“We have heard stories all of our lives which inform the way we think and feel about ourselves and others. ‘Big girls don’t cry.’ ‘Real men don’t cry.’ ‘Look how you made me feel.’ All of these comments and sentiments likely harken back to a moment in your life. The incident, the relationship, the emotional drama which surrounded the very moment are as fresh as if it happened yesterday. Leaders must be aware not only of their own stories, but of the stories of anyone on their team which influence the attitude of daily behavior.” J Loren Norris

“There are team mates who have an agenda other than the success of the team. These people often has strong skills, great talent, admirable results and an ego larger than life. These peoples also have one potential devastating reaction to their jealousy of playing a supporting role to your success: they would rather sink the ship than serve in any role other than ‘Captain’.” J Loren Norris

“Focus, proper light on the subject, good perspective are issues of practice and action equally important to photographers and leaders. Too close to the subject means focusing clearly will be near impossible. The wrong angle, the wrong distance, the wrong light and the wrong focus on the subject will lead to failure for both leaders and photographers.” J Loren Norris 

“Every leader who influences others must understand the limit to their influence. Sometimes its based on character flaws of the leader. Sometimes its the limited knowledge of the leader. Sometimes its the existing influences of longer held and valued relationships. What causes those you lead to gather together? Is it just work? Is it family? Is it another common interest? Don’t speak out of turn just because you are the ‘leader’ of certain circles, it could end your right to influence.” J Loren Norris

“The line has been blurred by nefarious means between fact and opinion. Many people who have studied the arts of conversation and persuasion have taken up the mantel of convincing those they influence to accept their opinions as facts. This is a dangerous form of control which has been employed for centuries of humans history and continues today. The difference today is the magnified effect through mass communication devices and technology. Note: we argue facts with evidence, we argue opinion with dissent.” J Loren Norris

“Leaders should be prompt to admit their errors and wrong answers. Leaders should be committed to the truth. Leaders should be extremely reluctant to speak, do, demonstrate anything they know to be inaccurate or untrue simply for their own gain of power and influence. People who lie well are not people who lead well.” J Loren Norris

“Nothing happening today in cultures, companies, and classrooms is a surprise if you know how to read the signs. “The philosophy of the classroom in this generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.” Abraham Lincoln The ideas which have been brooding in the kindergarten and colleges around the world have become the ideas of those who govern us. Leaders who cherish a nation which offers the greatest diversity, opportunity, equality and freedom in human history should speak up about true history.” J Loren Norris

“Whether a leader is the first voice to speak or the last voice of hope, it should be in the compassionate heart of the leader to listen up and speak up. Too many people are looking to self harm or even self destructive behavior because of stress, anxiety and self image who could have been helped if a leader (any person of influence in their life) had spoken a kind word. Learn to listen to the diverse languages of pain and fear, then speak the language of hope - that’s what your influence is for!” J Loren Norris

“Unless leaders learn to read people as frequently, accurately and consistently as they might read their favorite magazine or news paper they will fail to connect with those they lead. Communication is the most significant aspect of leadership because it is essential to influencing others. A leader who cannot communicate the way those they lead receive it best will find it hard to lead diverse groups.” J Loren Norris

“Being in charge is not equivalent to being right. Having the power, position and titles do not change the facts, the truth or history. Leaders need to be willing to listen to others’ input, evaluate the new ideas or data objectively, admit when they are wrong, and apply or execute the new ideas with fervor as if they were is their own without taking all the credit.” J Loren Norris ​

​“Leaders discover early in their journey, you cannot always trust the words of those you serve or those you lead. There are even times when their very actions are designed to disguise the real intent, plan, or long term agenda. Leaders must learn to read the intent and deeper relationship aspects of those around them to decipher the infinite game and remain on the winning side.” J Loren Norris

“Leaders are very aware of the value of information. Business leaders, military leaders, government leaders, elected officials and even candidates for office all invest large sums of money for the most current information. They buy data bases, pay for data mining, hire people to parse consumer buying habits and more. What is your source of information? Who are you paying attention too?” J Loren Norris

“Leaders know you can choose to pay today and play tomorrow or play today and pay tomorrow, but either way you’re gonna pay. Freedom is not free. Someone had to pay for it even if it wasn’t you. When you get something for free, you might be paying for it with your freedom. Bribes of free stuff are common tools of tyrants.” J Loren Norris

“If you are a leader who is not aware of politics in your team, you are blind or delusional. Politics exist everywhere humans interact. The real question is, have you learned to separate politics from real issues? Do you as a leader know what the antidote is to political maneuvering and manipulation? Do you know how to lead free of the influence of unwanted politics? Watch the video.” J Loren Norris

“Nothing is harder for a leader than outgrowing their friends and family on their journey to success. Good leaders know that it is inevitable. As the saying goes, ‘The thinking that got you here will not get you there.’ It is true of friends in many cases. The circle that got you to your current level of success may not be wise affiliates at the next level. Be ready for tough conversations and necessary endings as you move on to success.” J Loren Norris