Posts Tagged ‘Leadership’
Inherited Leadership: Lessons from a Team I Didn’t Build
I didn’t want the job.
That’s not how leadership stories are supposed to start, but this one doesn’t need a filter.
At the time, I was in a good spot. Strong performance. Clear lane. Things were working. Then came the conversation.
“This would be a great opportunity for you.”
Read MoreWhat Happened to Leadership? And How We Get It Back
I once heard about an employee who interviewed for a full-time role inside their company. They were strung along for weeks without much feedback. Then one day, while poking around the company’s org chart online, they saw someone else’s name listed in the box where they had hoped to land. Stunned, they called their manager.…
Read MoreLeadership Lessons from a Terrible Rideshare
We’re taught to focus on results. Outcomes. Finish lines. And in many workplaces, those things are rewarded above all else. If the job gets done, the “how” is often ignored or worse, dismissed as unimportant.
Read MoreLessons 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.
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