Leaders use Case Studies

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In an earlier post, we discussed the value of testimonials. What if you don’t have testimonials? Write your own! Think back on some of your greatest successes – the things that motivate you and your team to keep coming back. If your client or customer didn’t provide a testimonial, you can create your own. You … Read more

Leaders DWYSYWD

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In their research on Characteristics of Admired Leaders, Kouzes and Posner found this: Far and away, the most desired characteristics of leaders are (in this order): HonestForward-lookingInspiringCompetent It’s fascinating that both “inspiring” AND “competent” are on the list together, as it feels frequent that a leader demonstrates one characteristic, but not the other. What really … Read more

Leaders Say it Out Loud

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If you are a parent, you can relate to this situation well: You see your child do something small, but great, like voluntarily cleaning their room, or showing empathy to someone else in the family. You feel pride, and warmth, but you say nothing. Why? Heck, you’d be expanding her ego all day long if … Read more

Leaders Deliver to Those They Lead

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Remember that two-word definition of leadership – “Meet Needs” ? You can really put that into action by staying conscious of things that you can deliver to the people who report to you. Your team is so used to deliverables they’re accountable for, that it’s a nice change of pace when you ask them specifically, … Read more

Things Successful Leaders Avoid Saying (Part 7)

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One word – “inappropriate” Last week, at the Iowa Employment Conference I heard employment law expert, Michael Reck, point out that the word “inappropriate” has no place in employee handbooks. He went on to say this is because courts have ruled time and again that the word “inappropriate” as a descriptor of behavior, dress, and … Read more

Leaders Know When Too Much Positivity is Disrespectful

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While it’s true that leaders need to show positivity, remain optimistic, and give positive feedback, there is a point at which it can be “too much.” In fact, showing empathy can be more important than positivity. If someone is very down, negative, or serious, then your attempts to “pump them up” can have quite the … Read more

The Opposite of Delight (The Worst Dining Service Experience Ever)

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A while back, I wrote a post describing the idea T=r+d: Trust equals reliability (meeting expectations) plus delight (exceeding expectations). How about a story describing precisely the opposite? I actually wrote this post about a restaurant experience my family and I had in 2011. I didn’t publish it back then for two reasons: But, I’ve … Read more

Reasons Leaders Might be Wise to Avoid Giving Feedback

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Feedback from leaders drives engagement and performance, yet workers report that feedback is lacking. Leaders even know this truth, but still avoid giving feedback. Last week we explored five common reasons leaders can be uncomfortable giving feedback, with reasons to do it anyway. This week – two reasons why it might be wise to delay giving feedback: … Read more