Author: Chet

I recently spoke hard truth to a client of mine. He offended me by showing up fifteen minutes late to practice. No text. No call. No heads up, just late. So, as we settled into practice I listened for the rationalization I knew was sure to come. Sure enough, it didn’t take long. “I’m sorry. … Continue reading Forgive me…

“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” Pablo Picasso Remember this thought, leader, as you master your craft. A master in the making makes the complex easier to understand. If others cannot do more after your instruction, look in the mirror. You most likely made … Continue reading Masterpieces…

Yesterday’s post likely riled up a few folks. Whenever I write about fighting, I get a few well intended notes from friends, clients, and complete strangers who want to correct my thinking. They tell me stories about family feuds, company bullies, angry birds, and playground power plays. These are not productive, Chet, what the hell … Continue reading Control…

One of my bolted on beliefs is great teams fight. All teams, in fact, fight. This is true for couples, communities, and companies. Conflict is as common as the cold. Fact. Great teams fight to improve performance. Normal ones fight to prove a point. Let’s look at a obvious example. Apple. At last check (January … Continue reading Start a fire…

It is well with my Soul, written by Horatio Spafford in 1873, is a song and inspirational story worth reflecting upon… Horatio was a prominent Chicago lawyer and abolishionist. In 1870 he lost his 4 year old son to pneumonia. The next year the famous Chicago fire nearly ruined him financially. In 1873 he decided … Continue reading It is well…

I’m often asked to describe our work at BTL. Most don’t want to hear the answer, so I’ve come up with my ccd scripted answer to said question. We are CEO coaches. We get paid not to lie. Why, do CEO’s and business owners pay us to speak truth? Simple answer. The team lies to … Continue reading Paid…

Most people lead lives of quiet desperation, Thoreau said not so long ago. His “and” is powerful and mostly forgotten. Here’s his complete thought. “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them.” Damn. I’m listening to Switchfoot’s song titled More than Fine, as … Continue reading Amateur, pro, and master…

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” Psalms 84: 5-7 This quote … Continue reading Strength to strength humbly…