“If you can do what you do best and be happy, you’re further along in life than most people.” – Leonardo DiCaprio Sometimes when I talk to leaders, I get the impression that things like “happiness” and “purpose” and “unique abilities” are not part of their vocabulary. It’s as though doing your job as leader … Read more
“Failure is more frequently from want of energy than want of capital.” – Daniel Webster Energy, or lack thereof, has been an issue for leaders for as long as leaders have existed. I’m sure that, thousands of years ago, the head cave man was tired and run down and felt overwhelmed with all the responsibilities … Read more
“Not being able to do everything is no excuse for not doing everything you can.” – Ashleigh Brilliant No one in a leadership role ever says, “I really hope we can work hard to make this organization mediocre.” No one. We’re taught from an early age that we should want to be great, that we … Read more
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” – Stephen R. Covey When people talk about the qualities of great leaders, they might often talk about intelligence, passion, charisma, or any number of things. One quality that isn’t mentioned very often is that of being a … Read more
“When you succeed, don’t forget the responsibility of making someone else succeed with you.” – Antonia Novello Almost without exception, the opportunities we have in our careers come because of or through other people. Most doors that open are opened by someone other than ourselves. Yes, we still have to work hard, etc., but I … Read more
“People often claim to hunger for truth, but seldom like the taste when it’s served up.” – George R. R. Martin Last week in this space I mentioned all the noise that comes our direction and how it can be overwhelming. We are bombarded with information and opinions and facts and non-facts on a regular … Read more
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall I got into my vehicle the other day, and when I turned the key the radio came on blasting at an ear-splittingly high volume. It took me a few seconds (it seemed like … Read more
“Live with fewer things that have greater meaning.” – Dominique Browning One of the constant battles for leaders is how to spend our time doing things that really matter. We get pulled in so many different directions by so many different people and events that we often fail to address important things, strategic things, future-oriented … Read more
“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” – William B. Sprague I hear the phrase, “It’s just not the right time”, or some variation, a lot. I hear it a lot regardless of what’s going on in the world, but right now it’s maybe at an … Read more
“The key to life is resilience…We will always be knocked down. It’s the getting up that counts.” – Dominique Browning From the time we’re kids, people – parents, teachers, etc. – are always telling us be persistent, that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”, and a bunch of similar things that tend … Read more
Get to know our proven, forward-thinking accounting, planning and business consulting experts.
1008 Third Avenue Sheldon, Iowa 51201 • (712) 324-4614 & 5130 E. 57th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 • (605) 610-4611
© 2025 Cain Ellsworth & Company, LLP
Sheldon:
1008 Third Avenue Sheldon, Iowa 51201 • (712) 324-4614
Sioux Falls:
5130 E. 57th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 • (605) 610-4611
© 2017 Cain Ellsworth & Company, LLP
