December 31, 2013

10 things I learned about leadership from the Bible in 2013

I just wrapped up my annual reading of the Bible. It was my number one read for 2013. Every year I gain new insights and important reminders to grow stronger in my faith. I’m particularly sensitive to passages that ...

December 27, 2013

My Top-10 reading list for 2013

Over the past few years, I developed a habit to set aside some time every day for intentional, reflective, reading. That time each morning is my favorite time of day. As 2013 draws to a close, I thought I’d ...

December 24, 2013

The surprise when you grow up

What will you be when you grow up? There’s a surprise packed in the answer to that question. I noticed it as I was reflecting on the birth of Christ in my journaling. I found myself wondering, “How ...

December 20, 2013

In the company of fear

“Stop your constant chatter. And scoot back, I’m trying to drive here.” My passenger doesn’t seem to hear me—or care, at least about my driving. He’s more interested in getting me to pay attention to him. I picked ...

December 16, 2013

A simple daily habit to reduce distraction

Are you prone to distraction? Will you even be tempted to interrupt your reading this 437 word post? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of highly creative people are easily distractible. But that’s not to say we are ...

December 13, 2013

I’m confused. Is that ambiguity you’re hiding behind?

Eschew obfuscation. I learned those words long ago. It’s an ironic phrase which means to avoid creating confusion or bewilderment. Even more plainly, it means to speak plainly. You’d think that’s something every leader would practice. Isn’t it taught ...

December 10, 2013

How to find great mentors

Today on my YouTube channel: Are you intentionally cultivating new mentors? Everyone can benefit from having great mentors. They’re not as hard to come by as you might think. Here are some strategies you can use to find and ...

December 9, 2013

What makes a good compliment?

We all like to receive compliments. Most of us don’t get enough of them. A good compliment lifts our spirits and motivates our work. Mark Twain once said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” But ...

December 6, 2013

Think like a portfolio manager to improve your return on mission

It’s not just a job. It’s a portfolio. And you’re the portfolio manager. I’m the kind of guy that can’t seem to keep my hands out of a lot of different things. If you’re like me, you know what ...

December 2, 2013

What can you get done in 20 minutes?

Today on my YouTube channel: What can you get done in 20 minutes? It’s amazing what you can get done in just 20 minutes, when you take advantage of those little time slices in your day. These simple principles ...

Leary Gates | Venture coach

Turn your vision into venture. Ideas into action.