what are the traits of a visionary leader? A visionary is a leader who works with imagination and insight. They are risk-takers and challenge-makers, people who can dream and anticipate the future. Though people see me as a visionary leader, I would like to believe that my vision comes from within my belief system of taking challenge... Read More »

I was assigned to the position of Principal at Eugene Field Elementary in August, 2003. I had been, I thought, a successful principal at Park Elementary for seven years prior. I knew it would be a challenge, but I had no idea what I was in for when I walked through the dark halls of an 83-year-old school building. Tulsa Public Schools... Read More »

Creating climates whereby individuals assume ownership of their actions, tasks, and the reputation of an organization, comes down a simple sequence of inter-linked actions. In working with profit and not-for-profit sector organizations over the past decade, a clear model has risen that differentiates the winners from the losers. Winning... Read More »

What does it mean to be a servant leader? In Jim Collins’ best-selling book, Good to Great, he defines the term “Level 5” as the highest level in a hierarchy of executive capabilities identified by his research team. They discovered that Level 5 leaders “are ambitious to be sure, but ambitious first and foremost for the company,... Read More »

Business has changed and is accelerating at warp speed. Many are feeling fearful and are “freezing up.” The economy is down, and some are retreating. But recessions are the thing of which dreams are made! Now is a GREAT time to launch a new business, break into new markets and take market share. History reminds us that business... Read More »

Every day there is an opportunity to walk in love. Circumstances and situations arise that create pressure to respond in anger, bitterness, revenge, or retaliation. You may not be able to control all that happens to you, but you can control your response to what happens. It says in the Bible that love is of God (1 John 4:7). Real... Read More »

It is a good time to be chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. I was promoted just over a year ago, and although this year has indeed been a learning experience, our agency continues to make great strides in providing public safety for the citizens of Oklahoma. To ensure continued success, no matter what your level of proficiency... Read More »

The key to having a rewarding business is having one that speaks to your inner strengths, increases your passion, and engages your heart. So often, we hear people tell us to “keep your eyes on the prize.” However, in business that’s not the best plan—in fact, it can derail you in your entrepreneurial pursuit. The prize... Read More »

There is a little bit of stress in my life. If you didn’t know, I am currently campaigning to be Oklahoma’s next U.S. Senator. So, naturally, there is a little bit of stress in my life. Around my campaign office, employees and volunteers work long hours. They type frantically on their computers, answer phone calls by the dozen... Read More »

When it comes to leadership today, look no farther than the commitment and courage of the men and women who serve in our nation’s military. Through my position as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I travel around the world to get an up-close look at how our military operates and to make sure they get the resources... Read More »