change – Nathan Magnuson

One Critical Component to Leading Change

I had two separate experiences with leading change recently that demonstrate one critical aspect that is often the difference between success and failure. Let me share the two scenarios – see if you can guess what it is. Of course, I’ll share it as well. Scenario #1: Recently I was…

All Hands on Deck Leadership

April 12, 2021 Personal Effectiveness

Who’s the real leader around here? It used to be that the leaders were the people in charge. As long as they did a good job, all was well. When they stumbled, the organization suffered until an adequate replacement could be found. That type of leadership doesn’t work any longer.…

Where Do We Go From Here?

February 1, 2016 Change Leadership Organizational Effectiveness

What happens after a big win? For all the focus (and press) directed at planning and executing, what comes next? Whether your team has achieved a significant goal or is looking to get back on track after a shake-up, here are some basic ways to get everyone back on course.

Key Takeaways from Leadercast 2015

May 18, 2015 Courage Inspiration Leadership Personal Effectiveness

I was able to attend my fourth Leadercast seminar earlier this month. This year I attended a simulcast in Orlando, FL. As always, it inspired me with both new and familiar ideas. The theme this year was bravery. Here are some of my key takeaways – and you can also…

Handling Unexpected Setbacks Like a Winner

April 6, 2015 Strategic Thinking

What happens when you fall down? I have a pastor friend whose church plant recently had to shut its doors after a couple years of financial, emotional and time sacrifices. Another friend’s restaurant wasn’t able to renew the property lease and now it’s closed. Several colleagues have had high profile work…

Jump Start Your Next Big Thing!

January 5, 2015 Change Strategic Thinking

A new year is often a great opportunity for new beginnings. But the truth is, we can get a new start anytime. New jobs, new projects, new goals, new hobbies – the possibilities are endless. When was the last time you started something new? If you’re just getting started now,…

Who All Gets to Be a Leader?

December 1, 2014 Change Influence Leadership Organizational Effectiveness Personal Effectiveness

Who gets to be a leader? From time to time, I hear an someone admonish a group of individuals by saying “you are all leaders.” Other times, I see organizational messaging indicating “leadership” is reserved for a small group of individuals who occupy certain positions. Which is it? Are we all leaders,…

Is Leadership Easy or Difficult?

November 3, 2014 Leadership Organizational Effectiveness perspective

One of the things that disappoints me the most is hearing someone tell me they don’t want to be a leader. It’s unfortunate because I believe that everyone not only has the ability to be leader but also the responsibility to make a leadership contribution in the role they are in. But…

How to Tell Who the Real Leader Is

October 20, 2014 Character Courage decision-making Influence Inspiration Leadership Organizational Effectiveness Personal Effectiveness

I’ll admit I’ve made a lot of mistakes over the years when it comes to identifying leadership ability in others. Some I’ve thought would be great weren’t – and others I didn’t give much consideration turned out to be amazing. It’d be a lot easier if there was a scientific method…

The Reason We Take the Leap

October 6, 2014 Influence Inspiration Leadership Personal Effectiveness

Leadership comes with all sorts of headaches and complications. At some point, I’m sure every leader sits back and asks the question, “how did I acquire all this stress?” Sometimes the magnitude of responsibilities is so overwhelming that would-be leaders count the cost and pass up the opportunity altogether. There’s no…

Great Leaders SERVE

July 21, 2014 books Humility Influence Leadership Organizational Effectiveness Personal Effectiveness Values

I had the chance to travel to Greece and Bulgaria recently and give a series of leadership presentations to several university groups with a small team of business professionals. The sights, food and people were reward enough, but getting to share our leadership presentations with the future leaders of two…

Leadership Myth: You Need a Title to Be a Leader

April 7, 2014 Influence Leadership Leadership Myths

Truth: Leadership is about influence, not position. Leadership is about one thing and one thing only: influence. Leaders use the influence they have to create positive change. The more positive change, the more influence. Go into any corporate boardroom, military garrison or government building and you’re bound to find someone…