Because we are so busy with our own agenda and tasks, it’s easy to overlook the needs of those around us. As I watched this beautiful Russian video, I was reminded again of the need to be alert to the needs of others, stop what I am doing, and lend a helping hand. The truth is, we are all in this together.

Most of the people I have led through the years were totally committed, hard-working, and exceptionally bright. But that’s not how they usually saw themselves.

Maybe this is because of our educational system with its relentless focus on where students are weak or missing the mark. Or maybe it is the mass media with the emphasis on superstar athletes, actors, and musicians.

What if our job as leaders was, in part, to help our people see themselves for who they truly are. This starts by noticing and affirming their strengths, talents, and positive performance.

They’re better than they think. Our job is to help them see that and tap into it.

Question: What would changing their view of themselves make possible? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

In today’s crazy world, productivity is a never-ending challenge. How do we become more efficient at working, and spend less time working overall?

In this short video, Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown share some interesting tidbits about productivity from the world of science.

The key to casting a compelling vision is to help people see what you see, by being concrete. This video by Corning envisions a future where technology is built on glass. Don’t believe that’s possible? This short video just might change your mind.

Question: What can you apply from this video for making your vision more concrete—and compelling? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

The first section in my book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World, is called “Start with Wow.” I am always looking for examples I can use in my writing and speaking. Last week, I stumbled on this awesome ad about the Dodge Dart. I don’t know anything about the car itself, but the ad is certainly wow.

If you are not charting new territory, you don’t need a leader; a manager will do. But if you are charting new territory—something that has never been done before—then you need a leader. George Carlin calls this Vuja De.

Great artists make their art look easy. But don’t kid yourself. Great art takes work.

In this short video, Jerry Seinfeld explains how it took him two years to write “The Pop Tart Joke.”

All kidding aside, may you and yours experience the joy and peace of Christmas!

Ever since I read Getting Things Done by David Allen, I have been a fan and practitioner of his task management philosophy. However, I occasionally need a refresher. This 20-minute video provides just the ticket. (Thanks to Erik J. Fischer for recommending it.)

In this backstage interview at the Chick-fil-A Leadercast 2012, I asked Marcus Buckingham about authenticity and its role in leadership. We discussed how this builds trust and why our choices are so important. I also asked him about his newest book, Stand Out: Find Your Edge, Win at Work, and how our strengths help us make better, more authentic choices.

This would be another great interview to watch with your team, take notes, and then discuss.

In this backstage interview at the Chick-fil-A Leadercast 2012, I asked Andy Stanley about making better choices in the context of uncertainty. I asked him about how he personally does this and what he has learned over the years. We also discussed his new book, Deep and Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend.

This would be another great interview to watch with your team, take notes, and then discuss.