THE LEADERSHIP BLOG
Reflections on Leadership, Clarity, and Growth
Derek’s blog is where he shares reflections on leadership as it is lived: practical insights, real moments, and ideas leaders can return to when they need perspective. Many ideas shared here connect directly to Derek’s books, speaking topics, workshops, and the Lead on 3 framework. Readers often use these reflections as a place to pause, reset, and refocus.
Be More Interruptible
I've had moments when Ellie or Mia interrupted me while I was working and, even if I didn't say anything, my body language probably communicated exactly what I was thinking: Can't you see I'm busy? Most leaders know that feeling. You're focused, moving fast, and finally getting something done when someone appears.
You Can't Train From a Distance
Imagine a basketball coach trying to develop players without ever watching them play. No practices. No games. No film. No conversations about what happened. Just occasional instructions from a distance followed by an expectation that everyone should improve. It would be ridiculous in sports, yet leaders sometimes try to develop employees in a surprisingly similar way.
When Helping Becomes the Problem
A leader once described a problem to me that I hear in different forms all the time. “I keep being asked to help. And the problem is...I always do.” At first, that doesn't sound like much of a leadership problem. Helping people is good. Being responsive is good. Supporting your team is part of the job. The problem is when helping quietly becomes rescuing.