Adam Kirk Smith

“You can impress people from a distance, but you can impact them only up close.” – Howard Hendricks, notable author and a seminary professor who trained thousands of pastors.

I reflect on things I’ve learned from my grandfathers, my dad, my mother, multiple mentors over the years, peers and even “enemies” and competitors – the majority were not through formal teaching or words but inferred by example. I don’t even have words, for example, to describe how my grandfather would swell in height and presence when he had to face off in a tense situation, or how quickly he would soften when my grandmother would ask him for help.

Paraphrasing ancient wisdom, “Always lead by example, and use words when necessary.”   [Read more…] about How Close Should You Be with Your Direct Reports?