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.
Stop Chasing Work-Life Balance
For years, I chased work-life balance. I also spent a lot of time frustrated that I couldn't seem to find it.
The picture made sense in my head: work on one side, life on the other, and somehow keep both sides of the scale perfectly level.
Then I tried to actually live that way.
Eventually, I realized I was working with the wrong picture.
When Everything Is a Priority, Nothing Is
I've asked leaders to look at a list containing 20 goals, projects, responsibilities, and commitments. Usually, the challenge isn't that any one item is unimportant. The problem is that all 20 supposedly are.
The Scholarship Wasn't Earned Today
We tend to notice the promotion, the successful presentation, the big client win, or the team that suddenly seems to be performing at another level. We see the leader confidently navigating a difficult conversation and assume confidence simply showed up. What we don't see are all the repetitions that came first.
The Leadership Blind Spot
I was facilitating a leadership workshop when our conversation turned to feedback. One participant said something remarkably honest: “I take it personally.”