In life at the top, it is “what have you done for me lately” that counts the most. Yesterday’s successes simply don’t transfer to tomorrow, particularly when a new playing field must be confronted. At almost every move as I stepped up the career ladder, I was greeted with skepticism. When I was named chancellor…
Month: October 2019
I MISS NED!
(I had the honor of giving the keynote address last night at 6th Annual Ned Ray Day in Dresden, Tennessee. Here is the entire text of my speech.) I miss his effective leadership… His caring heart… His ease along style… His impeccable integrity… His plain talk… His ability to reach across the aisle… The list…
Keep the “Real You” Intact
One of the most fascinating aspects of the ride to the top has been the opportunity to observe how the ride affects different people in different ways. For reasons that escape me, some leaders on the rise seem to believe that there is a regimen of expected behavior that must accompany success. Many of them…
Never Forget Who Brought You to the Dance
In most cases, continuing a relationship is easy. In fact, mentoring can, and often does, become a lifelong endeavor. Occasionally, however, there is an exception that tests one’s loyalty and allegiance. In my life, the exception was the one who did more than anyone else to launch my rise to the top. As the early…
Also Priceless: Supportive Friends!
No one ever makes it to the top without the support of friends, relatives, and/or mentors. Those who played supportive roles must not be forgotten in the ride to the top. As the years passed and my career expanded, I often paused to reflect on roles that others played in whatever success I had. One…