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…
Are you experiencing leadership drift? I wrote about this in my last post. As the word implies, “drift” is a loss of direction or purposefulness. I often encounter this in my work as a coach. Of course, any pattern of behavior that reduces leaders’ impact or influence is cause for concern. Leaders who have forgotten…
Business is an active, demanding endeavor. Only those who consistently apply themselves succeed. Organizations that thrive require leaders who actively dream, plan, engage, solve, pursue and network. It’s a lot of work, and there is no finish line. But no one can keep up the pace indefinitely. Every leader experiences profound peaks and valleys, seasons…
Are you working for a perfectionistic leader? Here’s a tip: submissiveness is not the answer. And as much as you’d like to, resist the urge to express resentment, defiance or disrespect. Rebelliousness goads perfectionists into reacting, worsening your relationship and causing irreparable damage. Instead, demonstrate your commitment to excellence by telling your boss that you,…
Perfectionism’s negative tendencies outweigh the positives when taken to extremes. As a coach, I see first-hand how working for a perfectionistic leader can be unbearable when they: Are generally inflexible and loath to entertain other ideas Become self-righteous when they’ve determined their analysis is thorough and needs no improvement Hover over employees, attempting to ensure…
Leaders who strive for excellence can lay strong foundations for their organizations. They: Aim for the highest standards, through ethical conduct and honorable motives Are dedicated to the organization’s mission, with support and intentionality Exude reliability, honesty, integrity, diligence and perseverance Honor organizational policies, rules and practices with the structure they provide Are detail-oriented, with…
As a leader, how do you pursue excellence? How do you differentiate between excellence and perfection? Does it matter? Perfectionistic leaders develop the skills to blend reason, logic, emotion and insight. They rely on these tools to affirm their sense of purpose—a strategy that helps them solve and avoid problems, while providing them motivation…
Since all leaders mold their culture one way or another, a grateful leader influences their people in ways that demonstrate the benefits of thankfulness. People see the difference and they like it, wanting more of it. Work life becomes more enjoyable and rewarding. Leading by example is the most powerful means to prompt a better…
No question, gratitude is a perspective that forms your mindset and world view. These act as valuable foundations for a positive, value-based life, both corporately and personally. This benefits the people around you as well. But how can you grow this trait within you? How can the seeds of gratitude get planted in your mind?…
Many people agree that our culture is growing more impatient, selfish, disrespectful and ungrateful. Those who haven’t noticed are likely not bothered, and may be contributing to these disturbing tendencies. Not exactly glowing statements on our day and age. I see these attitudes and behaviors also visible in every corner of the working world, as…