Have you ever walked into a project, confident that everyone was aligned, only to realize weeks later that no one shared the same vision? Clarity is an illusion if it isn’t met with mutual understanding. Whether it’s a failed product launch or a workplace project that collapses under misaligned priorities, unclear expectations don’t just impact productivity—they erode trust, efficiency, and morale. The strongest leaders don’t assume alignment; they create it. In this blog, we explore how to set clear expectations, navigate cross-functional teams, and foster a culture where success is built on clarity—not assumptions.

Results matter—a lot. But here’s the paradox: the harder we focus solely on achieving results, the more elusive they can become. True leadership isn’t about choosing between caring for people and demanding excellence—it’s about mastering both.

Take the example of David, a project director who built strong relationships with his team long before challenges arose. When unprecedented rains put his project behind schedule, he didn’t rely on pressure alone; he called on the trust he had built. The team responded with extraordinary commitment, making up for lost time without compromising safety.

Great leaders, like Phil Jackson in sports and Paul O’Neill at Alcoa, understood that genuine care and high expectations go hand in hand. When people feel valued and supported, they rise to the challenge—not out of obligation, but out of commitment.

So, ask yourself: Are you creating an environment where people feel both deeply valued and inspired to achieve their best?

I have lived long enough, several decades, to witness cultural shifts over time. The 2000s are nothing like the 1950s. Culture and society march ahead, and it's up to us to keep up. But here's the rub: progress strains our attention spans. In politics, media, entertainment, even business, the game has changed. To capture our eyes and ears, the strategy is simple—stir things up, rile people, scare them. It works. Fear diverts attention from what truly matters because when we're afraid, our thinking becomes dulled and ineffective.

One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is the freedom to be okay with someone not liking you—or even being mad at you. For years, I struggled with the fear of what others thought and how I made them feel. It was an all-consuming and, ultimately, pointless endeavor.

If you’re someone who doesn’t feel motivated by setting goals, there might be deeper reasons at play. You may be worried about failure, feel confined by commitments, or stressed about performance. You could even struggle with flexibility or decision-making. These are valid concerns, especially when the path forward feels unclear. Humans naturally resist the unknown—if we can’t see how a goal can be achieved, it’s tempting to avoid setting ourselves up for failure.

I’m talking about deep, dark, soul-crushing betrayal.

If you remember it vividly, your stomach might be tightening as your heartbeat quickens just thinking about it. Betrayal can be heartbreaking and enraging all at once.

Effective communication simply leads to much more efficient operations. If you ask every participant after an average meeting to tell you the reason for the meeting as well as what the follow-up action items are, you will get an almost comically wide range of answers.

This process allows us to release expectations and attachments to outcomes. It’s not an either/or scenario.

As the holidays draw near, we’re reminded of the beauty of working together, both in our personal lives and in the workplace. Just as the season calls for shared traditions and thoughtful connections, successful collaborations require patience, clear communication, and a focus on collective goals. Whether wrapping a gift or wrapping up a project, the best outcomes come from blending our unique strengths to create something truly meaningful.

Creating safety doesn’t mean avoiding tough conversations or lowering expectations. In fact, when people feel genuinely valued, they’re more willing to engage in honest dialogue and take on challenges. Safety lays the foundation for holding ourselves and others to high standards.

Looking inward, best starts with the realization that “yes, s**t happens,” about which I have little to say, however in all things I still have choice.

There’s nothing wrong with big emotions—they’re a vital part of the human experience. It’s important to feel them, though it’s not always in your or others' best interest to express them immediately.

To help you navigate the season with calm and joy, I’m sharing some quick, simple practices rooted in gratitude that you can weave into your daily routine.

We’ve all heard the notion that emotions drive our decisions, but I’ll bet that you, YES YOU, the person reading this, believe that notion applies more to others than to yourself. We like to think of ourselves as logical, impartial, and fair decision-makers. Let’s explore that.

Discover the true meaning of integrity, why it’s essential, and how to live by your core values in everyday life and work, even when no one’s watching.

Explore the balance between authenticity and workplace norms. Discover how showing your true self at work can lead to greater fulfillment and stronger connections.

Paying attention to these nuances might seem like an outdated concept in an era of shortcuts and instant gratification, but it’s in those details where real, lasting impact lies. Think of it like the difference between a masterful painting and a hastily printed poster.

I believe we are biologically wired and culturally conditioned to mistrust. It’s a defense mechanism, one that has a purpose—primarily to keep us out of harm’s way and alive.

The true power of accountability lies in recognizing that the moment we become aware of it, we are at the center of our universe. In more practical terms, anything that happens in “my world” is something I have some accountability for. At the very least, I am accountable for how I choose to respond.

Longevity is a popular topic these days, and achieving better health and a healthy life span is possible if we’re willing to take charge of our thoughts, emotions, physical wellness, and interactions.