Superficial relationships tend to focus on the obvious and inspire nothing new. Leadership can be lonely, and yet I see leaders creating this condition by staying superficial. Here are two tips for moving beyond the superficial.
How effectively do you hit the pause button? Too often leaders think pause = weakness. The reality is pause creates space for effective teamwork. Here are two tips for practicing it today and some wisdom from Seth Godin about why it is so important. It is a critical skill for people-centered leaders.
What are the 5 to 7 books that shaped you as a leader – at work and at home? While I have some great business books on my list, the ones I revisit most are those that have shaped me in all phases of life. I would love to hear yours.
Addressing succession planning effectively requires a shift in perspective: from viewing it as an HR-driven process to a leader-driven, talent-focused process that can also be used to plan succession in key roles. Here are reflections from a recent key note workshop I led, and all of the materials I used to equip leaders to go back and lead the process with their people.
Looking for an icebreaker at your next team meeting or summer employee get-together? Here is the only icebreaker I use, because committed people-centered leaders can take it back to the workplace to help build healthy relationships.
Do you show up for the significant people in your life? As a leader, are people used to seeing you around or do they scramble with fear and confusion when you show up? People-centered leaders show up. The Entrepreneurial Operating System is founded on a rhythm of showing up to build a strong team and a strong culture. Here are 9 ways you can show up.
Sometimes it is time to slow down and listen. Here is a tip for successfully completing a long journey – and all leaders should listen.
What is your filter for saying “yes” for your role? For your organization? The irony is that a filter is really there to say “no” all the time, as a way to intentionally have conversations so “yes” is backed with reason and requirements from key partners in your work. A Core Focus is a way for leaders to help their teams have more powerful conversations around their work and the team’s work.
Powerful Giver? As I wrote it, the word oxymoron came to mind. Leaders should read Give and Take by Adam Grant, and EOS (Entrepreneurial Leaders) should pay special attention because success in leadership requires effective giving behaviors. Here are three skills that will help leaders become more effective at being what I call a people-centered leader. Well done, Adam Grant.
Are you a giver or a taker in your approach to leadership? Adam Grant’s book is a powerful exploration of that question and provides great research to educate us, offering givers things they can do to be more effective leading AND still be a giver. Learn about this book and the 8 values that define givers and takers.
When we ask questions of people and provide space for them to tell us about themselves and share their thoughts, it has the same neurological effect as feeding them or giving them money. People-centered leaders understand that, and practice it. Here are three difficult conversations committed people-centered leaders work to master.
Documize. In a recent EOS session, I uttered this word and the response from the team reminded me what a gift a safe environment for learning and working can be. It also provided me with an opportunity to demonstrate what leading in a safe environment looks like. What are you doing to create safety today?