Category: PLJ

James R. Rector Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal A stone in a river begins rough. Over time, the current smooths it. The edges wear down, the surface becomes polished, and what was once ordinary becomes something you want to hold in your hand. Leadership develops the same way. Challenges and conflicts may feel like constant… Read the full article

James R. Rector Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal For centuries, people have gathered around campfires to share stories, exchange wisdom, and build community. The circle around the fire makes everyone equal. No one sits at the head. Everyone sees each other clearly. Leadership can borrow from this ancient rhythm. A leader who creates campfire circles,… Read the full article

James R. Rector Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal Most leaders obsess over the clock. Deadlines, schedules, and minutes drive every choice. Yet the leaders who last longest focus on the compass. They ask not only when, but where. The clock measures speed. The compass measures direction. Speed without direction is waste. Direction without speed is… Read the full article

James R. Rector Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal An elevator ride lasts less than a minute. Yet in that brief time, a leader can set a tone that lasts the entire day. The best leaders do not fill the space with chatter. They pause, notice who is present, and ask a question that matters. A… Read the full article

James R. Rector Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal Leaders often lose their audience in the first thirty seconds. If you cannot hook attention quickly, the rest of your message is wasted breath. Think of John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you…” Or Steve Jobs: “Today, we’re introducing three revolutionary products.”… Read the full article

James R. Rector Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal Every team hits the wall. Projects drag, energy fades, motivation runs thin. The breakthrough often lies just beyond this wall, but only if the leader can help the team catch a second wind. The second wind comes from encouragement, reframing, or even a short pause. Leaders remind… Read the full article

James R. Rector Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal Confidence often grows with experience. Yet in uncertain times, the most seasoned leaders may feel less sure, not more. This is the paradox. The world moves faster than expertise. New risks appear before old ones are mastered. Leaders who admit uncertainty, yet act with preparation, create more… Read the full article

James R. Rector Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal Leaders often explain decisions in language designed for analysts or executives. Yet the true test of clarity is whether the decision can be explained at a kitchen table. If you cannot describe your choice so a spouse, teenager, or neighbor understands it, then you do not understand… Read the full article

James R. Rector Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal Leaders often wait for clarity before acting. Yet clarity is rare. Most of the time, the road ahead is covered in fog. Good drivers do not stop until the fog clears. They turn on their headlights and move forward carefully, seeing only the next two hundred feet.… Read the full article

James R. Rector Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal When teams divide, most leaders defend one side of the river. The rare ones build bridges. Bridge builders listen longer, seek common language, and create safe passage for ideas to cross. They know that progress is not found on either bank but in the middle. This does… Read the full article