Figuring Out The Why

When it comes to our work, it's important to have a solid understanding about what we're doing but it's even more critical to have a grasp on why we're doing it.


Whether we choose to take on a cause, complete a task or perform a job duty, having a grasp on the concept of "Why" can help us be much more efficient and productive in our personal and professional lives.

On a deeper level, it also helps create a sense of commitment, identity and purpose.

Dave Ulrich is an influential voice in the field of HR. His professional focus has addressed questions on how organizations add value to customers and investors through both leadership and strategic human resource practices.

He joins HCL Radio along with his wife Wendy Ulrich, a licensed psychologist to discuss their latest book, "The Why of Work".

Click here to listen to Dave as he talks about leaders as meaning makers.

I asked Wendy about the importance of understanding the why of what we do and she provided an excellent illustration based on the famed author, therapist and holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl.

Click here to listen to Wendy.



Leaders play a key role in helping those following them understand their purpose and need to continually recognize that the "Why" can't be forgotten about!

HCL Radio - Where developing leaders is more than just a game.

See you on the court!

The Water Glass

Deciding to have a positive attitude is a choice we choose to make. Being a positive person can make a difference, not only to ourselves but to the people around us.

So the question is, what's in your glass?



Is it half full and rich with opportunities or half empty and in desperate need of replenishment?

Having an upbeat and positive attitude is one of the most significant things that leaders can do to influence and motivate the people around them.

The benefits of having and maintaining a positive attitude are many, it can inspire confidence which strengthens loyalty, provide hope during challenging times and serve as a way to motivate others to find solutions to problems.

All of these things are all possible because of The Power of Having a Positive Attitude.




See you on the court!

Losing is a Process

I think most will agree that losing isn't fun and the last thing you want to hear is that it's good for you.


But it really is.

There are great opportunities to learn, grow and develop in defeat especially when you’re not beating yourself up for losing.

As the American writer, Richard Bach once put it,

“That's what learning is, after all; not whether we lose the game, but how we lose and how we've changed because of it and what we take away from it that we never had before, to apply to other games. Losing, in a curious way, is winning.”





See you on the court!

Leadership Truths

No two people will define leadership the exact same way and if you ask, you'll more than likely receive different responses.


For some reason, there seems to be a boatload of thoughts, opinions and perspectives as to what leadership truly is all about.

It's one of those things that has a different meaning to different people depending on your involvement or past experiences with it.

I'm a member of a leadership group on LinkedIn and a question was posted that asked to identify the major differences between ledership and management.

After more than 800 replies, the responses are still coming in.

There's a great deal of value in having multiple viewpoints as it can lead to rich discussion and insightful learning. However, it can also could make room for misconception and perhaps confusion to creep in.

Joining the next episode of HCL Radio is long time leadership expert and author, Jim Kouzes.



Jim is co-author of the award-winning book, The Leadership Challenge, with over one million copies sold. Jim is not only a highly regarded leadership scholar and experienced executive, but the Wall Street Journal has also cited Jim as one of the 12 most requested "non-university executive-education providers" to U.S. companies.

Jim has done a significant amount of research in the field of leadership over the course of the last 30 years or so. Listen to Jim's thoughts on the differences in leadership now and then.

He'll help us gain a better understanding of leadership and will also chat about his latest book, The Truth About Leadership.


See you on the court!