Yearly Archives: 2022

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Communication is the lifeblood.

Author and leadership expert Max De Pree in his bestseller, Leadership is an Art, states “There may be no single thing more important in our efforts to achieve meaningful work and fulfilling relationships than to learn and practice the art of communication." Isn’t that statement so true? Most of our issues with people are typically centered on communication -- either the lack of or missed communication. As leaders, we are prone to be talkers. I know that to be true in my case, just ask my kids. I guess it is true, that many of us enjoy sharing our knowledge, wisdom, and insights. What I have learned over the years is the more people I lead the more I must listen. To be an effective [...]

By |2022-07-07T16:22:30+00:00May 11th, 2022|Connecting, Listening|0 Comments

What do your people expect of you?

Today I am sharing a brief reminder for us as we continue the journey of leading others. I have discovered the people we have influence over have expectations of us. Our people want to feel valued, and they want to feel as though their efforts matter, and that they count. Our people want to be connected to the mission and vision, even though they may never tell you that. So, tell them where they fit, and how important they are. We all respond well to positive reinforcement, so let’s be sure we let them know they count, and that they matter. My understanding is that we have the basic human need to feel valued, feel important, and that part of the leader's [...]

By |2022-07-07T16:21:15+00:00May 7th, 2022|Coaching, Development, Leadership|0 Comments

The buck stops here. 

Depending on your age, you may not be aware of that slogan. President Harry Truman had a sign on his desk in the Oval Office that stated “THE BUCK STOPS HERE.” This phrase during that time become very popular. Well, that may have been many, many years ago, however it applies just as much today as it did then. I have found the truth is whatever your role may be: CEO, Dist Supervisor, Dept. Head, School Principal, it doesn’t matter, YOU COUNT THE MOST. What I know to be true is, PEOPLE JOIN PEOPLE and PEOPLE LEAVE PEOPLE. Research has proven this time and time again. It is not always about money or perks. These may get them in the door, but [...]

By |2022-07-07T16:19:58+00:00April 27th, 2022|Coaching, Leadership|0 Comments

Leadership and Problem-Solving.

The Sufi philosopher Azhar Khan once said “Life is a continuous succession of problems, like waves from the ocean. They never stop.” If that is true, solving problems is a critical leadership competency. Like an accident where someone is hurt you focus on caring for the injured person, stopping the bleeding, and minimizing damage before you start analyzing what and how it happened. Over the years I have learned when faced with a problem or crisis to discipline myself by intentionally staying calm, and thinking in terms of "what can be done now," rather than how it occurred and who is to blame. There will be time to reflect on the what and how and learn from that. Below are [...]

By |2022-07-07T16:18:53+00:00April 14th, 2022|Coaching, Leadership|0 Comments

Conflict is inevitable — now what? 

The fact remains, that we will always have conflict. On the job, with the boss, if you’re the boss with employees, at home in our relationships, and even outside the home. Frankly, as a leader, IT COMES WITH THE TERRITORY, we may not like it, but as the overused statement goes “it is what it is." How well you manage and handle conflict can be a deal-breaker. Conflict is like fire. When it sparks, it can intensify, spread, and cause pain, loss, and irreparable damage. It can distract, derail, and possibly destroy relationships. However, conflict is not an inherently bad thing. Different views, beliefs, feelings, values, and ideas will often collide. That is everyday life. My main point is, that [...]

By |2022-07-07T16:16:48+00:00April 6th, 2022|Leadership|0 Comments
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