Why Straight A’s Hurt Today’s Students
The report is in for last year’s grade point averages of American students. After reviewing it—I’d say it’s good news and bad news. The good news is, more high school students are getting A’s on their report card. The bad news is, students may not really be learning something. Why would I say that? According to a cover article in USA Today, “Recent
The Key to Championship-Level Teams
Recently, I had the privilege to sit down for several hours with Dave Hart, who just retired after 35 years in NCAA intercollegiate athletics. Dave is a friend who’s now in a marvelous place to reflect on what he’s learned as a former athlete, as a coach and later as an administrator for some great college programs, including East Carolina,
When Parents Disagree on How to Raise Their Child
This is one of the most challenging issues that emerges during the question and answer segment in my parent conferences. Recently, I had a dad ask what he should do when his teenage daughter failed to obey curfew times three weeks in a row. As he explained further, the issue was really about the fact that his wife felt their daughter
Hiring and Retaining Millennials in the Workforce: Podcast #50
Today I’m excited to share with you a conversation with JJ Hurley. JJ is the Founder and CEO of GDH Consulting, which he founded when he was just 26 years old. Here are some highlights from our conversation. Tim Elmore: Start us off by talking about the change you made in your hiring practices. What started you thinking, “Maybe we need
How Our Screens Diminish Our Empathy
Sadly, it may just be a sign of the times. A shocking video was recently taken by a group of teens as they watched a man struggle and drown in a local pond. The body of Jamel Dunn was not found for five days. Apparently, it was entertaining. So instead of taking action, some students are more prone to take videos. The
Five Shifts that Lead Kids from Apathy to Ambition
This month, I have spoken to thousands of teachers and parents, as schools kick off another year. One phrase I have heard as much as any other is: “I just wish we could get these students to be more ambitious.” Ironically, while so many faculty, staff, coaches and parents desire this outcome, we are often the culprits that prevent it from happening. What
New Survey: Millennials Learn More from Technology Than from People
In June of 2017, our organization, Growing Leaders, collaborated with Harris Poll to conduct a survey and discover the perspectives of various generations in the U.S. The survey looked at how different generations feel prepared for adult life; whether they had/have an adult mentor preparing them for adulthood; how overwhelmed they are by daily life and the role technology plays
How Generation X, Y, and Z Across the World See Leadership Differently
Today, there are more generations working together than at any point in modern history, primarily because people are living and working longer than in the past. Recently, “Universum” surveyed three generations of current and future employees to study their needs, views, and competencies relating to workplace leadership. They analyzed responses by generation, gender and nation. The survey scope and period included over
Four Gifts Every Student Needs From You This Year
I remember the story of a seven-year-old boy who loved parades. One Saturday he heard about a local parade that would march on the street just behind his house. In excitement, he scampered out to see the band, the majorettes, the clowns and the floats—but there was just one huge problem. His backyard had a tall fence around it, preventing
The One Thing That’s More Important Than Your Reputation
For years, educators, employers and parents have told our young adults to build their personal brand. Now that folks can do this on-line, it’s become the pursuit of millions of 20-something Millennials and teens from Generation Z. Every young person wants people to recognize and follow their “brand.” However, because our personal brand can be constructed through an inaccurate persona we
Are You in Charge of Your Kids or Are They in Charge of You?
Four months ago, our family bought a puppy. We named her Sadie, short for Mercedes. She is a Morkie, a hybrid of a Maltese and a Yorkshire terrier. At this point, she is the life of our family—very cute, cuddly, confident and full of energy. And right now, she’s the “alpha dog” of our family. I know, I know. It’s not supposed
Five Decisions Every Freshman Needs to Make
As a new school year launches, it dawned on me that first year students are about to enter an entirely new experience, and meet peers in a new environment for them. It’s decision time. During the first month of the fall semester, routines are established. It’s then that so many students default to making poor decisions, even stupid decisions, due to pressures
From Backpack to Briefcase: Practical Advice for Finding a Great Career
Today, I introduce you to Henry F. Anthony, a Chief Human Resource Executive who has spent a decade of his career enabling people to find their niche at work. I asked him to write a blog on what he would say to a recent graduate who’s launching their career and is looking for some wise counsel. I have spent my entire
EntreLeadership Podcast—Highlights From the New Marching Off the Map Book
I was privileged to be interviewed for the Dave Ramsey “EntreLeadership Podcast” last month. Host Ken Coleman and I discussed the big ideas in my newest book, Marching Off the Map. This is a book for any leader who cares deeply about the future—educators, employers, coaches, youth workers, and, of course, parents. It is a response to our research on the
One Act That Improves Kids’ Emotional Health
This year, both parents and educators can do something about their students’ wellbeing and future success. The suggestion may sound so simple, we can miss it. After surveys in a variety of countries, however, one act (on the part of an adult) can move the needle for our kids’ emotional health. Are you ready for this? “Spending time just talking,” the