Case Study: The First 100 Days of Donald Trump’s 2nd Presidency At Karl Bimshas Consulting, we believe leadership defines culture, and when we tolerate deception, we normalize it. In our latest evaluation, we applied the Leadership … [Read more...]
Can America’s Greatness Overcome Its Greed?
There is no denying America's remarkable historic success in innovation, cultural influence, and sheer economic power. However, it has also faced issues like excessive profit-seeking, environmental neglect, social inequality, and, of late, an … [Read more...]
Check your vision … and your mission, and values
It is wise to review your personal and professional vision, mission, and values from time to time. Vision is an ideal state in the distance, just out of reach. If you haven’t revisited your vision in a long time, you may have surpassed it, and it … [Read more...]
Willful Ignorance
Does it wound your ego?Perhaps. Does changing your position make you appear weak?No, not to reasonable people. Can it be embarrassing?Sure, but you’ll get over it. What is humiliating and potentially leads to malfeasance is knowing you’re … [Read more...]
Resist the Urge
Lousy leaders fail to resist the urge to accumulate power and control. Effective leaders find ways to share and distribute power among those they lead. It is rare and difficult to find leaders able to eschew vainglory; the perks of … [Read more...]
The Leader-Follower Matrix
Leadership and followership are symbiotic. You can't have one without the other, and the better you are at one, the better you are at the other. But what about those points in between? What words would you use to describe each … [Read more...]
What’s Holding You Back from Leading?
It is not the body's size, age, color, or gender but what emanates from the soul that makes the leader. What's holding you back from leading? Hint, it's nothing external. Imagine what could be different if you started leading. Karl … [Read more...]
Are Leaders Born or Made? Who Cares?
I frequently get asked if great leaders are born or made. Studies seem to indicate about a third are born with favorable characteristics, and two-thirds are forged by life experiences. If you're told you were a born leader, you'll … [Read more...]
Don’t Wait to be Empowered. Just be Powerful.
I don't want to split hairs; empowerment is great and all, but I've never liked the word. It implies power is being given to you by someone else. It feels patriarchal to call yourself "empowered" because your borrowed agency remains rooted in … [Read more...]
So, You’re Alpha, huh?
Excuse my laughter, but when someone refers to themselves as the "leader," "alpha," or "big dog" of the group, they aren't. Good leaders don't use their role to try to impress or cajole — but lousy leaders do. All. The. … [Read more...]
Leadership Check: 10 Messages
Scroll back and read through the last ten emails or text messages that you sent, and let's see how effective your leadership communication has been. To what degree were you situationally aware? Did you grasp the moment, or were you … [Read more...]
Be the Thermostat, Not the Thermometer
Set the conditions for the environment you want rather than just reporting on changes. Be the thermostat, not the thermometer. You can work to set the tone, vibe, culture of those you interact with, and yes, there may be conflict. Any … [Read more...]
Celebrate … Even if you don’t feel like it.
How has your week gone? Did you accomplish some great things? How's your month or year? Are things getting better? Are you making progress? Are you proud of yourself for starting or stopping … [Read more...]
Getting There and Giving Back
FYI - I was recently interviewed by AJ Machado (San Diego folks will recognize his voice from morning radio) as part of the Getting There and Giving Back series from Aimee's Stories. Give it a look on YouTube and leave a like while you're there - … [Read more...]
Journey to Freedom
My father arrived in the United States on this date in 1949. You can read about it in his memoir, "Escaping War: Our Journey to Freedom" by John Bimshas Squeezed between Soviet Communists and Nazi Fascists during World War Two, my … [Read more...]
The 5-Step Lousy Leader Dance
Leadership, like water, is neither inherently good nor bad, but it is essential. Your desire for water changes depending on the conditions. If you are in a desert and parched, you’ll be desperate for a sip of anything, while those battling floods … [Read more...]
Time to Lead
In good times and in bad, one thing people want is leadership. They want reassurance, they want to know what the point of it all is, they want to be acknowledged and appreciated, challenged, and inspired. While I firmly believe everyone can be a … [Read more...]
Servant Leadership Rant
Recently, an otherwise informative webinar by a noted speaker spectacularly fell off the rails when the host ranted on his disdain for Servant Leadership; the leadership style practiced over thousands of years, though branded differently in the last … [Read more...]
Change the Leader, Or Change the Leader
We do not lack the knowledge or capability to improve our condition; we lack the will and the leadership. Appeal to one, the other will follow. Valid for most problems we face, from battling a pandemic to making healthier life choices. While … [Read more...]
Video Book
People wonder how they can become a better leader. The simplest answer is to give a damn. This quick video explains further. … [Read more...]
On Expectations
“I have been criticized lately of being too harsh. That my expectations of others are too high. That I do not let people bask in the glow of achievement before searching for that little bit extra. That frequently, my disappointment in the failure of … [Read more...]
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Better Leadership Begins With You
Day in and day out, I like states’ rights, and I love America’s spirit of individualism. In times of crisis, unity and collectivism are stronger. Without a coordinated national response to COVID-19, it continues to ravage the citizens of this … [Read more...]
7 Excuses Timid People Give For Not Leading
You could be leading right now, but you have convinced yourself not to. Below are seven common excuses. Identify yours and then take action to rectify your reasoning. The world needs leadership, and your justifications for sitting on the sidelines … [Read more...]
What Role Will You Play?
Every once in a while, a set of events line up and become a catalyst for change. Some of us are blindsided and harshly jostled into reality, and some of us willfully stay blind, refusing to believe the game board has shifted, and that there are new … [Read more...]
Repeat after me, “Yes, I am a leader.”
The world is changing. That's always true, but 2020 has amplified the sentiment. Not everyone wants the changes, nor is everyone prepared. That's irrelevant. The change is happening. Whether positive or negative, progressive or regressive, peaceful … [Read more...]
Joyless Leaders
I remember a time in college when I returned home to visit my mom. She told me about a troubling sight she had just seen: a school bus had stopped at a light beside her, and the faces of sullen and despondent teenagers filled every visible … [Read more...]
Complacency, Our Alluring Faux
We’ll get used to it, we always do. Two thousand extra daily deaths aren’t too bad to those unaffected. We’ve proven that we are okay with the spontaneous manslaughter of schoolchildren. We’re doing fine with heart disease and … [Read more...]
Lead Well
We are all facing a rapidly escalating health crisis, with responsible citizens sheltering in place to help blunt the COVID-19 virus and reduce the inevitable strain on our healthcare infrastructure. This necessary action helps save lives and buy … [Read more...]
Leader’s Guide to Change
Like it or not, well-planned or unplanned, your business will go through some rapid change. As a leader in your organization, you have the obligation and opportunity to be forthright and tell people what to expect. Knowing what the change is helps … [Read more...]
How Do You Face Adversity
Watch how people react to a pandemic; it mimics how we treat climate change but at a faster speed. Sentiments like, "that's their problem, not ours," "It's a hoax," "That's what they want you to believe," begin to give way to well-meaning people … [Read more...]
Q&A: What is the single most effective thing I can do to maximize productivity?
Q&A: How do I step into leadership?
Q&A: Is leadership a learned skill?
Q&A: How often should you have a meeting with an employee to go over performance?
Q&A: Why is improving leadership so difficult?
Q&A: What are the two most important leadership attributes?
Leadership Challenges
The world is facing leadership challenges on many fronts; this is nothing new. The stakes, however, seem higher. People are awakening to the idea of consequences for actions (or inactions.) It will take the best of ourselves, as it always does, to … [Read more...]
What Can You Do in 16 Months?
You see something wrong, and you find a small way to right it. You start alone. It is difficult, but you do not flinch, you stay on purpose. Some people join you; some fade away. You stay true to your vision, you study your convictions, share … [Read more...]
Popular Leadership Assessments
When was the last time you assessed your team? Yourself? Highly successful professionals are aware of the importance of taking regular assessments. Not only are leadership assessments favorable for a successful professional’s team, but for the … [Read more...]
5 Ways Good Leaders Can Become Better Leaders
GUEST POST BY MAIA FLETCHER Being a leader is a huge responsibility that requires a lot of dedication and drive. Great leadership can take your business to the next level and bring you more opportunities in life. So what does it take to be a … [Read more...]
Oscillate. Don’t Vacillate.
It's okay to oscillate in your life and with your leadership. In fact, I'd encourage you to do so. Regularly scan your surroundings and your interests, back and forth; taking note of changes in the landscape, people's beliefs, and your opinion. This … [Read more...]
How are you Measuring Success?
Automation and improved efficiency are essential for any business. Smart business owners use tools to leverage and enhance the human components inside and outside of their enterprise. If your organization doesn’t have a plan to dig deeper and … [Read more...]
Low Expectations
Never want to be disappointed? Have low expectations. You exert minimal effort and plod through life. You don't expect much; you don't get much. It's a cynical philosophy way too many people adopt because it's easier. It's also crappy advice lousy … [Read more...]
Leadership Strategy or Whim?
Do you have a leadership strategy for your business, or is it closer to whim? Answer True or False to the following. You have established short and long-term goals for your business.You know the leadership skills, behaviors, work environment … [Read more...]
Fill-in-the-blank Strong
Psst. It's not the video games, the Second Amendment, or mental health. Guns and the cottage industries that bloom with mass shootings are profitable. Door jams, bullet-proof backpacks, media ad-rates, anxiety meds, and firearm sales, among other … [Read more...]
Gameboard
Download this Leadership Development Gameboard and print it out to help you and your team to hone key leadership attributes. Pick the day of the week and roll a die, or randomly select a square and reflect on how you demonstrate that behavior. … [Read more...]
Build a User’s Guide
You might think working with you is a dream. You’re in your head all day, so, you know your intentions and beliefs better than anyone else, and I am sure they all sound reasonable. The problem is; no one else is in there with you. Even your closest … [Read more...]
Do All Your Customers Love You? Nope.
I recall a research study based on reciprocity, that discovered we have far few friends than we think we do. About half as many, if you define a friend as the kind of person who foregoes their Saturday plans to help you move, in the rain, because … [Read more...]
You Yell, You Lose
If you're an adult entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of authority, and you regularly berate or yell at your employees, you lose. You might trick yourself into thinking it will work in the short term, but you've paid a heavy price. … [Read more...]
Manage Better Lead Well Series
Six Weeks In
You run your own business. You’ve made big plans for the year. Six weeks in and your momentum is waning. Have you nodded “yes” two and a half or more times? Keep reading. What do you think is holding you back? Confusion? Anxiety? … [Read more...]
Foggy Forest
Imagine being lost and disoriented in the middle of a foggy forest in the dead of night. You're unable to figure out which direction to step and return towards the safety of home -- the place where you find comfort and nourishment. You take a … [Read more...]
Are you Running a Learning Organization?
No matter the size of your organization, if you want to become more efficient, increase productivity, increase profit, and grow client satisfaction, there is no better way than building a workplace environment geared toward continuous … [Read more...]
Compliments
What's the best compliment you've ever received? It felt nice, right? How many have you given lately? Give ten or more genuine compliments today. You can find 29 other thought starters and positive actions in the book, "Perspectives: A 30-day … [Read more...]
Leading Rebels
Good leaders don't tell you to "sit down," "stay in your lane," or “wait your turn.” People with a threatened agenda do that. Good leaders listen to the beat you dance to and incorporate it into their vision. They recruit you and make you … [Read more...]
Manage Better
Leadership Fitness Checklist
By now, the majority of those who joined a gym to support their New Year resolution are having second thoughts. They’re not committed to their commitment. For the majority, the pain it takes to achieve their goal is not worth the effort. Of course, … [Read more...]
Your Leadership Path
Do you have a leadership path in mind for yourself or your organization this year? If you don't, how are you going to get where you want to go? By wishing really, really hard? By coasting, or drifting toward success? Probably not. … [Read more...]
How to Apologize: A Periodic Reminder
Because so few get it right, here is a periodic reminder on how to properly apologize. No, saying "sorry" isn't enough, and being inconvenienced by another's lack of belief in your remorse isn't their problem, it's yours. Also, don't demand an … [Read more...]
Leadership Assessments
Assessments serve as a quick way to get a sense of self and perspective. They provide a snapshot of current conditions and form a framework individuals, teams, and organizations can use to communicate concepts efficiently. Karl Bimshas Consulting … [Read more...]
Diversity
Diversity of thought, life experiences, and belief systems is what makes organizations stronger. The fittest ideas can flourish, and greater numbers of people benefit. If the room you're in looks like you, you're not learning enough. You'll feel … [Read more...]
Twenty Nineteen
Thanks for a great 2018! Here's to a Happy 2019! Download "Make Space" for Free … [Read more...]
Three Words
Choose three words. With three words you can set a theme for your year without all the P-measures, R-measures, KPI’s, parental or religious guilt, and anything else that has made planning your year feel like a burden, instead of the optimistic fun it … [Read more...]
Dyslexia, Dysthymia, and Determination
I am not a fan of "woe is me" authors who overshare all the problems in their life. I am partial to a stoic approach. We all have our battles, many of them private, and that is a personal choice. Not every malady has to be posted and commented upon. … [Read more...]
Fun Tool for Your Development
The Leadership Development Box is a Fun Tool! Karl Bimshas Consulting’s Leadership Development Box is a great visual and kinesthetic tool to be more engaging in your development discussions. A favorite with HR professionals, trainers, and better … [Read more...]
Bring a SIDE of Leadership
The world would be better if everyone, regardless of their role, carried a SIDE of leadership. Service: Be of service. Help. Assist. Act on behalf of others. Serve people, or a cause, an idea, beyond yourself. Integrity: Hold yourself to honest … [Read more...]
Expectations, Keep ’em High
You can lower your expectations and never feel disappointment, or you can raise your expectations and manage your disappointments like an adult. The truly great things in life do not get that way through indifference. You care. You have a … [Read more...]
You ARE Leading
Just because you don't consider yourself a leader doesn't mean others aren't following you. You are leading. Get better at it. You can deny it. You can hate it. You can battle over semantics. Like it or not, you're leading someone (maybe … [Read more...]
About Revenge
Revenge isn't an aspirational goal. It can motivate you to get started, or look at yourself differently, or lift your spirits when you are filled with self-doubt. However, it's short-lived, unless you are so lacking in esteem that you NEED to … [Read more...]
Be More Discerning
Many people react to conflict. Leaders respond. Here's the difference; leaders take the time to study and observe so that they can be more discerning in their decision-making. They are careful and deliberate about what they allow into their … [Read more...]
Hire a New Boss
If you're a solopreneur or freelancer, guess what? You are not automatically exempt from having a lousy boss. Face it; effective managers have a particular set of skills that help foster compliance, communication, confidence, production, and … [Read more...]
Many Ways
Not doing it your way doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it different. There are many ways to do many things. Often, managers, in particular, feel like they know the best way to do something. This is seldom true. They know one way and assume … [Read more...]
Believe the People Who Believe in You
When you share an idea or a goal with people it can be risky because most will have a negative knee-jerk reaction. Whatever their motivation; protective love or bitter hidden jealousy, many will say or do things to squash your dreams. Then there … [Read more...]
Thankless Roles
There are many thankless roles in life, but I take them unconditionally, knowing praise comes in tiny doses. Like a phone call from my daughter, who's "killing it" across the country on her own, or my son making sound ethical decisions. It … [Read more...]
Money in Outrage
There's money in outrage, but results come from taking action. There are plenty of money making machines that do quite well agitating the populace. People without much conviction will always find ways to extract money from those with dogmatic … [Read more...]
16th Book
I've got a new book out! It is the third in the "Leadership Essays" Series. It can feel like we are in the midst of a lousy leader epidemic. From laughable errors in judgment and illogical lapses in commonsense, to plots that are more sinister, … [Read more...]
Accidental Manager?
Does your organization have a lot of accidental managers? Are you one yourself? These are the people with good intent, strong skills, and a willingness to help, who are suddenly thrust into a management role. Maybe there was a crisis, a hole that … [Read more...]
Success Doesn’t Happen All At Once
Success doesn't happen all at once. Neither does failure. It is hundreds of little decisions, conversations, actions, and thoughts that make or break you. Make seemingly unimportant nudges in the approximate direction of your dreams every … [Read more...]
When You Can’t Follow, Lead
Despite your best efforts sometimes you simply cannot follow. Maybe you have a values conflict with the leader, the organization, or the cause. There could also be a vacuum. No one is leading an effort. That's when it becomes your calling, and you … [Read more...]
Leadership Isn’t a Game; It’s a Lifestyle
Leadership isn't a game; it's a lifestyle. That's not to say you shouldn't have fun. There's always going to be competition and a desire to win in life. There are also opportunities for collaboration and a desire to make things better for others. … [Read more...]
How Will You Be Remembered … Later Today?
Some people concern themselves with legacy and the impact that will be left when they're gone. Writing your own aspirational obituary can crystallize your thinking and give you a roadmap to live into. But really, once you're gone, you're gone. … [Read more...]
Your Story Doesn’t Define You
Your story doesn't define you; you define your story Most of the success in your life is because of the combination of your attitude and approach. Lousy attitude, lousy success. Great attitude, great success. A large measure is your … [Read more...]
Help or Not?
Every person must learn the balance between "The instinct to help" versus, "It's none of your damn business." You've got to develop an internal checklist to determine what level of involvement you are willing to commit to. That's where knowing … [Read more...]
The Wave
The wave doesn't care if you're standing in front of it. It doesn't speed up to try and knock you over. It doesn't slow down in an attempt to spare you. A wave is going to do what it does whether you're there or not. You get to decide … [Read more...]
It’s All A Gift
Did you wake up grateful? For what? For waking up. For each breath. For the ability to see and read. For shelter and food. For fingernails and eyelids. For a thousand reasons … but just pick three and relish in them. The odds of you being … [Read more...]
Small Steps
Immediate results are rare and seldom last. Knowing this doesn't stop us from playing the lottery and gambling our long-term success for short-term gains. Some people get lucky. The magic wand produces what they need, often just enough to … [Read more...]
Be Brave and Break Free
I take a lot of pride in the work Karl Bimshas Consulting does with new and established leaders who want to improve what they do so they can manage better and lead well. We don't talk about it a lot, but I'm equally proud of what we do … [Read more...]
Mopey Mondays
Quick Reminder: We don't do Mopey Mondays around here. Monday is for brushing yourself off and pursuing your dreams with renewed vigor. Go get 'em! https://youtu.be/rURCngUpCfw … [Read more...]
Fail Well
Reminder, if you're not afraid to fail, you are already a stronger leader than most. It means you have humility and curiosity. You may have fears, but they are not greater than your bravery. If you do fail, your attitude ensures you'll still learn … [Read more...]