I was visiting with a colleague recently who was telling me about some consulting work that he had been doing.  He had come across a firm that studies how ideas are developed and used within an organization.  One thing he shared that I have found to be true: The best ideas have nothing to do […]

Higher expectations lead to improved performance. The highest performing companies—and people—are typically those with the highest internal expectations. Want to achieve more? Start with your expectations. We have high expectations. We expect to be safe.  We teach you to perform your duties safely.  We alert you to the risks inherent in our operations.  We are committed to correcting unsafe […]

I watch HBO Hard Knocks, a show that follows an NFL team through its training camp, covering the team’s preparation for the upcoming football season.  This season, the Detroit Lions are featured.  The head coach Dan Campbell was walking among his team and said: “We are who we are. We choose who that is.” It’s […]

We believe in “happening to the world.” That means that whatever circumstances we face, those who “happen to the world” will attack rather than withdraw, engage rather than settle.     I saw this on Twitter, posted by Drew Maddox:    “You are responsible for your effort. You are responsible for your attitude. You are responsible […]