Leadership and accountability is a double edged sword. Accountability is too often used around revolutionary or punitive rhetoric. Be careful, because it is a powerful word and it can result in some very distructive actions. Talent management has to have accountabiity to work, but it starts with a great conversation and a strong relationship.
We all need foundational beliefs that guide us. Leadership is hard enough without a set of beliefs to help guide our choices. This post is about exploring your Leadership Rocks. Mine is centered around a definition offered by Ken Blanchard many years ago.
When people are under lots of stress because of life/work, they start action ‘strange’. When I hear labels, I automatically think of the Birkman Method and what it captures and shares. A cornerstone of leadership development is self awareness of what is normal behavior, what our needs are, and how to deal with stress.
Breathing is something we do, but do we do it well? If just getting some oxygen is the measure then the fact that we are living says we are okay at it. But take another look, and there is another story. Resilience is not about getting by, it is about getting up when we get knocked down. Leadership is about getting up and helping others do the same.
There is lots to talk about when it comes to Steve Jobs and his run with Apple. I just hope we do not forget the leadership lessons and the resilience he showed in coming back to the company that fired him and being more successful.
Is boss watching the #1 sport in the office? Not sure. But leaders need to have the self awareness to know people are watching and lead with transparency. Leadership is about building trust and generating truth to such questions as Why is this happening? or What are you thinking about? Boss watching is about followers filling in the blanks.
Whether it is people development in your organization or personal development for yourself, your habits are what drives you towards your goals. Is retaining your best people important? Then there are specific habits you need in order to make that a reality. I call it a talent scorecard and here is why it is important.
Safety around water is important because the risk is real, and a drowning victim has a name. This lesson hit me during a recent swimming lesson, and it has application in leadership development. What do new leaders need? A lifeguard of sorts – called leadership development, an on-boarding plan, or a mentor.
What do we need to do as a leader? Through the eyes of our people, a Blanchard/Training Mag study gives us some insight into what people think are the roles of their leaders and what is their responsibility. It is about leadership and followership, and how awareness of self is critical to assuming our new roles.
Listening is not always THEIR problem. Leaders need to be clear and people need to have time to digest either positive or negative news. Too often there is confusion and surprise. Here are 3 steps for leaders to make sure the news is heard and it makes a difference.
Resilience and leadership is a big topic. It is an important topic. Here is a formula that captures the essence of resilience.
Attitude is contagious. Smiles also become contagious, and people can hear smiles. Here is a thought about how leading with a smile makes a difference.