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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

Influence is about them — but the responsibility is ours.

I have been writing and sharing some thoughts on the topic of influence. As John Maxwell has taught, and I believe, the definition of leadership is influence. Your influence on another person is critical in your leadership. It is true that when we influence another person, they benefit. However, we must own and continue developing the skills required to influence and change behavior to achieve better results. Your influence is not about you. Influence is the experience you create for someone based on what they see, hear, and understand. That is the key differentiator. It means the responsibility shifts from the listener or reader to the communicator. The bottom line is we must earn the right for people to listen. What I [...]

By |2022-01-22T16:01:28+00:00December 29th, 2021|Connecting, Development, Leadership|0 Comments

Three simple words.

How would you like to create a positive ripple effect that will move others to a deeper commitment? A three-word concept may be the right prescription. You see positive encouraging words are the seeds of commitment -- once they are spoken, they grow into results. We only have to say three simple words. Try a few of these out on your team, or someone in your life you care about. I appreciate you I trust you You will succeed I am sorry (and mean it!) I can help I understand you I promise you (and keep it!) I believe you You will succeed You inspire me I’ll bet you can think of more. We need to remember that the results [...]

By |2021-11-30T21:47:58+00:00November 30th, 2021|Connecting, Development, Leadership|0 Comments

How is your alignment? 

Yes, your alignment. I’m not referring to your golf swing or your tires on your car. I am talking about your people and their alignment with your goals, vision and mission. As leaders we can’t hope for alignment, we need assurance we have it. Below is what I have learned to be true when it comes to determining if we are in alignment in these critical areas: Always share what is going on (believe me, the good ones want to know). Help them understand the WHY. The WHY will engage them. Always ask for input— demonstrate your excellent listening skills by just listening. Let them know you heard them. Always seek commitment. You have a better opportunity to gain a [...]

By |2021-08-17T18:51:58+00:00August 17th, 2021|Coaching, Connecting, Leadership|0 Comments

Our people want to feel this.

Here is what I have learned to be true, deep down in our DNA as humans is the desire to feel connected and be known. Relationship coach Kyle Benson refers to attunement. That is the desire and willingness for someone to travel into your inner world to explore who you are and who you are becoming.... this connection cultivates trust. I found that over time every team member will have a challenging season in their life. How we respond as leaders is crucial. Ideally we would like our team members to leave their issues at home. Guess what, in most cases they can't, somehow their challenges find a way to impact behavior on their daily duties as well as others. [...]

By |2021-07-28T02:29:40+00:00July 28th, 2021|Coaching, Connecting, Leadership, Listening|0 Comments
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