Leadership Articles

Insights, tips and more from David & the world's top leaders.

Is it time to fire that person?

Three questions you can ask to get clear on one of the toughest decisions a leader can face. Early on in my career, I had to let somebody go. This person wasn’t a good fit, and everybody on the team knew it. In the conversation, I remember saying, “I know how you must feel.” She […]

How can you develop your team AND retain them at your company? Try these five tips.

Here’s how to be a supportive leader who keeps top talent but doesn’t hold on too tight. It’s one of the toughest balancing acts any leader faces: You know it’s your job to develop the people on your team so they can take on new opportunities and grow. But as team members become more and […]

Can I Learn to Think More Like an Entrepreneur? Yes, and Here’s How!

Four ways any leader can unlock more creativity and be more successful. Can you imagine what the world would be like without entrepreneurs? I can’t say for certain, but I think we might all still be sitting in a cave somewhere hitting stuff with rocks. Fortunately, history is full of people with that entrepreneurial spirit. […]

Why do I struggle with delegation?

Discover six common ways leaders sabotage their team’s productivity – and what to do instead. Delegation is a key skill for any leader. Whether you’re a solopreneur, CEO, corporate manager, or small business owner, you have to be able to transfer ownership of a task to someone else. Why is good delegation so important? Well, […]

How can I get better at receiving criticism?

A five-step process to help you turn negative feedback into a powerful fuel for creativity and growth. “I love being criticized!” Said no one ever. Nobody enjoys hearing negative feedback. But I’ve been thinking about criticism a lot ever since I talked with ESPN broadcaster Jay Bilas on my podcast, How Leaders Lead. Now, this […]

How can I inspire people to tackle a challenge?

A six-step process to lead your team on a big mission Recently, I got to talk with world-renowned cardiologist Holly Andersen. February is American Heart Month, and Holly joined me on the podcast to share more about the movement she started, Hands Only CPR. This was just a couple of weeks after Buffalo Bills safety […]

How can my team serve customers better?

Four practical ways to build a customers-first culture. Well, I hit a major career milestone last week. I got to interview my first gang member! Yes, believe it or not, Bernie Marcus joined me as a guest on How Leaders Lead this month. He is the 93-year-old iconic co-founder of The Home Depot. And before […]

How can I level up my leadership game over the summer? Read a book!

Here are five top-rated business books from leaders I know and admire – find the perfect one to help you grow as a leader! You’ve probably heard that famous line from Harry S. Truman: “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” There’s a good reason that quote is so popular: it’s true! […]

How can I prioritize my employees’ well-being?

Four key takeaways every leader needs to understand about mental health and the workplace It’s hard to believe, but this month marks three years since the COVID-19 pandemic began. As we continue to navigate the pandemic and its aftermath, one key issue has emerged as a top priority for leaders: the mental health of our […]