Some leaders are open and transparent with others, and some are more private. But if that privacy is segregating their personal life and history to such an extent that their team feels like they don’t know them, then that leader is at a disadvantage. Leaders who make it easy to get to know them have an easier time developing relationship … Read more
Recently, when covering the Four Levels of Maturity, we were on a quest to find an essential question that a person would ask at each level. Recall, the first two levels are somtimes referred to as acting “‘below the line”, whereas levels three and four are sometimes referred to as acting “above the line”, which … Read more
Perhaps this seems like a tangential post, but there is an overall relationship to the concept of “Leaders Meet Needs” here. When you travel on business, travel and pack in such a way as to maximize your ability to meet needs and minimize the possibility of distraction. After many years of business travel, here are some … Read more
We’ve explored the idea of the Success Deception before; how our success can keep us from exploring growth opportunities. Well, there’s another danger related to that idea. It comes when we stop learning from those we serve. This happens when we fall into the trap of thinking we’re always wiser than those we lead, and perhaps … Read more
Everyone is busy, right? “Busy” is a common notion – so common that saying “We’re keeping busy” is similar to “The sky is still blue.” It’s like it goes without saying. Oh, but it’s still quite loaded. Depending on the context, “busy” means many things: If I am busy, then I’m productiveprosperousa good husband/fathersuccessfulindustrious But if you … Read more
In an episode of The Office, Michael (manager) is headed home for the day, and reports this to Jo (owner). He’s clearly uncomfortable that he’s ready to leave, while she is still there working harder and longer. She notices this and tells him, “If your work is done, and you’re proud of it, and you … Read more
No matter how far you’ve come, a leader always asks: “What’s the next step?” True to my DiSC® style of a strongly inclined iD — I’m impatient. It’s been a lifelong tendency of mine to interrupt, or at least formulate my response before the other person is done talking. A college professor I had called … Read more
I like low-cost and efficient ways to make improvements. If you could make progress without spending much time or money, wouldn’t you try? Here’s one simple, but effective technique: Smile more. It’s the most powerful facial expression or gesture, and causes these two things to happen: 1) We have less stress. 2) Those around us … Read more
I was visiting my best friend Matt, and his young sons Alex and Owen were outside playing. Owen came in and shut the glass door, leaving Alex accidentally locked outside. When Alex looked through the glass, amused but pleading, I channeled “Nelson” from The Simpsons, pointed at him and fake-laughed “HA – ha!” Owen looked … Read more
If there’s one skill that leaders must master and habitually improve, it’s communication. I say “habitually improve”, because it’s impossible to communicate flawlessly ALL the time. But – we can sure try! Take a look at this story about a time when intent and impact did not match up: Stanley, upset about recent changes, talked … Read more