Respect. Straight talk. Results.

David Porter Advisors

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Performance Excellence

Knowing where to tap

Knowing where to tap

Once upon a time, a ship’s captain found himself stuck in port due to a broken boiler. He asked around the shipyard for someone who could fix the problem. He was given a name and summoned the repairman who showed up in the form of a 10-year old boy

Demonstrating straight talk leadership

One of my most valued and valuable principles is the belief that straight-talk leadership paves the way to excellence. This video explains in more detail: Straight Talk Leadership

Skip Intro: Efficiency is not Effectiveness

I noticed the Skip Intro button for the first time this week while watching Netflix’s Stranger Things 2. After the first scene of the show, the opening credits roll, and the button appears. I pressed it and continued the episode. I thought about how often leaders choose to press

A battle plan against exhaustion

A battle plan against exhaustion

Some owners and leaders are waking up exhausted today. They spend a few extra minutes in the shower, stare into the mirror with tired eyes, and drink an extra cup of coffee. Once outside, they stare at the wall with both hands on the wheel before starting the car. They

What are you getting up in the morning to be?

What are you getting up in the morning to be?

What are you getting up in the morning to be? Do you wake up to make a difference or focus on three more days until Saturday? Will you take an extra moment to thank someone for their contribution or assume that their manager already did? Will you say hello in

How can leaders handle internal disputes?

How can leaders handle internal disputes?

Leaders are sometimes called upon to intervene in a dispute between direct reports or peers. This situation can be handled adeptly with some thought, practice, and courage. We can easily mishandle things in the absence of each. A Case Study A CEO wrestles with a sales shortfall in the second

How we demonstrate courageous leadership

How we demonstrate courageous leadership

I recently wrote about some fears that leaders face. As part of my practice, I work with people to define mission-critical activities and develop courageous leadership habits. This post focuses on demonstrating courageous leadership. First, let’s get past the notion that courageous leadership is fearless. Fears are a useful