Development

Author Dave Anderson in his book Up Your Business: 7 Steps to Fix, Build, or Stretch Your Organization states: “there is one thing worse than training people and having them leave your organization, it’s not training them and having them stay."   I believe the most important asset we have is our people.  Let’s call them “Human Capital."  As a leader we must commit to a process of training, coaching and mentoring our people.   I found it is always a good idea from time to time to evaluate the process -- our plan for developing and equipping our people.   As leaders we must INVEST time and money in good people, if we don’t we are likely to lose [...]

Many people would say listening means hearing.  Hearing is actually a physical act.  Listening is a more intentional and emotional act.  When we hear- we accept the sounds- when we  truly listen- we understand what is said.   When we listen intentionally, we are engaged in an active verse passive activity.   One of the keys to effective listening is to have less focus on ourselves and place the focus on the other person.   We need to listen more and talk less.  A good coach/leader must practice the art of effective listening.   When you think about it, the need to be listened to is a deep sound need in all of us.  It’s simple, when people don’t listen to [...]

A good question to ask ourselves from time to time is: am I truly an authentic leader?  Do others see me under the filter of authenticity?   I am learning authenticity begins with living out our values.  What we truly care about, (not just talk about) and live by that code daily is the beginning of being an authentic leader.   I believe people deserve a leader who is true to what matters most.   In addition, pursuing our purpose is another demonstration of being an authentic leader.   Most of us having mission statements, purpose statements etc.  In fact, they are likely in writing and prominently displayed.   A reminder for all of us  is to live out our [...]