Development Archives - Page 9 of 18

Lead by example.

Albert Schweitzer said, “Example isn’t the main thing”. What he was really saying was that all the words we speak as a leader mean nothing if your life doesn’t back it up. Being credible is a critical quality a leader should possess. Hypocrisy is the biggest killer of credibility. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said “You can issue all the memos and give all the motivational speeches you want, but if the people in your organization don’t see you putting fourth your very best every single day, they won’t either.” The old adage “A picture is worth a thousand words," applies in leadership. Most people are visual learners. Most people need to see an example or model before they [...]

By Bob Fashano|2021-07-20T21:47:53+00:00July 20th, 2021|Development, Leadership|0 Comments

Ask questions.

"The wise man doesn't give the right answers, he poses the right questions," Claude Levi-Strauss. In developing and coaching people, we must cultivate the habit of curiosity. At times this can be challenging, we are busy and want to get to the bottom line. Nurturing curiosity requires creativity and intentionality--this can take time. Questions are critical to curiosity. Asking questions keeps you informed, in touch, and aware. In reality, how many of us invest time in developing good questions prior to a one-on-one meeting? Here is an idea to consider: set aside ten minutes prior to your one-on-one's and jot down critical questions. Make sure they are open-ended to inspire dialogue. During your meeting STAY CURIOUS, ask more questions as [...]

By Bob Fashano|2021-06-15T18:47:19+00:00June 15th, 2021|Connecting, Development, Leadership, Listening|0 Comments

The leader’s best friend.

ARE YOU CONVICTED? As leaders we need to form the habit of conviction. This is essential for us to be a change agent. If ignored it can destroy quickly. I have learned every person of influence will face a moment or moments when they will be tempted to compromise their integrity. How many stories have we read or heard about people in government, business, clergy where their lives (and those they love) have been destroyed as a result of compromise. A mentor of mine had a mantra that became sticky to me, "Their is no right way to do a wrong thing." Please let that sink in. The habit of conviction always means doing what is right -- not what [...]

By Bob Fashano|2021-06-09T12:18:21+00:00June 9th, 2021|Development, Empowering, Leadership|0 Comments

The essentials of mentorship.

Building upon last week’s message of mentorship, I wanted to dive a little deeper. Fred Manske Jr. author of the Secrets of Effective Leadership nailed it when he said, “The ultimate leader is one who is willing to develop people to the point they surpass him or her in knowledge or ability.” There are several characteristics of an effective mentor. Wisdom: there is no substitution for experience. Your past successes and failures are your bank account for an effective mentor. Empathy: chances are you were mentored and can relate to the place the mentee is in. Patience: growing and developing people takes time. If you are not willing to invest the time needed, you simply cannot be effective at mentoring. [...]

By Bob Fashano|2021-06-01T17:44:44+00:00June 2nd, 2021|Coaching, Connecting, Development, Leadership|0 Comments

Your distinct and legitimate reasons.

A number of years ago I read a quote from George Washington Carver that had a profound impact on me. He said, "No individual has any right to come into the world and go out without leaving behind his/her distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it." So the question is: are we just passing through or are we being intentional and on purpose. What is your why? Author Simon Sinek wrote a bestseller titled, "Start with Why." The business world terminology is "mission statement," and the religious and spiritual world refers to it as "Your calling." Whichever term you select, I ask you this: do you have one? Do you have something that is clear and meaningful to you? Some [...]

By Bob Fashano|2021-03-31T19:06:40+00:00March 31st, 2021|Coaching, Development, Leadership|0 Comments