Want to lead people so they want you to lead them again? To take initiative effectively? Many people ask counterproductive questions, like “How should I do X?”, “How do I convince someone to do Y?”, or “What do I need to know to become a leader?” The most effective question is “How do I learn to lead?“, or in entrepreneurship and taking initiative, “How do I learn to take initiative?“[…] Keep reading →

I wanted to share the story behind Initiative‘s cover. Layout The designer first sent a few cover designs. They were contemporary and appropriate for 2019, but they didn’t feel right. I couldn’t point to anything wrong with them, but they didn’t resonate. When we spoke to review his first designs, I told him that they felt “now,” but I considered my book timeless. It’s not about making apps, blockchain, or[…] Keep reading →

In two days I’m speaking at the Science, Industry, and Business Library branch of the New York Public Library on my book, Initiative. The logistics: 6pm to 7:30pm 188 Madison Avenue (34th St and Madison Ave) Conference room 018 Here’s the event description from the official announcement: Want a proven method to bring your passions to life and work? Look no more.   People everywhere in all walks of life[…] Keep reading →

I’m speaking at the Science, Industry, and Business Library branch of the New York Public Library on my book, Initiative. The logistics: 6pm to 7:30pm 188 Madison Avenue (34th St and Madison Ave) Conference room 018 Here’s the event description from the official announcement: Want a proven method to bring your passions to life and work? Look no more.   People everywhere in all walks of life feel stuck in[…] Keep reading →

Chatting about my upcoming book, Initiative, a friend and fellow blogger, Joe Byerly of From The Green Notebook, asked if people could learn to take initiative. I saw his question as rhetorical, since he’d read an advance copy, so he knew I’d taught just that, but he wanted to see how I’d answer. A lot of people believe you can’t. First, there’s a big reason why, independent of the answer,[…] Keep reading →

Various stages of satisfaction come with finishing a book — signing with a publisher, finishing a first draft, reaching copy editing (meaning no more substantive edits), seeing it type set, getting your first reviews from prominent writers, seeing the cover, and so on. Seeing it for sale at a retailer is one of the biggest. Since my last blog post, Initiative has appeared on Barnes and Noble and Amazon for[…] Keep reading →

Yesterday I shared the blurbs from early reviewers of my book, Initiative, set to launch May 21. Today, I’m sharing the front and back covers. I’d love your thoughts. Naturally, I want them to intrigue and attract non-readers. The front cover’s image refers to the book’s content but, I believe, stands on its own nonetheless. Reading the book will imbue the cover image with newfound meaning. Here’s the front. Initiative‘s[…] Keep reading →

My new book, Initiative: A Proven Method to Bring Your Passions to Life (and Work), is going to press, on time for a May 21 release. In the meantime, I’ll share excerpts and inside views. Today I bring you the blurbs. I don’t know about you, but they make me want to read it. Email me if interested in reviewing it before its release to post reviews so others know[…] Keep reading →

Below are a couple recent things people have told me about my work, which I’ll keep anonymous. Do I sound like I’m bragging? Well, they’re sharing ways I served others. About my new book, Initiative, launching next month: “Whether leading or following, you need to read Initiative. I have long yearned for such a book—the most clear and persuasive on personal development and leadership I’ve found in 60 years of[…] Keep reading →