You may not wonder if your software is robust but you notice when it isn’t. Programmers know that robust software is, among other things, simple and transparent. That means they can understand and address the underlying code. You know you have robust software when it works consistently and crashes rarely. If you’re like most, you aren’t concerned with the underlying code until it doesn’t work.

Leaders need to be robust. It is easy to do well when circumstances are favorable, but in these challenging times a leader’s robustness is tested. He or she needs to consider their code–their mental models, values and behaviors–to perform consistently and avoid crashing.

On February 23 I’ll be doing a one hour webinar called The 3R’s of Robust Leadership. For more information and to register go here. I’ll talk about three simple and transparent strategies you can use to lead well despite the challenges you and your organization face.

One of the topics I’ll cover is about how you can change your business or life by changing the questions you ask. The webinar description says I’ll cover 10 mental model changing questions, but I’ve decided to include two extra “bonus questions.”

Here’s an example: most leaders ask, “Are we making our numbers?” or “Are we achieving our goals?” While those are important questions (they create accountability and measure progress or regress) they tend to not only ignore but undermine a more important question which is “Are we pursuing our potential?” Unfortunately the security of an achieved goal can prevent us from pushing to discover what we are truly capable of doing.

Before I open the webinar to an interactive question and answer session, I’ll discuss six things you can do to maintain and increase your mental and physical energy. Not all of the concepts will be new but the application I suggest will be different and make it easier to benefit from the things you know you should do but often don’t.

If your motivation is ebbing and you find it hard to stay motivated yourself much less motivate others, join me on February 23 for a mental rejuvenation.

My friend Jayson Teagle graduated from Elon University and went to work at Giant Impact, a strategic partner of mine. As we’ve worked together, I’ve gotten to know and appreciate Jayson over the past couple of years. He is a dedicated student of leadership (“I can’t sleep at night because I’m so fascinated by the variables that make a great leader.”) He has a broad bandwidth. He reads voraciously, listens to and interviews many leaders and has presented seminars for Equip internationally.

After a really great dinner conversation recently, I decided to ask Jayson for his “biggest insights” about leadership. He took several days before he thoughtfully responded by email. I’ll share, in part, what he shared:

“There is a direct correlation between the success of leaders and their ability to manage their hearts.”

“The next-generation leader who does something significant will be categorized by one word: simple. We are consumed by massive amounts of inputs. The more inputs, the less outputs.”

“The next-generation leader’s biggest obstacle will be his or her own selfishness.”  (I told Jayson that is true for all leaders.)

“Environment dictates behavior.” (I’m of the mind that perhaps “dictate” is a big extreme and that environment enhances or detracts behavior.)

“I am innately drawn to leaders who have an overwhelming sense of humility. It is contagious. I won’t follow anyone with a hint of an ego.”

Jayson and I share a God-centric worldview, so I’ll conclude with two comments specific to that:

“There will never be a major movement of leadership for global good unless God is involved.”

“The biggest thing bothering me today is how Christian leaders in business pray for clients, revenue, business growth but not the presence of God. It is arrogant to think that OUR businesses are so God-honoring that He will bless them.” Amen.

I appreciate Jayson for his candid insights and have learned from him.

Here’s an idea: ask a next generation leader what they’ve learned. It will benefit you both.