Leadership and Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Leadership and Ugly Christmas Sweaters

My best friend Joe’s mom (Ms. Margo) would literally kick us out of the house during the summer. She didn’t want us watching TV or playing video games all day long. Every time she did this, she would always say the same phrase. In the moment, I didn’t realize its power- especially when it comes to leadership.
 
This phrase is also why tacky Christmas sweater parties can have leadership significance.
 
 

 

The Only Thing You Are Truly in Control Of

The Only Thing You Are Truly in Control Of

Control is a myth and a liar. It makes us delusional, thinking we can control more than what is actually possible.
 
There is only one thing in this life you are truly in control of. And here’s a hint: it’s not the weather and it’s not other people.
 
 

 
 
The Problem with Unsolicited Advice

The Problem with Unsolicited Advice

The problem with giving unsolicited advice is that most of the time it’s ineffective. Think about it. When was the last time you actually put into practice advice that you didn’t ask for or an opinion you didn’t want. It’s probably been awhile.
 
In our latest video, I share my opinion on why we give so much advice and how to actually add value to others and help them out.
 
 
 
 
 
What Great Leaders Do

What Great Leaders Do

This past Spring, Tony Bennett (the coach, not the singer) led the University of Virginia Cavaliers to their first basketball national championship in the school’s history. After the season, of course, the school gave Coach Bennett a pay raise.
 
But he did the strangest thing when offered the raise and in doing so showed all of us the one thing that all great leaders have in common.
 
 

 
 
A Lesson From Fantasy Football

A Lesson From Fantasy Football

In my fourth and final Fantasy Football draft this year (that’s right, I’m in 4 leagues, don’t judge), I had the second pick and I thought for sure I knew who the person with the first pick was going to take.
 
Then the unexpected happened. With their first pick in our draft, they chose a quarterback. And that’s when I learned a valuable lesson from Fantasy Football. And it is a lesson that all of us need to learn if we are going to have success in this life.
 
 

 
 
 
Why Great Leaders Embrace Pain and Suffering

Why Great Leaders Embrace Pain and Suffering

About a month ago, Rafael Nadal won the U.S. Open which gave him 19 total grand slams. That is the second most grand slams for a male in the history of tennis. During the postgame interview he said: “To win, you have to be prepared to suffer.”

In today’s Sixty(ish) Seconds with Shawn, Shawn shares why great leaders embrace pain and suffering.