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.
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.
People-centered leaders know the importance of having their talent (people) engaged in their work. Easy to say, but not simple to do. Here is the neuroscience behind engagement – a must-read for people-centered leaders and EOS leaders.
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.
When we really listen . . . people tell us what’s on their mind. My #1 saying to new leaders is, “Mind reader is not in your job description. Focus on listening well, making leadership decisions based on what you hear, and repeat often.” Here is what your clicks showed me in the last month, and how clicks and questions help us start great conversations with our teams.
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?