Leadership

Only a few years ago, the business world used the terms leadership and management interchangeably. Today, however, we have recognized a significant difference between the two. Management is focused on developing and maintaining systems and processes, while leadership is designed to motivate and mobilize people. When managing people, we often turn to policies and rules to direct or correct them. There can be a tendency to treat everyone equally instead of using good judgment. Leaders who lead people use personal connections within the team to guide everyone toward success. They listen and offer feedback. Effective leaders understand that standards and expectations bring more out of people than rules and regulations. Lest I be misunderstood, I am not saying one is [...]

We are very familiar with the importance of EQ (emotional intelligence). There is an ongoing discussion of which is more important: IQ or EQ. Frankly, I don’t feel qualified to enter the debate. However, I have learned that forming and developing people skills (a component of EQ ) is critical in growing a business. Emotionally Intelligent leaders have a people-first mindset and can satisfy their own needs and wants while serving the needs and wants of those they lead. Our ability to develop connections and lasting relationships separates us as leaders. In my coaching practice, I encounter leaders who are too busy with strategy, marketing, product development, systems, etc., resulting in insufficient time for people development. However, when asked what [...]

Recently, in a meeting with a coaching client, we were finishing work on his "company's Mission Statement." As we were wrapping up, I asked him if he had a personal "Mission Statement?" He said he had thought about developing one but never got around to it. I challenged him to consider drafting one. He said he would, and we set a date to work on developing one. I pointed out to him that his Why must be centered on his values and about others. We started by selecting a few keywords that had meanings for him. Once we had the keywords, we applied a simple template I used. The template has two components: the contribution you will make and the impact the contribution [...]

Today, I want to remind you of three important leadership competencies. I shared these three last week with an executive I coach in my coaching practice. Please allow me to share them with you. When we successfully execute the 3 C's, our leadership can be more effective. Here they are: BE CONSISTENT: Our leadership must be predictable. Our people must know how we will behave and decide in all circumstances. Our values are on display. They should not be surprised by the decision or your response. You are consistent. The old saying goes," Your actions speak so loud I can't hear a word you're saying." There is no place for wishy-washy leadership—we always live out our values. People follow a consistent leader.   BE [...]