Passing the buck is the flavor of the day. The news cycle is filled with stories of powerful people blaming subordinates who somehow “let them down,” “did not measure up,” or were “disloyal and incompetent.” Leaders throw their team members under the bus as a show of strength, when doing so actually demonstrates quite the [...]
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” — Albert Schweitzer, theologian, doctor, humanitarian, and more At any dog park, there’s normally an eclectic mix of dogs. There might be hyperactive puppies, calm older dogs, playful golden retrievers, expressive beagles, and intense bulldogs. If you observe for a while, [...]
We interact with hierarchies in nearly every aspect of our daily lives. The grocery store has a manager. The schools our children attend have principals. Companies have CEOs. Humans use hierarchy, and leadership structures, as a tool to impose order, delineate authority and provide a recognizable structure with which others may easily interact. The Delineation [...]
“Have We Determined Our Norms and Values?” While the question posed by the title of this section might appear so simple that only an affirmative answer would apply, the truth is often more complex. The urgency of the immediate and the need to address momentary pressures frequently take precedence over aligning efforts and values. Companies [...]
While some individuals might have the talent, skills, and persistence to perform exceptionally well, often it’s the work of their team that helps bring outstanding results. Think of the quarterback, lead singer, headline performer, top salesperson, or any individual able to operate within a given system to great personal advantage. Often these people receive repeated [...]
Leading is a tough job! In addition to all your other responsibilities, you must build, nurture, and grow a culture. The culture in a business, department, or organization has the power to not only support the mission but also provide a working environment where team members can grow and succeed. If you ask your team [...]
When a new leader takes over a team that lacks direction and focus, there are a few early steps that pave the way toward success. The most important of these are protocols around: Verbal communication In-person interactions Internal and external electronic communication Respect for time commitments Standards for professional behavior Expectations in regards to client [...]
It’s all too common, upon starting out, for new leaders to find themselves facing an overwhelming multitude of tasks and responsibilities. They’re forced to focus their energies on short-term survival, with less resources available for the relational, systemic, and growth aspects of their roles. More Than Putting Out Fires When this happens, spending time in [...]
It’s not rare for leaders to arrive in new roles and find themselves facing entrenched resistance. This can include resistance to change, new leadership, corporate initiatives, and any number of adjustments which, to most, would seem trivial. While some resistance to change can be inherent, entrenched resistance is learned and perpetuated. It happens when team [...]
When leaders set a course for change, the new direction often means that their team will have to make adjustments and accommodations. Let’s assume that the leader has dedicated themselves to the fundamentals of leadership, including: Establishing positive relationships Aligning systems and processes Helping team members grow There’s an essential next step that needs to [...]
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