In today's world, with numerous technological advances, many things move quickly. Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps write marketing pitches in minutes. Computers enable AI to analyze data rapidly and identify trends. And microwaves continue to provide hot food on demand. I don't know about you, but this speed aggravates my propensity towards impatience, which often shows up in the workplace for many people.

If you are in a hiring role, you have likely seen it. Chris is hired and expects to receive all the senior staff's responsibilities and salary even though I still need the work portfolio and the tenure. This is a microwave mentality towards success instead of a crockpot mentality. Crockpot meals are savory and provide sustenance. Microwave meals are a quick way to satiate hunger. Long-term career success is better built using a crockpot approach.

Unresolved feelings of rejection and unforgiveness are debilitating. Rejection and unforgiveness cause us to self-sabotage unconsciously in other parts of our lives.

In my latest article I share a portion of my story and how I am working through it. For those that I have worked with, you have heard me often say, "Get comfortable being uncomfortable." I will tell you that I feel completely naked right now. I do not like it, BUT it is good for me.

Superheroes. Superpowers. Super strength. Super speed. Men and women acting just in the nick of time to save the day, averting disaster, and restoring order.

Marvel. DC Comics. Anime.

In most cultures, there is an affinity towards superheroes. Why? Maybe because deep within us, there is a desire fueled by the fact we were created in the image of GOD. Maybe?

Many people seek leadership roles because of what they perceive as the "glitz and glamor" of being in charge. They often have dreams of being the go-to person and making the clutch decision in the last moments to catapult the team to success. And while that remains a possibility, what leaders often encounter and experience far more often, on a recurring weekly basis, is conflict. In fact, in research conducted by the Myers-Briggs Company, the data shows managers/leaders spend over 4 hours a week dealing with conflict.

After 4-years or 20-years of service to our nation, veterans do bring numerous gifts, talents and other skills learned during our military service to our civilian organizations and companies.

One of the first things we bring is a strong work ethic. Many have a work ethic like no other. We show up early and stay late to get the job done. We go hard all day.

Since my retirement through direct conversations and indirect conversations, a few folks have made the statement, “Military veterans when in positions of leadership try to run the place (section, department, company, organization) like a military unit.” What does that mean exactly? Is it meant as a compliment? Is it meant as a slight?

Open for business!

I have transitioned from my previous career as the Chief Executive Officer at a 4-county local government agency and launched my own company… a leadership and management consulting company.

The company name is 10X Leadership Consulting.

So, what exactly do we do? I am glad you asked. 😊

In today’s hyper competitive labor market, leaders must seek every competitive advantage possible to attract and retain the best talent. Even once an employee is onboarded, we must remain vigilant as other companies will continue to entice the top talent to join their team. I have worked with several organizations that have had employees leave after six months due to being offered better incentives and pay but I suspect that it was not solely about pay. Now, we cannot always outcompete higher wages, but we can hold our own when we ensure people know that we genuinely care.

Success is an inside out process. True lasting success always starts on the inside of an individual. We must learn to “do out of being.” There are many people that have a “success veneer,” meaning they obtain an exceedingly high level of success because they are exceptionally talented and skilled at what they do, but internally it is not the same. Internally there are some character flaws. They are “being out of doing”.