Colin Powell was recently asked if he feared failing. He responded that he failed a little bit each day. Not only did this respected leader make failure accessible (because now we know that he’s not perfect), but he went on to say that it’s not the failure that’s important, but what you do about it that will set you apart. MORE >>

…than to tell me “I don’t know”… …yet you already know your answer. When you know the answer is no. Tell me no. In my experience, weak leaders use phrases like: “Let me think about it”…. What’s the damage of saying “maybe” when the real answer is “no”? Make the call. MORE >>

All occupations will develop their own special jargon. It’s one of the ways we “professionalize” the unique work that we do in order to sound and feel important. That’s all well and good, except when: 1. You’re new in the field and don’t yet understand the jargon; 2. m sure I missed a lot of important terms, so please add your own in the comments. MORE >>

I was up until 4:30 am Friday night. While this might not be unusual for some of you, it’s important to know I spent it working, laying out a book in my business partner’s basement. This was after two days of working until midnight and another until 1:30 am. This was a critically important moment for me. Do you agree? ~. Thank you! MORE >>

As some of you know, I am passionate about networking, leading indicators and innovation from new combinations of existing things. I’ve been wondering how networks can be leading indicators for innovation! and the intersections (or not) between them. In some cases, I’m the key connector, in others I’m one of a few. Thank you! MORE >>