”Its impossible to lead people you cannot influence and its hard to influence people you have no relationship with. If you want to know what’s harder than that, try having and influential relationship with people you don’t like and as such they don’t like you either. Its not complicated. If leadership is in your plan, likability is a prerequisite. As the old adage says, If you want to have friends, be a friend. If you don’t like people, don’t lead people.” J Loren Norris

“Many people are looking for answers to the most challenging questions of today’s ever evolving societal landscape. They look to media, academia, motivational speakers and clergy for better explanations, deeper understanding and next steps to face the myriad changes. Sadly, too many of these leaders and influencers have become communicators with an agenda rather than advisers with your best interest at heart.” J Loren Norris

“Some people play with words because they want to be funny, some people play with words out of ignorance, some people play with words for the purpose of manipulation. Learning to be a better, more intentional, more specific communicator should be the priority of every leader. Attend StoryPowerMasterClass and learn how to do all of the above.at a higher level.” J Loren Norris

“What you believe, who you associate with and the right to make your own decisions are all foundational pillars of leadership. If leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less, then telling others what to believe, who to spend time with and what decisions to make is not leadership but tyranny. Leaders must guard these elements of society and culture as well as reinforcing them as daily priorities.” J Loren Norris

“A strategy is required for leaders who do not want to live in the malaise of the drama so common in life. Circumstances are not always what we wish they were. We cannot control every situation, choose every relationship, direct every consequence… or can we? If we have asked the toughest question (watch the video) and wrestled with that question until we have the answer, then we will lead with a strategy which mitigates the drama and the distraction it brings.” J Loren Norris 

“Correction is the least favorite part of any training or learning process. Many times the  mistakes we make draw attention to the things we’re trying to hide or ignore. Leadership lessons don’t always show up in a class, or even whilst we are performing as a leader. Sometimes the best lessons we could possibly learn happen in the least likely relationship, environment or situations. Learn the lesson anyway.” J Loren Norris

”The idea of handing decision making power to someone whose greatest accomplishment thus far in life is the highest score on Minecraft seems downright laughable. Sadly, we are grooming a generation of young new leaders who have spent their time in virtual reality, making virtual decisions, coping with virtual consequences. Many simply are not prepared to deal with the permanence and pain of real consequences in a real world.” J Loren Norris

“Taking from one group of people to give to another group of people is called redistribution of wealth. Giving to people who are in need of assistance in a time of crisis is called compassion. Using the redistributed wealth of others to incentivize unproductive and societally destructive behavior is maleficent manipulation at best and outright corruption at worst.“ J Loren Norris

“At various levels of success in leadership, adversity is inevitable. There is no level of achievement which absolves one of trouble or challenges. The real question for leaders is this: will you cower in depression and hide from trouble, rise up in courage and demonstrate hope or honestly admit the real possibility you are the cause of the adversity? Awareness, integrity and perseverance will make the difference in your answer. If you are unsure how to handle such instances, get a coach.” J Loren Norris

“It is critical in this employee economy for a leader or manager to maintain their leadership role while acknowledging the humanity and reality of the lives of their team. Yes, you have to be in charge, attentive to the bottom line, KPIs, budget and remain focused on productivity. You must also realize how the world has been transformed over the past 24 months. If you cannot lead with empathy, you may find yourself with no one to lead.” J Loren Norris

​”Vision, courage and action are three pillars of change every leader must have. Missing any one of these elements will mean change, true change, lasting change will be delayed or nonexistent.” J Loren Norris

​“The story you choose to tell (story selection) is as important as the story itself (story content) and more important than your storytelling prowess. Confused? Most people are. Many leaders believe their life experience story is the one the world needs to hear to find success. There are many reasons why that assumption in incorrect. Watch the video to see an example of why this is true. Participants in StoryPower Masterclass learn to spot the differences and apply them. Leaders who pursue excellence in communication need to consider investing in this course.” J Loren Norris

“Determining when, where and with whom you invest, waste or spend your time is a major and critical leadership decision. Too many leaders make themselves accessible to people who suck up time, divert attention and drain emotional strength with unnecessary drama. Being a wise steward of access and availability will open and close the proper doors of opportunity and direct a leaders future well.” J Loren Norris

“People who wrestle for power and control know that a divided enemy is much easier to overcome. The tactic of inspiring and creating divisions is not hard work but it is crucial work for conquering. Anytime a leader sees disagreement among team members they should be asking the questions: ‘Is this division caused by irreconcilable differences, misunderstandings or core values? Is this conflict a result of personality alone? Can common ground be achieved? WILL RESOLUTION MAKE THE TEAM BETTER OR BITTER?’ Then decide if they should find a new circle or fight to keep the one they have.” J Loren Norris

“Any good leader will acknowledge, its hard to lead people where you are not willing to go. Its hard to inspire, motivate, coerce people to do what you are not willing to do. One of the hardest things a leader must do is PERSONAL GROWTH…

​“The ideas surrounding transfer of power usually sound like revolt, revolution or conflict. That is not necessarily the case. Leaders know power is often transferred through complacency, apathy and ignorance. No matter the method, once power is transferred, control is lost and the reigns of decision making are surrendered autonomy almost never returns without struggle. If you wish to maintain the liberty of individuality and influence you may have to raise your voice and put your foot down at some point.” J Loren Norris

​“If you have ever been falsely accused, you know the pain, expense and frustration it brings. You also likely know, the accusation need not be true to draw the same attention and do the same damage to your reputation as an actual failure on your part. Every leader must strive to be a person of impeccable integrity as well as diligent in the selection of their inner circle.” J Loren Norris

​“Whoever controls the framing of the image, the issue or the argument controls the perspective. Right, wrong or otherwise, proper framing can convince the observer of a truth which is not true. A sound bite, edited video clip, manipulated focus or zoom can all be tools for controlling the narrative or meaning of an incident. Leaders are aware of all the context, all the circumstances and the big picture. Leaders know context matters.” J Loren Norris