“Don’t chase after success, chase after capability.  If you are capable of anything, then success will be chasing you.”

                                                                                                         - Meme

I love the distinction from my good friend, Kelly Anne Zielinski, CEO of Self Leadership Global, often shares, “It is much more effective to hold someone capable, than to hold them accountable.” 

In studying attributes of success in the world of leadership, the concept of accountability is often identified for its importance and effectiveness.  Taking personal accountability for the choices we make, the actions we take and the results we achieve is a critical attribute of anyone looking to work as an effective leader.   

However, when working with others in a leadership or coaching role, I have often found that “holding someone accountable” may not be the most effective way of inspiring and guiding them to achieve the results they desire. 

A...

“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”

                                                                                        - Scott Fitzgerald

I began my martial arts training when I was a young boy of ten.  As many youngsters, I had heroes that I idolized. 

Unlike many of my friends who admired heroes from more traditional sports like football, basketball and baseball, my heroes came from the world of martial arts.  Names like World Kickboxing Champions, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace (who would later become my instructor), Joe Lewis and Jeff Smith (both of who I would also later get the opportunity to train with) were who I held in the highest of esteem. 

And of course, there was Chuck Norris.  People today’s world know Norris mostly through his movies and Walker Texas Ranger television series, but when I was growing up, he had just begun his acting career and was still best known for his championship achievements in Point Karate. 

Unlike Kickboxing, where...