The Barzel Group Blog
What’s Your Vocation?
A few summers ago, I listened to a podcast by author and teacher, Terry Wardle. The title was “What’s Your Vocation?”. As an Executive Coach, the title caught my attention enough to listen. In this 15 minute podcast, Wardle explained that most of the time, people answer the question “What’s your vocation” erroneously, citing what…
True Leadership Begins with Humility
Years ago, I read an article by Dr. Dwight A. Pryor, the Founder and President of the Center for Judaic-Christian Studies. In it, he compared two ancient locations: Herodium and Bethlehem. I’ve secured permission to reprint his article here. For leaders, it provides such a stark contrast that the lesson is clear: True leadership begins…
The Benefits of StratOp Planning
For the last few years, I’ve been working with companies and non-profit organizations on installing strategic and operating systems that lead to growth and effectiveness. I chose to become a facilitator of StratOp (which uses the Paterson StratOp Process) over other systems. I was recently asked, “Why StratOp over EOS®, Gazelles, CEO Advantage, etc.?” Great…
So You Want to Be a Leader?
The following is an ancient story that teaches us that leadership is not always what it seems. So, be careful what you wish for… There was once a king whose name was Dionysius. He was very rich, and he lived in a fine palace where there were many beautiful and costly things, and he was…
Be a “People Whisperer”
Several years ago, I learned about Monty Roberts who is more famously known as “The Horse Whisperer”. The following excerpt is his story… Monty Roberts spent his youth in the high prairies of the United States rounding up wild mustangs. He’d watch his abusive father tie the new horses to a post with a bridle…
Leadership and Laughter
A few months ago, I had the privilege of leading one of my client’s management teams through the StratOp strategic planning process. After the 2-day session, I received this email from one of the key leaders. It’s a fascinating insight on the correlation between engaged employees and laughter. Instead of writing about it, I secured…