Have you ever left a movie and talked with someone about it, and it seemed like the two of you saw two completely different movies? You each noticed different things, cared about different aspects and were moved in different ways by different parts of the film? Since we each have our own powerful perceptions, that is easy to understand. Each person sees what his/her brain … [Read more...]
Combating the Comfort Zone
Sometimes it's hard to get out of our own comfort zone to really get down to it and affect change. In today's video, I'll give you four tips to help you combat the comfort zone. https://youtu.be/56Cmv2vjtnY?rel=0&showinfo=0 Combat your comfort zone by finding something better to strive for. @KevinEikenberry … [Read more...]
7 Tips for When You Don’t Feel Like a “Real” Leader
You've just stepped into this exciting new role as leader, and mixed with the feeling of accomplishment, pride and enthusiasm may be a little apprehension. After all, you've never led a team before, and you may not feel like a true leader just yet, especially if you are managing people who are older or more experienced than you. I'm here to tell you to take it easy on … [Read more...]
9 Communication Tips You Need to Master if You Want to Lead
If you want to be a great manager and leader, heed these 10 important bits of advice: Listen. We all need to spend WAY less time talking and A LOT more time listening. And I don’t mean just keeping your mouth shut for the sake of keeping it shut. I mean really listening. Listen to what’s being said, and what isn’t. Listen for clues about office culture and politics. Listen … [Read more...]
That Difficult Person
At some point in our leadership career, we will have to deal with difficult people. And as new leaders, there is little that is more unnerving. In today's video, we're sharing tips on how to handle these people in our lives and we're starting off by re-framing the issue, focusing not on the person but instead on the … [Read more...]
A Better Way to Look at Change
Change. The mere thought makes some of us want to run and hide because change almost always requires extra effort, whether that effort is to log more hours, deal with chaos for a bit, or simply change one's attitude about something. Change takes time, energy and money, and it is usually difficult. It's normal to be skeptical of change. That said, change also creates great … [Read more...]
Making Feedback Meaningful
In our workshops and training, we always advise leaders to give "meaningful" feedback. And this often leads to the question of... What do you mean by meaningful feedback? In today's video, I'll give you four tips on what meaningful feedback is (or isn't). https://youtu.be/h5YBl3bammw?rel=0&showinfo=0 Feedback that is seen as meaningful is more likely to be … [Read more...]
Stop With the Excuses! You Can Be an Exceptional Leader
I often hear people say that they would work on their leadership skills if their organization supported them, if they had more time and resources, or any number of other similar (and flimsy) excuses. Well, I say, no more excuses! Here are six steps that anyone can take to become strong leaders - no ifs, ands or buts about it. Just keep learning. It sounds simple … [Read more...]
Turn That Frown Upside Down: Tips for Improving Your Bad Attitude
Do you have a bad attitude? I'm not suggesting always, but sometimes? Most people do. It's hard not to when things are going bad. Besides, you're only human, and you deserve the occasional off day. That said, as a leader, when your attitude stinks, it quickly rubs off on your employees. If everybody's in a funk, productivity is going to sink. So, while you may want to sulk, … [Read more...]
5 Really Good Reasons to Read More Biographies
In a recent post, I asked the question "What Are You Reading?" and offered tips on how you should read to improve your skills and knowledge. Today, I am going to explain further why I think you should be reading biographies. Mark Twain wrote “The man who does not read good books is no better than the man who can’t.” Walt Disney said “There is more treasure in books than … [Read more...]