Leadership Archives - Page 29 of 40

To enforce or reinforce — that is the question?

As a leader of people, we need to understand the difference. There are theories on the best way to lead people. For example, there is iron-fisted enforcement, or positive recognition and reinforcement. Let’s check Webster on the definitions: enforce: controlling, force something to happen, make sure a rule or law is obeyed. Reinforce: make something stronger, support, help, amplify. Both words denote getting results from an individual or team. However, the manner in which these results are achieved are very different. I am certain your people don’t wake up every morning and say, "I can’t wait to go to work today and be controlled, manipulated, or managed." I am confident they are willing to be led by a leader who is interested [...]

By Bob Fashano|2021-07-06T18:30:25+00:00July 6th, 2021|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

Three things your people want to know.

We all know one critical aspect of building a productive team is the selection of the right talent. Once you believe you have the right person for the opportunity, they intuitively have three questions they want answers to. Keep in mind they may not ask these questions of you directly, but deep down the answers may be deal breakers. The last thing you want is to have the person at risk of walking, especially when you have invested the time to identify the right person for the job. The questions are: 1. Do you care about me? The challenge here for most leaders is how to sincerely demonstrate care. Ask yourself, "Do I really know this person? Do I know [...]

By Bob Fashano|2021-05-12T11:49:47+00:00May 12th, 2021|Leadership|0 Comments