Author: Don Yaeger

“Why not you?”—The Immeasurable Heart of Russell Wilson

Written on January 27, 2015.

“Why not you?” These simple words were spoken to Russell Wilson by his father, Harrison, and they would change his life. Years before his Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson was a high-school senior and multi-sport athlete, torn between a baseball career and football dreams. The Baltimore Orioles had drafted him straight out of high school with a guarantee of a million dollar contract. Deep down,...

New Year’s Resolutions Are Made to Be Broken… So Break the Mold!

Written on January 15, 2015.

If you’re anything like me, by now you’ve probably put off your New Year’s resolution at least once, haven’t you? Let’s face it. Resolutions often dissolve as quickly as they are developed. Research has shown that for many of us, nothing really changes after New Year’s Day. According to Forbes Magazine, only 8% of people actually keep their resolutions. This uncomfortable truth begs the question: Why do so many of...

Fighting is Winning: In Memory of Stuart Scott

Written on January 6, 2015.

ESPN commentator and journalist Stuart Scott was a true example of a life lived Greatly. He had a warrior’s spirit, epitomized class and courage, and had an unshakable will to live. On Sunday, January 4, the sports world was saddened with the news that Scott—one of the most recognizable and beloved sportscasters of our time— had lost his battle to cancer. It pained me deeply to know that one of my favorite individuals...

One Solitary Life

Written on December 23, 2014.

A couple of years ago, my family went to New York City for a week during the holidays. My favorite stop that year was Radio City Music Hall where the world famous Rockettes did their incredible thing. At the end of the show, a live nativity (complete with camels and sheep) formed on the stage as the announcer read the 1926 poem “One Solitary Life” by James Allan Francis. In a world of political correctness, I loved...

Five Ways Relationship Building Can Create Success

Written on December 18, 2014.

Editor’s Note: This week’s blog will be written by Lee Williams, a member of my writing team, on the importance of relationship-building within an organization. I hope you enjoy his insights! – Don Yaeger I asked Don for permission to write for his blog for this week because I wanted to share some thoughts about our team environment. This week, our company celebrated its annual Christmas party—a remarkable mixing...

Feedback is the Breakfast of Champions

Written on December 10, 2014.

A couple of weeks ago, I did a webinar on leadership for a company in the Midwest. After that event, we sent out a survey to those who participated. We wanted them to freely share their thoughts on the experience. My excitement was high at the thought of hearing their responses, but I was disappointed when a few of the respondents wrote some very strongly worded comments that were not particularly positive. The truth...

Which is More Important: Resiliency v. “Game Control?”

Written on December 3, 2014.

I love college football and a couple of years ago, when I learned that a decision had been made to implement a four-team playoff, I was overjoyed. As a fan, the move excited me because instead of relying on computers and polls, we’d have an actual committee to evaluate which teams had earned the right to battle for the national title…then let the championship be decided on the field. But as this season has progressed,...

Six Lessons I Learned at West Point

Written on November 18, 2014.

Last month, I had the opportunity of a lifetime that was easily among the most incredible two days in my career as a speaker. I was invited as a guest presenter at West Point, arguably the Greatest leadership academy in the world, to speak about leadership with the cadets–all of whom will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army and one day lead men and women in the protection of our country....

Wounded Warrior Project: Repaying the Sacrifice

Written on November 11, 2014.

Editor’s Note: In a salute to Veterans Day, I wanted to share with you a story that ran in SUCCESS Magazine this month about an organization that’s taking a bold, businesslike approach to its important mission. By Don Yaeger Steven Nardizzi thought he was prepared. But really, how could he have been? A lifelong passion for serving veterans had led Nardizzi and a number of colleagues to start a small support organization...