Celebrate success. Isn’t it true there is something that happens when you celebrate? It really doesn’t matter WHAT is celebrated; it is simply a joyful time recognizing something SPECIAL. As leaders, we should constantly be aware of an occasion to celebrate success and achievement. Celebrating doesn’t mean a trip to Vegas or Cabo San Lucas. Celebrating success is more of an attitude, a mindset, a philosophy. We create a culture where we notice and recognize, and celebrate victories. It can become our natural way of behavior. We celebrate little and big wins. Whether you lead a company, department, division or team, you build an achievement-based culture when you celebrate and recognize your people. You are creating an ongoing, self -perpetuating cycle [...]
The foundation of trust. I have come to believe at the core of your leadership is trust. Isn’t trust at the heart of any relationship? And leadership is about the relationship between you and the people you choose to lead. As leaders, we build respect by showing respect; this can be the bridge that leads to trust. Below are some factors necessary for building a trusting relationship. Integrity: Knowing the right thing to do and always doing the right thing. Dependable: Being consistent, walking the walk, and always being predictable. Approachable: Your people need to know you are there for them. Competence: Your people know you strive for excellence and are committed to learning and growing. Openness/vulnerable: You are willing [...]
Not another meeting.
When you are in leadership, you are in plenty of meetings. In many instances, you are leading and facilitating the discussion. You can be confident that around the "watercooler," your people occasionally say," Oh no, not another meeting." Knowing that your team resents another meeting is not a good feeling as the leader. So, what can you do about making the meetings more productive? Here are some "meeting rules "I have found helpful that may help the team look forward to the meeting. It is up to you, the leader, to adhere to them. Have a specific goal for the meeting (be sure to communicate this) Have an agenda, and be sure to stick to it (careful of rabbit trails) [...]
What is your Why?
Remember, people are not attracted to what you do but to why you do what you do. This simple tool is designed to help you find clarity and put in writing the two essential components of your Why. First, it answers the question of your contribution and who will benefit. Second, it answers the question of the impact and how it will help. Your Why is the belief that drives the decision. It is that sense of purpose, a clear idea of why you come to work every day and do what you do, why your business exists. Your Why is the foundation upon which you build yourself, your business and others you choose to work with. Here is an example, and it happens to [...]
It’s the customer-s_________
Ok, I'm not trying to be cute. I want to remind us to follow Ritz- Carlton's lead. You may recall their world-famous mantra –WE ARE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN SERVING LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. You know what I mean if you have stayed at a Ritz-Carlton Hotel. They do not consider their business as a hotel business. They are in the EXPERIENCE business. The expectations are simple from top to bottom—create an unbelievable experience with every customer encounter. The focus for Ritz Carlton is always on the customer, making them feel like they are staying in their home. Indeed, this is a good model for all leaders. We need to know what customers want and need and how your services can impact [...]