Employees generally agree that leaders with a passion for excellence, quality and accomplishment benefit their organizations. These qualities place leaders at the top of their fields. No one faults managers who give their all and make sacrifices, but too much of a good thing can also pose problems. Perfectionistic leaders may be as damaging as…
Businesses face challenges from numerous angles, and leaders are tasked with understanding and addressing them. Many resources and case studies have helped leaders learn how to deal with things like competitive analysis, gaining market share, employee engagement, cost reduction, and manufacturing efficiencies. But a hidden challenge has made itself more prominent in recent years, and…
Implementing change is a significant aspect of leading organizations, especially when introducing a new vision. As I’ve been writing in recent posts, your behavior is key to success. Authenticity is critical. As change is announced and implemented, people want the straight story—the truthful picture of what’s happening. If the leader has a secret agenda, hidden…
Successful change agents know that many people resist or distrust change, and they need encouragement through the process. As I wrote in my last post, communication is critical. People also need an extra measure of positivity and support. This calls for the leader to have an optimistic outlook and view change as a opportunity, as…
A well-known paradox states that the only thing that remains the same is change. Most leaders agree. Businesses are, and always have been, subjected to the influences of technology, economies, politics, competition and the culture. Change is unavoidable. The most successful companies are led by people who recognize the need for change and manage it…
All humans want to feel safe. They need to feel they belong, are cared for and valued at work. Leaders who provide purpose and a trusting environment are in the best position to offer a sense of safety. People feel safe when they can trust their relationships without concerns over politics, personalities and resentments. They…
A strong culture depends on an environment of trust, where people can count on each other, take risks together and benefit from the resulting successes. Leaders who inspire authenticity entice people to step out of their comfort zones and enjoy the spirit of cooperation. Leaders enhance trust when they’re transparent and humble. Display humility by…
What is your organization’s true purpose? Do you post your purpose? Without a fundamental purpose, organizations cannot steer efforts in any general direction. Employees need a reason to serve, shared goals, a common cause and focus. They to know what their organization stands for so they can embrace its stance. This is the foundation of…
As a leader, do you have the essential skill sets to build and maintain a strong culture? Every company, without exception, has a culture. It determines how people act or work, what they believe or stand for and how they respond to pressures and challenges. I wrote about this in my last post. Building and…
Are you building a strong culture? Some companies prosper and draw the business world’s attention. They continuously grow, innovate and impress. In contrast, others struggle, never breaking through to reach their desired success. The latter must deal with downsizing, financial shortfalls, market-share losses and tarnished reputations. The disparities are glaring. While leaders of prosperous companies…
What steps do you take in conquering drift? When this topic comes up with my coaching clients, we discuss the importance of an honest evaluation. You see, drifting leaders rarely have an accurate picture of what’s happening to (or inside) them, so the highest priority is a proper assessment by a trusted colleague, mentor or,…