Beginning in January 2019...

My monthly writing can be found in the Writings section of our website under my Blog tab. 

Parents and leaders: decide carefully when to be involved

Wise parents and exemplary leaders need to know when to be involved or uninvolved.

When hiring a leader, look for character, maturity

Selecting good leadership candidates requires more than resumes and interviews. It's important to dig deeper than competency in order to measure character and maturity.

Succession mantra: lead as if I'm not there

This mantra can help guide leaders through the course of their succession planning and prepare new leaders to move the organization forward.

Surgeon chat sparks leadership lessons for businesses

A chance encounter with a skilled surgeon offers unexpected but important leadership lessons.

Seek out-of-the-ordinary experiences to learn about self

Leaders have a responsibility to stimulate their own self-learning and can do so by stepping out of their usual circles and comfort zones.

Unresolved family issues can hobble closely held businesses

Family businesses can present relationship challenges in the workplace and at home when connections become unhealthy.

Leadership arises when easy answers are hard to come by

Facing imperfect options, leaders must make careful, reasoned decisions.

Leadership of Frederick Douglass still applicable in 21st century

Frederick Douglass was born 200 years ago and became the most renowned African-American of his time. His life provides important leadership lessons that can help us in the 21st century.

Managing relationships a key skill of the best leaders

Good leadership development begins with quality training programs centered on managing relationships. 

Self-responsibility is the primary leadership lesson

Self-responsibility is the starting point to good leadership. It requires looking inward to discern values before choosing a course of action.

How would you describe what it's like to be a leadership coach?

For John Engels, his role as a leadership coach is not about leadership or coaching per se, but to help clients manage life's challenges.