Whether you have worked with students for 5 years or 25 years, you have seen a steady decline in the willingness of students to step up and become leaders. Students fear leadership, much like they fear speaking in public. First, let’s make this clear. You have not seen a decline in the ability of students to lead. In fact, I believe the opposite is true. Students who volunteer for leadership positions are more passionate, driven, and goal-oriented than ever before. They truly want to make … [Read more...]

Here are a few lessons I learned from writing a leadership book.  First, it's been said that, "the teacher learns more from preparing a lesson than the students do when the teacher actually teaches the lesson." This was certainly the case for me as I reflect on the lessons I learned from writing a leadership book for students. This all started late this past fall. I had recently spoken at the Georgia HOSA fall Student Leadership Conference, and the Montana 4-H Ambassador Leadership Training. … [Read more...]

I love going to the movies. I especially love movie popcorn. There is this part of me that has to analyze every movie to determine what the “real” message behind the film is. However, for now I just want to focus on movies about leadership. There is a huge focus on leadership today. More and more books on leadership are being written on leadership now than ever. I even have a new book on leadership coming out soon. B.A.S.I.C. The Student Leadership Field Manual.  Virtually, every high school and … [Read more...]

Leadership Never Quits. When they do they fall hard. Leadership never quits. As an organizational leader it is your job to make sure your team, group, or subordinates never sees you quit. It’s the price, you as the leader must endure. Cam Newton as the leader of the Carolina Panthers quit. With all the hype that is the Super Bowl, there is a leadership lesson that I think most people will have missed. Everyone will be talking about Cam’s failure to step up and be the leader after the … [Read more...]