I was speaking with a colleague about our experiences as a first-time manager. We both agreed that it is a critical juncture in one’s career … when leadership knowledge and mentoring are essential. Yet, how often is it that people step into their first leadership position without any training? And Read more…
“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.” ~ Alfred Adler What if this were happening to me? I believe this is a crucial question for leaders to ask when engaging with their team members. It unlocks Read more…
Many of us can relate to the experience of either having a bad boss or being the bad boss. I do not believe that we begin our leadership journey with these intentions. The reality is stuff happens, our egos can become inflated and our emotions can easily overload. The bad Read more…
Words to live by. Those catchy, memorable phrases that shape our convictions, character and conduct. We gather them from books, people, articles and perhaps even TV shows. In a split second we can recall a statement grilled into our minds by a parent, grandparent or mentor. “Common sense is not Read more…
I am huge fan of the Marvel Studios movies with Iron Man being my personal favorite to date. Like millions of people, I had been anticipating the release of the Black Panther for months. I was curious to see how this character, his powers and his country would be portrayed Read more…
I really admire leaders who instantly connect with people. They have a natural ability to make you feel special, valued and important. Not only do they see you, it’s as if they see deep inside of you … perhaps even through you. They believe in you. They treasure you. They Read more…
“Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.” —Pauline R. Kezer Change is inevitable. Seasons change. Technology changes. Processes change. Leaders change. People change. Sooner or later, everything changes. Presently, my life seems to be filled with change. I have the opportunity Read more…
What is effective leadership? It may be difficult to pin down a definition. But it is certainly easy to recognize effective leadership. One way to define effective leadership is allowing people to get to know you, believe in you and, ultimately, go along with you towards a shared vision and common Read more…
My first encounter with a difficult person really baffled me. I was shocked by his sudden display of anger and belligerent behavior. I was paralyzed and dumbfounded. The meeting could not end soon enough. I gathered my notebook and hurried to my car. I was a short distance, just two Read more…
“The truth of your character is expressed through the choice of your actions.” Dr. Steve Maraboli When I was a teenager, learning to read a map was an imperative for taking road trips. I remember unfolding the map, laying it down on a table and locating north, my current position Read more…