Four Questions Leaders Ask
One leadership team I have the privilege of working with routinely asks each other and members of their teams the following four questions: How are you doing? I recently heard two managers described this way: One manager asks, “WHAT are you doing,” while the other asks, “HOW are you doing?” It should not surprise anyone […]
Video Blog – Servant Leadership: Intentional Empathy
Jerry Murray and Roger North discuss empathy as an essential characteristic of servant leaders. In what ways do you practice empathy? How can you be intentional in demonstrating empathy to those you serve?
Leaders Bridge Differences
Recently I attended a recognition event that featured the celebration of a retiring CEO and the introduction of his successor. As the speakers were acknowledging the legacy of the retiring CEO, one theme emerged: “As a leader, he bridged differences.” One definition of “bridge,” when used as a verb, is “to make a connection where […]
Embrace your Customers
At our house, contacting an electric, internet, cellular or satellite TV provider for service is something both Ann and I dread. Too often we spend an excessive amount of time on hold, interact with a customer service representative who is bound by a script, feel as if our problems have not been heard, and finish […]
Video Blog: Thinking About… Servant Leadership
President and founder of North Group Consultants, Roger North explores the concept of Servant Leadership and the challenges in living out this valuable leadership principle. How would you rate your practice of Servant Leadership? We also invite you to tell us, “What have you been thinking about?”
Handing Over The Controls
My wife, Kim, and I have been setting Murray family records for hours spent on the road, largely as taxi service to our four kids who are all involved in activities away from home. A few months ago, I circled February 1, 2016, on the calendar. We celebrate our oldest daughter’s birthday every year, but […]
A New Chapter
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 More than 15 years ago I met Roger North for breakfast. I knew Roger from his board appointment with Family Service where I had spent over 20 years of my work life. Since I was looking for […]
Video Blog: Thinking About… Energy & Objectivity
Roger North and Craig Schloneger, Partners at North Group Consultants, discuss the ways they bring energy & objectivity to an organization when they are functioning as an interim executive within a company. As a leader, how do you generate energy and continue to bring a fresh perspective to your organization every day? We also invite […]
The Well-Rounded Myth
It’s playoff season for the NFL and yet again the beloved Philadelphia Eagles are watching from the sidelines—sorry Philly fans! My 10-year-old son, Patrick, is a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan and fortunately for him, they historically fare a bit better in postseason play. One of Patrick’s favorite players is Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. When we […]
On Vulnerability
I don’t like feeling vulnerable or making mistakes. Possible failure makes me anxious. Yet I have noticed how resistance to vulnerability hinders creativity and hampers building relationships. Brene Brown, who has authored numerous books on vulnerability and imperfection, defines vulnerability as “uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure.” On a recent trip to Italy, I took a […]