we may not even agree on what the word really means. Today’s Word: Data.

Data is a fascinating word and a more intriguing concept. I know leaders who are obsessed by it and others who disregard it outright. You may have a good vibe when someone says “data.” Someone else may want to be sick. How can this be? Some of the disparity comes fro...

The Right Questions Can Change Your Life

Last week, I had the opportunity to be with John Maxwell at an event to raise money to train leaders around the world. It was an outstanding experience. One of the highlights was a session John led about questions that changed his life.

I’ve long been a fan of great questions.I’ve even created an outline for a book I may write some day on this topic. However, John has beat me to it. He’s in the final stages of a manuscript on questions leaders ask. I can’t wait to read it.

From what John said,...

Leadership Character… More Caught Than Taught

One of the benefits of launching a new book is the number of conversations and questions the process stimulates. Today, regarding The Heart of Leadership, the question is: How can I help my team develop leadership character?

From time to time, I feel a disclaimer is in order. Many of the questions I receive are complex and difficult – today’s question is a great example! This blog format limits my responses. However, please don’t misinterpret the brevity of my comments. Leadership is real work...

Reviews For The Heart of Leadership

As you know, I’m celebrating the launch of my new book this week. I’m grateful for many bloggers, friends, and influencers who are sharing The Heart of Leadership.Though we are only mid-way through the week, I am really excited about the feedback.

So many of you have written Amazon reviews,shared on your blogs or by social media about your excitement for The Heart of Leadership. It is great to read your takeaways and perspective on the book. Here are some examples…

In hisAmazon review, Robert M...

The Heart of Leadership – Official Launch: Today

The Heart of Leadership officially launches today. Thanks for your encouraging words and pre-orders! It’s already ranked at #70 on Amazon Business Books and has over 50 reviews on Amazon. I’m told that a good start. Here’s a quick video (2:12) to tell you a little more. As with all my books, all profits will be donated to charity. Thank you for helping us spread the word!

Here’s How You Can Help

1. Why not get an early start on your Christmas shopping? The Heart of Leadership could be the perfe...

Today’s Challenge: The Leader’s Path

As we approach the launch of The Heart of Leadership next week, I receivedan interesting question: How does the content of this book apply to aleader’s path? Honestly, I hadn’t given much thought to a leader’s path.But I’ve now begun to do so.

I’m familiar with some work that others have done on the question regardinga leader’s path. However, I’ve reached a different conclusion – or at leasta different way to describe it. Here’s my summary at this point:

I’ve long believed the hardest part of l...

Growing a “Small” Company

Have you ever noticed how often the counter-intuitive strategy, or the contrarian view yields the best return?One example is our attempt to grow a small company. Clearly, most leaders are trying to grow a large company – the bigger the better. But what would happen if you could grow a small one?

That’s the journey we’re on at Chick-fil-A, Inc. We’re approaching $5 billion dollars in annual sales. That’s a lot of chicken. But what if we could grow a small company, what would it look like?

Well,...