Leaders often know what the needs are in a situation, and dictate them with authority. While the leader is often correct about the direction, engagement can suffer without more buy-in; asking questions that help others discover the same needs can help. Even when you know what is needed, consider expanding your own understanding, helping others buy-in … Read more
My first week on the job, Alan sat down with me to tell the story of Group Dynamic. Its past, present, and the future he sees for it. He did this, as you may recall, to ensure I was a good fit. We discussed the core values of the company and agreed to come back … Read more
Accountability is one of the areas of dysfunction mentioned in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. If you haven’t heard Alan discuss this, check out this video – it goes over the dysfunctions in a quick and compact way. In order for us to achieve the best results, Lencioni points out that … Read more
Deadlines are kind. They give people a way to prioritize their time and efforts. Priorities are also kind. Not setting them becomes fertile ground for frustration. Without priorities, people are led to think one of two things: 1- All of my tasks are equally important. 2- None of my tasks are important. The result? The … Read more
Some think a weekly one-on-one is just for the corporate environment, between full-time, salaried workers and their supervisors. There’s a lot out there on that – including this great guide from Manager Tools. One-on-ones truly work in a variety of environments, though. I’ve had a client in a medical clinic who added monthly one-on-ones with … Read more
Last week we dipped into Five Dysfunctions of a Team; this week we dive. I take you through a high-level overview of the Five Dysfunctions, and tell a short story about their accidental impact. This is a touch longer than 90 seconds, but I’ve gotten feedback that folks are hungry for more on this topic, so … Read more
A: When the relationship is strong enough, AND, according to coach John Robinson: “Never criticize until the person is convinced of your unconditional confidence in their abilities.” When I think of the people in my life that I willingly take criticism and feedback from, without taking it personally (though my wife and friends may point … Read more
From yesterday, an email exchange that took a bit too long: Them: Dear Group Traveler, Thank you for booking your Group with Southwest Airlines. The attached Travel Agreement contains your itinerary, instructions on how to complete your Group reservation, and Group policies…. Me: If in the next week, I wanted to add 6 seats at … Read more
So, you’ve read your leader as an “S.” And, you want them to read this post. Of course you do. But – things go better when we work to adapt ourselves, rather than trying to force others to change. In fact, our adaptation can inspire others to change. (Have you read Leadership and Self-Deception yet?) Consider this as a goal: Be easy … Read more
Information on reading the C (Conscientiousness) styles, and implications for leadership: Following the steps of people-reading, we learn that someone who tends to be “skeptical and challenging,” and “cautious and reflective,” likely fits the profile of a “C” style. “C” leaders tend to be strong in the areas of Integrity, Self-Impovement planning, and clear Communication, … Read more