Posts Tagged ‘Leadership’
Lessons from Tricky Vicky: The Series
Lessons from Tricky Vicky: What a Difficult Manager Taught Me About Leadership
Some leadership lessons come from great mentors. Others come from people who unknowingly shape you through their missteps, blind spots, or behavior.
This is one of those stories.
For several years during my time at Coca-Cola, I worked under a manager I’ll call Tricky Vicky. That’s not her real name, but it captures the experience. She was sharp, strategic, and successful. She was also unpredictable, hard to read, and often led through control more than trust.
We started strong. We didn’t end that way.
Week by week, I’ll be sharing short stories from our time together—moments that challenged me, frustrated me, and ultimately shaped how I lead today. You’ll find no bitterness here, just honest reflection and real-world leadership lessons. Each story closes with a principle and a question for you to consider.
If you’ve ever worked under a difficult leader, or wondered how your influence impacts those you lead, I hope these stories help you reflect and grow.
New stories added weekly.
Scroll down to read the latest.
Read MoreWhen the Ground Dropped Out at Coca-Cola
A surprise HR meeting at Coca-Cola forced me to face tough questions about integrity, leadership, and side pursuits. Here’s what I learned.
Read MoreFlushed with Wisdom: Leadership Lessons from an Unfortunate Phone Drop
I fumbled my phone… and watched in horror as it took a swan dive into the toilet. In that moment, I faced a real leadership test: Own my mistake or pretend it never happened? Turns out, leadership is a lot like that—handling the unexpected and laughing at yourself.
Read MoreFirst Class Frustration: A Lesson in Leadership (and Airline Shenanigans)
A simple seat swap on a flight turned into an unexpected leadership lesson. When tensions flared at baggage claim, I had to decide—let it go or step in? The way we handle difficult moments says more about our leadership than the situations themselves.
Read MoreLeadership Lessons from a Broom Closet
The author reflects on early career lessons learned while working in a broom closet at Hershey. Observing colleagues’ handwashing habits, interactions with the VP revealed how small actions relate to trust and integrity. This quirky experience underscores the importance of seemingly minor behaviors in building a respectful workplace environment and effective leadership.
Read MoreHonor on the One-Yard Line: Why How Wins
Jameis Winston’s final play wasn’t about the touchdown—it was a leadership lesson. Discover why how you lead matters more than what you achieve, and learn key takeaways to elevate your integrity and influence.
Read MoreFinding Your Voice: A Journey of Discovery and Expression
Discovering your unique voice is akin to my beagle Bonnie finding her bark. It’s about embracing who you are, what you believe, and how you communicate those beliefs to the world. My journey took me from mimicking leadership gurus to developing my own principles and stories. Through writing, blogging, and podcasting, I learned to express my thoughts and shape my voice. Join me as I share the steps to find and refine your own voice, and understand why authenticity resonates deeply with others. Dive into the full article to explore how you can connect, inspire, and lead with your unique voice.
Read MoreRoars to Whispers: The Calls That Shape Us
Chick-fil-A Corporate Service Center, Monday, January 22, 2024 Did you know the Chick-fil-A Corporate Service Center gathers every Monday morning for a devotion? It’s a wonderful way to start the week through worship and an encouraging message. I was honored and humbled to share some thoughts on the callings in our lives, general and personal,…
Read MoreGrace Under Fire: How to Respond to Criticism Without Burning Bridges
Ever received criticism when you least expected it? Dive into this personal journey where an unexpected email led to valuable life lessons. Learn practical tips on turning criticism into growth opportunities, preserving relationships, and enhancing your leadership skills.
Read More9 Principles of Diplomacy: Lessons Learned from a Dinner Conversation in Moscow
We all know that being diplomatic is essential for emerging leaders, but how do you go about it? With the example of my dinner conversation in Moscow, I’ll share nine principles I learned about diplomacy that will help you navigate conversations and conflicts with grace and understanding. In 2019, I was invited to Moscow to…
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