Uncommon Greatness by Mark Miller – Book Review

Uncommon Greatness is transformational. The pursuit alone will transform us, the people and organizations we serve, and our performance.

Mark Miller – Uncommon Greatness (pp. 13-14)

What makes a leader great?

Better yet, as a leader are you content with normal, common greatness or do you want to be a leader that rises above the norm?

In Uncommon Greatness – Five Fundamentals to Transform Your Leadership, Mark Miller shares the secret to elevating your leadership to the next level. In his latest book (which releases today – February 27th, 2024), Miller provides a roadmap for becoming an uncommonly great leader. Uncommon Greatness systematically shows when you SERVE with HEART you are on your way to lasting greatness.

I was privileged to receive an early launch team copy of this book. I devoured it. I highlighted the pages. I firmed up some areas of my own leadership to better align with Miller’s teachings. And I’ve been sharing the message of Uncommon Greatness with my team.

If you want to become the best leader you can be, it starts by avoiding the trap of settling for the common. Learn how you can achieve uncommon greatness as a leader by picking up a copy of Uncommon Greatness today!

Author’s note: I received a copy of Uncommon Greatness in exchange for an honest review. I truly believe this book is a great resources for current and aspiring leaders. I recommend Uncommon Greatness, and I’ll look for ways to share the messages of this book with others. Go check it our for yourself.

The Trade by Lon Stroschein – Book Review

When I think of the trade, I think about a blockbuster sports trade in which high profile players or moved around the league in exchange for other players, draft picks, and/or cash. I think about trading baseball cards. For example, a few weeks ago, I traded several New York Yankees baseball cards to my friend, Dan, in exchange for a Milt Thompson autographed baseball and three other autographed items from retired Philadelphia Phillies players. I also think about stock trading.

Trading one thing for another think is what it’s all about. When we trade we attempt to better our position for the future (or at least keep it from getting worse).

This year, I was introduced to Lon Stroschein. Lon is a former corporate executive who recently left his high paying corporate job in order to pursue something different. He traded his past job for something new – something different – something better. Since leaving his corporate job, Lon has taken up coaching, podcasting, speaking, and writing in an effort to help “dudes” like himself make similar trades.

This summer, Lon released his first book, The Trade: Moving from the life you have to the life you want. In The Trade, Lon tells his story. He tells exactly what was going through his head as he considered stepping away from the mergers and acquisition success he had come to know. He shares about the conversations he had with his wife about making this trade. And he shares an important story about his daughter that left me in tears.

What Lon has to share in The Trade is important and wise. Our lives are short. Maybe it’s time you consider a trade.

Pick up your copy today!

Author’s note: I now consider Lon a friend. I’ve read his book. I’ve listened to every single episode of his podcast. I’m part of his email and LinkedIn communities. And I’ve had the great honor and privilege of spending time talking one on one with Lon. He is a solid individual. He’s inspiring. He is a fantastic listener who asks thought provoking questions. You should check him out.

New Book Review: Culture Rules by Mark Miller

Today is the official launch day for Mark Miller’s latest book, Culture Rules – The Leader’s Guide to Creating the Ultimate Competitive Advantage. I’m excited for the release of this book. I had the privilege of reading it ahead of time, and it was a very powerful read for people like me who are trying to build and maintain a business culture that thrives.

In Culture Rules, Mark Miller unpacks what it means to have a high performance culture. He uses plenty of research, lots of examples, and rich reflection to help readers understand what it takes to create an effective for your organization and what it takes to maintain that culture into the future.

I liked this book so much that I purchased copies for some of my team members.

If you want to take your organization to the next level by crafting a culture that will work for your organization, your team members, and those you serve, I’d highly recommend you pick up a copy of Culture Rules today.

Here is a link to purchase the book. Please note that this is a referral link, so I could benefit if you purchase the book using this link. Please also note that I was not required to provide a positive review in exchange for this referral link. I truly believe this is a book you need if you want to take your organization to the next level.

Renewed By The Heart Of Leadership

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”

Margaret Fuller

In one form or another, I’ve been leading for nearly as long as I can remember. In first or second grade, I led my Sunday School class in a newspaper drive. I don’t remember what the newspapers were for, but I remember walking around my neighborhood with my red wagon collecting used newspapers. In fourth grade, I directed and acted in a classroom play about a scarecrow. In fifth grade, my friend, James, and I were the lead editors for a publication known as “The Presby Press.” In high school, I participated in student government. In college, I led in several organizations. Since college, I’ve led countless small groups, I’ve led through my involvement in organizations like Toastmasters and Rotary, and I’m a recognized leader where I work as the Branch Operations Manager for Projects at Siemens Smart Infrastructure Philadelphia Branch.

While leadership has been part of me for a long, long while, I’m realizing (again) that I still have so much to learn. Thankfully, there are great leaders around me and great leadership resources to help me as I stretch in my leadership.

I recently came across an excellent leadership resource which is included in my Audible subscription – The Heart of Leadership: Becoming a Leader People Want to Follow by Mark Miller. Listening to this book renewed by sense of leadership and my responsibility to continue to learn and grow. Here are the main things I learned as I listed to the book:

• Leaders must Hunger for wisdom. There is still more to learn. We must be students of leadership. If you’re looking for a place to start, I’d encourage you to pick up this book.
• Leaders must Expect the best. Having a positive outlook is important, and expecting the best from those around you is a significant marker of someone who has developed leadership character.
• Leaders must Accept responsibility. Leaders take the blame when necessary, and they share the praise when something goes right.
• Leaders must Respond with courage. Leading is not always easy. In the face of adversity or change, a leader must be courageous.
• Leaders must Think of others first. It’s not about me. It’s about my team members. How can I help them? What can I do that will help them succeed?

These lessons represent the HEART of leadership.

In this year of renew, I’m thankful for these reminders. I want to lead well. I want my leadership to leave a mark. And I want my leadership to make a difference.

What leadership lessons have your recently learned? How are you experiencing renewal in your leadership?

Renewed Through Celebrating Work Milestones

The safest road to hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.

C.S. Lewis

On Friday, I celebrated a work milestone. January 8, 1996 was my start date at what is now Siemens. That means I have been working for the same organization for the past 25 years.

I still have working years ahead of me, and I trust there will be other milestones along my career pathway. Nonetheless, it’s healthy to pause for a few moments to celebrate this milestone.

In my year of renew, I have actually discovered renewal by thinking about my experiences so far. Reflecting on these experiences remind me that we can find joy and satisfaction in our work. Sometimes we lose sight of this when we dwell on the day-to-day challenges we face.

With this in mind, I wanted to list here some of the things I’ve experienced as a result of my time at Siemens:

• High Performance Leadership (HPL) Siemens Leadership Excellence (SLE) – A few years ago, I was nominated to participate in which I traveled to Chicago for a week to meet with 23 other participants from North and South America. This week gave me the opportunity to learn more about leadership and about me. It also gave me the opportunity to establish important relationships with five other participants who have virtually met together monthly ever since. This was probably the best week of my 25 years at Siemens.
• Professional of the Year Award Trip in 2002 – I had the blessing of traveling to Hawaii with my wife to be celebrated along with other award winners. It was such an incredible experience to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii with colleagues and their spouses.
• MBA from Penn State University – While it took a lot of time and effort, I’m thankful for Siemens support in my journey to earn this degree back in 2005.
• Professional Engineers (P.E.) License – This also took a lot of time and effort, but I’m thankful for Siemens support to earn this licensing in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
• Speaker at NSPE Conference – Siemens was extremely supportive in sending me to Atlanta, GA to speak at the National Society of Professional Engineers annual conference. I spoke on the topic of Engineers Managing Engineers to an audience of ~100 engineers from around the country.
• Winner of first Siemens Shark Tank competition – I had the opportunity to present an idea in front of 400+ top Siemens leaders. As the winner of the competition, I was awarded $50,000 to implement my idea. What an incredible experience!
• Annual Management Meetings (AMM) – I’m thankful for the opportunity to attend these meetings in Boston, Palm Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Phoenix, and Tuscon. These multi-day meetings have given me the chance to meet with other leaders from the company and to be recharged on the technology we use to serve our customers.
• Toastmasters and Rotary – Siemens has been very supportive of my involvement in these two organizations that have helped further my leadership and communication skills and allowed me to connect more broadly with the community.
• Countless building automation project experiences – As an engineer, project manager, and operations manager at Siemens, I’ve had the privilege of working on all kinds of different projects for a wide variety of customers: Princeton University, Merck, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sharp, Agere Systems, Lucent Technologies, North Penn School District, and the list goes on and on. It’s remarkable to think about the different buildings I’ve seen throughout the years.
• Interviewing, recruiting, and representing Siemens at various job fairs, colleges, and conferences – Most recently, I’ve had the privilege of talking directly to students at Drexel University, Lafayette College, and Grove City College. I’m thankful for the opportunity to connect my work experience and company with students and young engineers. I definitely could see myself growing into greater roles related to these kind of connections and interactions.
• People, people, people – Siemens has afforded me the opportunity to meet and interact with so many people – my peers, my team members, my customers, my industry colleagues. The people is what I will remember and cherish most in my experience at Siemens.

I’m sure I could list many other specific experiences from my time at Siemens so far. This list will do for now. It has reminded me of the blessing of my job. I’ve had a place to grow, to learn, and to leave my mark. While I don’t know what the next 5, 10, 15, or even 25 years may bring as I continue down my career path, I’m excited to step back into the office tomorrow as I continue on at Siemens.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

What blessings have you experienced as a result of your job?

5 Questions That Will Take You To The Next Level

“So I say to you, Ask and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.“

Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:7)

Can I ask you a question?

To late, I just did.

Learning to ask questions is the key to opening the door to countless opportunities, experiences, and relationships.  Kids typically do a great job asking questions.  If you have ever been with a young child, you’ve heard this question over and over again:  “Why?”

Kids are curious.  They want to learn.  They want to grow.  They want to try new things.  And they seem to know that asking questions is the key to getting what they want.  Kids also don’t let the fear of sounding stupid stop them from asking questions.

Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, most of us forget the power of asking questions.  We lose our curiosity.  We don’t want to appear like we don’t know all the answers.  And we’re afraid we might be told “No” when we ask for something.

I’ve learned something recently:

The answer will always be “No” if we don’t ask.

This is why we must learn the discipline of asking questions.

In the writing and speaking world, there are many opportunities available to those who ask.

If I want to speak, I have to ask.  If I want to write on someone’s blog or platform, I have to ask.  If I want to be on someone’s podcast, I have to ask.  Sure I may get an invitation from time to time without asking, but this is not the norm.

You may not be a writer or a speaker, but you still have a lot to gain by asking questions.  When you practice the discipline of asking questions, many things happen.

1. You get to know people better when you ask questions.  Where were you born?  What do you like to do in your spare time?  What do you want to accomplish in the next five to ten years?  What’s your favorite color?  How did you get to where you are today?  When you ask questions, you get to know people.
2. You come across as more interesting when you ask questions.  Questions are the gateway to great conversations.  And when you have conversations, you automatically increase your “I’m interesting” factor.
3. You show people they matter when you ask questions.  When people ask me questions, I feel valued.  When you ask questions, you show others they are valued.  By asking questions, you have the opportunity to show people they matter.
4. You learn new things when you ask questions.  Be curious.  Questions will take you to all kinds of new places and new information.  I’ve learned a lot about blogging as a result of the questions I have asked other bloggers.  In my career, I grown a lot and seen new opportunities as a result of asking “How can I do this better next time?”
5. You clarify your path forward when you ask questions.  Sometimes we get stuck.  We develop a type of paralysis, because we aren’t sure how to proceed.  Asking the right questions can give us clarity on the direction we should be taking.
6. You can move more quickly when you ask questions.
7. You become a better leader when you ask questions.

“Who questions much, shall learn much, and retain much.”

Francis Bacon

I have used a set of questions that have helped me grow personally and professionally. If you begin using these questions, you will grow as well. These questions require an open mind and a willingness to take action.

5 Questions That Will Take You To The Next Level

1. How are you? This seems so simple, but people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Asking this question provides an opportunity to connect at a deeper level. I have learned so much by asking this simple question. When it comes to leadership, I have learned when my team members are going through a tough time or when they have something to celebrate. I have learned more about my customers and about the things that make them tick. Start your conversations with this simple but very important question.
2. How can I do this better the next time? Asking for feedback is the best way to learn. Especially if you will be doing similar activities again, this question can lead to massive growth for you and can lead to tremendous loyalty with those whom you ask this question. As an engineer, I used this question repeatedly to become a better engineer – to put out designs that were more useful for my installers, my start-up technicians, and my customers. As a leader, I use this question to grow in my leadership.
3. What else can I do? Asking for more work when you have a lull in your current workload is an excellent way to demonstrate work ethic. This question demonstrates to others that you are a team player and you are not lazy. When I was fairly new to my company, this question led to my assignment on a high profile four year project that propelled my reputation and my career. I learned so many things by simply asking “What else can I do?”
4. Can you help me? Asking for help takes humility. Many of us don’t want to appear as if we can’t do it ourselves. Here’s the reality, we can’t always do it ourselves. Sometimes our knowledge and skill limit us for the time being. We need to ask for help to expand our knowledge and skill and to make sure our task is executed as necessary. Sometimes our schedules limit us, and we need to ask for help because we cannot get to everything on our plate. More recently, I have realized that this question is a very important leadership question. As leaders, we must as for help in an effort to delegate. Delegating tasks to others gives them a chance to expand their experience, it prepares others to take on more responsibility in the future, and it frees up the leader to address other issues and tasks.
5. How can I help? When people come into my office, this is the question I try to ask. What can I do to make your job/life easier? What direction or assistance can I provide that will keep you moving forward? This question breaks down walls. This question is the key to collaborative solutions. Everyone faces obstacles, and these obstacles seem smaller when there is help.

One thing worth noting, once you’ve asked your question(s) make sure you stop to listen.  The real learning happens when we listen to what others have to say in response to our questions.  And if you’re asking yourself the question(s), make sure you take time to reflect and process your responses to your own questions.

Win Every Day – A New Book by Mark Miller

“Greatness hinges on execution. Everything we do should ultimately contribute to superior levels of execution.”

Mark Miller – Win Every Day p. 16

Everyone wants to win – at least I would like to believe this.

I want to win in my marriage. I want to win in my parenting. I want to win in my career. And I want those around me to win – my wife, my kids, and the team I lead.

Mark Miller does it again with an excellent allegory about leadership, business, and life.

In Win Every Day – Proven Practices For Extraordinary Results, Miller lays out three keys to get the results – the daily wins – you seek. Execution is not just about the end product. Executing with excellence involves executing at a high level throughout the entire journey.

This is the second book I have read by Mark Miller, and I really appreciate the thought he puts into each and every page of his writing. He helps enlighten readers on foundational leadership wisdom through the stories he tells. (Here’s a link to my review of Win The Heart.)

I walked away after reading this book with practical advice for taking my team to the next level.

If you desire excellence and results in your business and your life, I’d recommend you pick up a copy of Win Every Day. The book officially releases on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, and you can order your copy TODAY by clicking here.

Please note: I received a pre-release copy of Win Every Day in an exchange for an honest review. I was not required to positively support this book. I truly believe this is a book that could help you win every day! Also, I could receive a few cents if you order Win Every Day by clicking and ordering through one of the links in this post.

Win The Heart (Book Review)

As a leader in my company and the head of my department, I believe I have the responsibility to create and influence our culture. I want to build and be part of an organization that makes the world a better place, that grows and attracts talent, and that provides a place where people are proud to work.

When I was asked to participate in the book launch of Mark Miller‘s new book, Win the Heart: How to Create a Culture of Full Engagement, I had no hesitation in saying yes. Miller, who also wrote Talent Magnet, Chess Not Checkers, and Leaders Made Here, is a leader at Chick-Fil-A. Having seen the culture that Chick-Fil-A promotes first hand (both my kids have worked for Chick-Fil-A at one time or another), I’ve seen how culture is an important focus for this organization.

In Win he Heart, Miller tells the story of CEO Blake Brown as he sets out on a journey to discover the secrets of a fully engaged culture. Miller uses story telling to teach four main truths:

C – Connection – If you want people to CARE about your organization, you have to make sure they are connected to the organization, the mission, and the team.

A – Affirmation – If you want people to CARE about your organization, you have to affirm your team members through your words and your actions.

R – Responsibility – If you want people to CARE about your organization, you have to make sure they have responsibility and are empowered to make decisions and take actions that will move the organization forward.

E – Environment – If you want people to CARE about your organization, you have to create the right environment making sure team members have the right setting to get things done and to draw them into the organization.

Win the Heart is all about helping people CARE about the organization and about moving their hearts into a deeper level of engagement.

This book was rather simple. Sometimes simple is exactly what we need to inspire us, to motivate us, and to push us forward to lead our organizations to the next level.

[Note: I was given a free copy of Win the Heart in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to endorse this book. I believe leaders are readers, and there is definitely value in this book to help you grow as a leader.]

3 Things You Should Be Asking

​I have the opportunity to interview many young engineers, HVAC technicians, and project managers.  After listening to their stories and their explanations for why they are the best for the job, I ask them if I can give them a few suggestions for getting ahead whether or not they join my team.

If they say “Yes” to my question, I tell them these three pieces of advice:

​3 Things You Should Be Asking

​Ask for Help

​Too often people are too pround to ask for the help they need to get ahead.  They don’t want to appear as if they don’t know what they are doing.  Humility is necessary if you want to get ahead.

​Ask for Feedback

​”How can I do this better the next time?”  This is a great way to learn more for your future endeavors, and it’s a great way to establish a connection with someone.  When you ask for feedback, you demonstrate a curiousity that is sure to produce results (as long as you follow through on the feedback you get).

​Ask for More Work or More Opportunities

​Don’t wait around for someone to give you another project or task.  Be proactive.  A hungry spirit will give you opportunity beyond your wildest dreams.

These are the questions I have used to grow (or STRETCH as I like to say) in my career.  It’s not rocket science, but you’re sure to launch your career and your life when you incorporate these three questions into your regular routine.

​What questions have helped you go farther?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Thoughts on the Bill Hybels and Willow Creek Situation

Last week while I was on vacation, I caught recent news about Willow Creek Community Church, Bill Hybels, and the leadership at Willow.

To get you up to speed without all the details, Bill Hybels, who started Willow Creek Community Church and led it to become one of the biggest mega-churches in the United States, retired “early” a few months ago following growing allegations of sexual misconduct, affairs, and mistreatment of women.

When reports initially surfaced several months ago, the leadership at Willow protected Hybels (and themselves) while discounting the accounts of several women who accused Hybels of inappropriate actions.

Over the past week in the wake of a tenth woman coming forward with specific details of Hybels’ misconduct the elders and lead pastors at Willow resigned finally apologizing to the women who had been hurt by Hybels (and the board’s previous discredit of their testimony) and to the congregation for poor leadership and even misleading.  And they called on Hybels to apologize and state the truth about the accusations.

While we were on vacation, we ran into a couple who go to Willow Creek Community Church.  When we spoke to them early in the week, the elder board resignation had not yet happened.  It was interesting for me to listen to them as they blamed the women (Nancy Beach and Nancy Ortberg in particular) for the recent problems at Willow.  They seemed to have the same mindset of the board prior to their resignation.  (We did not see them again, so I don’t know if their perspective changed following Wednesday night’s resignations.)

On the way home from Arizona yesterday, we “ran” into famous baseball pitcher, Randy Johnson, at the Phoenix airport.  (I actually spotted him from across the security check-in area.  I’m pretty sure he didn’t see me.)  It’s easy to get excited when we run into someone we consider famous like Randy Johnson, Lynn Swan, and even Bill Hybels (these are some of the “famous” people with whom I’ve crossed paths).

I’ve had the opportunity to hear Bill Hybels preach and speak in person, and I’ve been to Willow Creek several times for small group leadership conferences.  I’ve also read a couple of books by Bill Hybels.  Bill Hybels and Willow Creek Community Church have had a profound impact on many, many people.  Thousands of people have been introduced to Jesus as a result of Hybels and Willow.  And Willow Creek as been a model for many, many churches across the country and around the world.

This is good on one hand, but it is also scary on the other hand.

I don’t write about these kinds of topics very often.  I honestly am afraid to say something stupid (maybe I already have in this post).  But I’m supposed to be stretching myself and others, so I think it’s important for me to explore my thoughts on topics like this from time to time.

Here are a few things that scare me and/or stretch me about the Bill Hybels/Willow Creek Community Church situation:

1. Many churches and ministry-based organizations are build on a singular person/personality.  Willow Creek is known as Bill Hybels’ church.  North Point Community Church is known as Andy Stanley’s church.  Life Church is known as Craig Groeschel’s church.  Saddleback Church is known as Rick Warren’s church.  Even my own church, Christ Church of the Valley, to some extent is often known as Brian Jones’ church.  Many of these men have done great things, but I’m quite confident they have also made mistakes.  When we allow our churches and ministry organizations to be known more for a person than for the person of Jesus Christ, we are walking a dangerous line.  I’m thankful for these individuals, but I need to be enamored with Jesus and not Bill Hybels, Andy Stanley, Craig Groeschel, Rick Warren, or Brian Jones.
2. While I think it’s important for pastors to have a supportive leadership team behind them, I think a hand-picked elder board may present a bit of a problem when problems with the pastor arise.  From what I read, the board of elders at Willow Creek was more or less hand-picked by pastor, Bill Hybels.  Will hand-picked elders really hold the pastor accountable and will they be strong enough to take action to remove a pastor when the situation calls for such action?  I’m not sure.  I think Willow Creek provides a pretty clear example of the challenges faced by these kinds of boards given these situations.
3. Boundaries are important.  Hybels apparently helped break down some of the boundaries women faced in ministry leading to upfront leadership opportunities for women at Willow.  Unfortunately by appearances, Hybels struggled to set appropriate personal boundaries.  I’ve heard people say that personal boundaries shouldn’t be set so firmly as they prevent women from leadership opportunities.  I believe there is a way to set boundaries that protect and provide equal opportunities for men and women.
4. Women have a voice, and they must be heard.  We all need to listen.  We need to listen to their wonderful ideas.  We also need to listen to their cries for help, and we need to take action.
5. Leadership is tough, and leaders will be judged for all their words and actions in and out of the spotlight.  This scares me as I consider what the Bible says about leaders and teachers.
   1. “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”  James 3:1
   2. “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. ² Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord.  Jeremiah 23:1-2

I’m not an expert by any “stretch”.  I don’t know the intimate details surrounding the Bill Hybels and Willow Creek Community Church situation.  I’ve read some of the news articles and opinion pieces (New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Relevant Magazine).  I’d encourage you to read for yourself and STRETCH yourself to think about how you can and should respond.  I’d also encourage you to watch this video of Willow Creek Elder Missy Rasmussen:  http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/100031181-132.html.

Stretching is not just about growing our brains by filling them with more information.  Stretching is about challenging our minds and hearts and about taking actions that take us out of our comfort zones.  Stretching also happens when we pray.  I’d encourage you to pray for Bill Hybels, Hybels’ family, Willow Creek Community Church, and the women and their families who have been impacted by this situation.  I believe God works in the midst of our messiness, and I believe God will work in this situation.

If you are a pastor or are in church leadership, I’d encourage you to talk about this.  Even if your church or ministry is in a healthy place right now, you can learn and grow.

I certainly don’t have all the answers related to this situation.  I’d love to read your thoughts.  I’d encourage you in your thoughts and comments to seek to be productive and healing.  Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.