Author name: NCOURAGE

In today’s fast-paced, mission-driven organizations, success is rarely limited by strategy or talent alone. More often, the real challenge lies in how people communicate, collaborate, and connect. Misunderstandings, misaligned expectations, and unintentional conflict can quietly erode trust and performance—even among highly capable teams. This is where the Maxwell DISC® Assessment becomes a powerful catalyst for …

The Power of the Maxwell DISC® Assessment: Transforming Communication and Igniting High-Performing Teams Read More »

“You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you.  You have to go to them sometimes.”  – Winnie the Pooh Childish? Maybe yes. A nugget of leadership wisdom from a “silly ol’ bear”? ABSOLUTELY!  As a leader of people, where is your presence needed??  Is it sitting in your corporate office, …

Leadership Wisdom from Winnie the Pooh Read More »

Following the advice from the “Silly ol’ Bear” in my last post, I’ve learned that if something “lives” on my calendar, it’s real and I do it!  With that in mind, I can boil down my team leadership efforts into one word, “consistency”.  All activities were regularly scheduled, coordinated, and communicated across the team. Here are a few things …

Better Living Through Outlook Read More »

At any good cookout, you always leave a little room for seconds!!!    This also works in leading teams.  “Seconds” in this case is not food… it’s your second team. Invest in these folks as they are the answer to the proverbial, “Who runs the business if you hit the lottery and leave?” Build a legacy of leaders.  …

Leave Room for Seconds Read More »

While wakeboarding, folks want to ride a big, impressive wake that allows for better tricks, and a more satisfying experience. What kind of wake are you creating as you cruise through life as a leader of people?  Do folks want to jump into your wake, carve the edges, and perform?  Or are you creating “butter” …

Create a Good Wake Read More »

Recently, I was reminded of one of my personal life slogans. Before I share it, let me set the stage of its origin: One Sunday many years ago, a guest pastor visited our church.  He shared that he had been in ministry for 48 years and had been “actively retired” (his words) for the last 12 …

It Really is Our Choice Read More »

“When looking at you, do people aspire to be like you?” That’s an interesting question that I often ask myself- which has absolutely nothing to do with my physical appearance. It does, however, generate a seemingly endless string of questions on my effectiveness as a leader.   Do I set a positive example of what a leader …

What Do They See? Read More »

We’ve all experienced organizational changes- some small, some not so much. Each change comes with a period of normalizing and adjusting until the change sticks. That normalization or implementation phase is generally tough and often sloppy and clumsy. Humans don’t generally enjoy change. People know the “old way” and are reluctant to accept the “new …

Change Happens Read More »

“Got a minute?” That’s how it usually begins. You’re out and about in your customer locations visiting your people and your customers, when one of your folks stops you and asks for that proverbial “minute”. As an astute leader, your job is to use that “minute” to ascertain what’s truly being asked. Sometimes it’s an easily answered …

Got A Minute? Read More »

I regular advise leaders to regularly play “T.A.G.” with your staff. You need to take time to hear from them and ascertain “Their Aspirations and Goals”. You need to know them, their strengths, their weaknesses, how they like to contribute, etc. Once you know those things, you should find opportunities (as possible) in your business to leverage what they’ve shared …

T.A.G. You’re It! Read More »