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…
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…
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…
The traditional definition of vulnerability is to be capable of, or susceptible to being wounded or hurt; being open to moral attack, criticism, temptation, etc. Most people in business understand these definitions and avoid vulnerability at all costs. Nowhere does this have more impact than in leadership circles. However, recent research in leadership has exposed…
People who understand the complexities of the human spirit recognize that respect is the glue that holds relationships together. Mutual respect between two people promotes the affirmation and appreciation people need to work well together, accomplish things and feel fulfilled. An organization of fulfilled people is an organization positioned to reach its full potential. The…
As a coach, it’s easy to spot the signs of a disrespectful culture. A work environment where leaders disrespect their people has both obvious and subtle indicators. Generally, the disrespectful traits of the leader migrate down the line to the employees, since the culture is reflective of the leader. When disrespectful traits are widespread, the…
Are you giving your employees the respect they need? I think we can all agree: today’s work environment is tough enough without having to deal with disrespect or incivility. Harvard Business Review research reveals that over 50% of people don’t feel respected by their leaders. Many employees find that disrespect is indicative of their work…
Great leaders recognize that success relies on strong communication skills. I’ve been writing about this in recent posts. As a coach, I often see how a lack of communication causes multiple obstructions, debilitations and failures. Leaders must therefore master three essential skills to avoid these disconnects: Communicating deliberately Communicating interpersonally Communicating by adding value Transferring…
Employees crave more than basic information; they want to feel valued enough to receive it. They respond optimally when they know their leaders appreciate their engagement, involvement and commitment. When leaders communicate interpersonally, workers feel cared for and connectedness increases. Practice considerate communication by attempting to understand others’ perspectives. Use honoring and appreciative language, and…
As a leader, are you communicating deliberately? Giving your people the information they need to complete their tasks and contribute to your organization requires thoughtful and appropriate communication. Assuming that people are getting the information they need—or can figure things out for themselves—yields unpleasant surprises. Information left unmanaged does irreparable harm. Misunderstandings, confusion, misrepresentation and…