By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. General Norman Schwarzkopf once said, “You can’t help someone get up a hill without getting closer to the top yourself.” General Schwarzkopf knew what many great leaders know, that effective leadership is about giving to others, of serving others, of putting others first. This is a leadership concept that has been around from quite some time, … Read More
The Race to the End of the Year is On! How Will Your Year End?
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. One company I worked for made it very clear that hitting or exceeding quarterly and annual revenue targets was not only expected, anything less was unacceptable! Persistent failure provided any employee the opportunity to explore new employment options. I was a regional sales director in the middle of it all, working with my team to help … Read More
Oh Captain! My Captain!
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. Two recent coincidences inspired the words you are reading right now. In a trip to Springfield, IL for my nieces wedding, I visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. I found the museum to be informative, moving, illuminating and emotional. While it has been 150 years since his death, Abraham Lincoln and his legacy will … Read More
Go Blue!
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. My wife majored in Philosophy at the University of Michigan. Not only is she extremely intelligent, a deep thinker and beautiful, she is also an avid Michigan football fan! In fact, we’ve had season tickets for Michigan football for over twenty years! While our entire family has become “Go Blue” fans, it’s been rather difficult the … Read More
Baggage in My Head
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. My niece had a beautiful wedding ceremony recently; exchanging vows before family and friends with the love of her life. Our daughter was a bridesmaid and my wife and I were there in our aunt and uncle roles; our family was honored to both witness and participate. Before we arrived I started thinking about how I … Read More
Curios?
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. As Christmas approaches, I am reminded of the intrigue and wonder I experienced as a child as to what Santa was going to leave me under the Christmas tree. I was curious as to what my presents (if any) would be. As I grew older, I became more and more curious as to Santa’s existence. One … Read More
What If….
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. One of the subjects I touch on briefly in my new book, To Lead, Follow, is where leaders spend their time thinking. Leaders need to learn from the past, live in the present and plan for the future, so it is vitally important for a leader to be aware of the time perspective where they are … Read More
Howdy Stranger!
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. Do you talk to strangers or do you follow your mother’s advice and never talk to strangers? When you’re waiting to see your doctor or in line for your skinny latte at Starbucks, do you get annoyed if a stranger tries to strike up a conversation? Worse yet, when you’re packed in like sardines on your … Read More
Put the Stapler Down and Move Away from the Desk!
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. I’ve been guilt ridden for over 20 years. I am reminded of a crime I committed over 20 years ago every day I’m in my office working. On my desk sits a stapler with a faded logo on the part where you push down to staple stuff together. The logo is that of a former employer. … Read More
Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers—Not Really!
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. Imagine that you are 8 years old and you find a $20 bill on the ground. What would you do? I know what I would have done. With that much money I would have made a triple play on the town square in the little town I grew up in: 1) The Dime Store (Ben Franklin … Read More
I’m Telling You the Truth, Honestly!
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. Feedback is an integral component of leadership. Feedback lets others know what they do well and what they need to improve on. Feedback can motivate or demotivate, depending on how it’s delivered. Feedback aids in developing others—or not–again, depending on how it’s delivered. Honest feedback is therefore critical to a leader’s relationship with others. Leadership is … Read More
Speak Up!
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. Early on in my career, I was taught that after asking a question, if there was a pause in the conversation and silence prevailed, the next person who spoke “lost.” I was convinced that this technique worked, so I adapted it, particularly during negotiations. Regardless whether I “won” or “lost,” by utilizing this communication technique I … Read More