Tag Archives: leadership

Four Stories of a Leader

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Al Watts

by Bill Gjetson (This month’s guest author is Bill Gjetson, who shares my belief that stories play an important role shaping a leader’s and organization’s identity.  After a 30 year career in Human Resources  with Caterpillar, Bill is now engaged … Continue reading →

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Recipe for Success in 2012

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Al Watts

We pulled out a time-honored family recipe over the holidays, and that got me thinking about what a recipe for success in 2012 might be.  I tried to follow the criteria for most good recipes: they should be relatively simple … Continue reading →

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My Left Hand

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Al Watts

This article is brought to you by my left hand (I’m right-handed) – courtesy of a torn rotator cuff and surgery a few weeks ago.  I am a firm believer that almost any hardship, unfamiliar situation or adventure offers lessons … Continue reading →

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How Penn State Fumbled

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Al Watts

It is sadly ironic that Penn State University and its leaders, concerned as they were about legacy, will perhaps best be known for their failures.  Over fifteen years, at least eight young boys were molested, some at Penn State’s athletic … Continue reading →

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Lines and Ropes

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Al Watts

“What’s the difference between a line and a rope?”  That is one of my favorite questions to ask new LOON crew members.  The answer is that a rope just sits there, with no purpose or use yet, like a pile … Continue reading →

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It’s The Journey, Not Just The Destination

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Al Watts

I just returned from ten days sailing Lake Superior.  After crossing from Bayfield to Grand Marais, our plan was to take three or four days circumnavigating Isle Royale, one of my favorite destinations.  Five miles outside of Grand Marais’ harbor … Continue reading →

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Authenticity and the Test of Time

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Al Watts

My wife and I recently had the pleasure of visiting our daughter Alison in China, where she has been living and working for eight months.  There is enough about that adventure to fill a few volumes – most of it … Continue reading →

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The Company We Keep

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Al Watts

Do you remember being warned as a kid about “hanging out with the wrong crowd,” and that if you did you were likely to get into trouble?  That was pretty good advice, and it still holds true.  These days I … Continue reading →

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