Focus On Them Not On Yourself

Nov 21, 2023 | Leadership Development

“So how are things going with your new executive vice president?” I asked Taylor, a senior vice president. “Well, considering 10 minutes into our first meeting with her - which mind you, was virtual - she said, ‘I don’t like looking at myself’ and turned her camera off, I’d say I’m not feeling very comfortable.” replied Taylor. “Wait. What?! Your new EVP turned OFF her camera 10 minutes into your first meeting with her because she doesn’t like looking at herself?” I asked incredulously. “Yep....

Your Silence Speaks Volumes: Speak and Lead Proactively

Mar 23, 2021 | Leadership Development

How you communicate as a leader is critical. There’s nothing new in that. However, what I’m finding more frequently is that leaders aren’t appreciating how loudly their silence speaks to their teams and what their silence says about their leadership. Whether it’s a company president, director of regional sales, or a team lead, leaders are staying silent too often. Their silence is not motivated by a fear of crossing a line on political correctness. Their silence is instead driven by a fear of...

What Is It You Want?

Nov 30, 2016 | Leadership Development

How consistent is your team in delivering what you request? Do they do what you want? Do they deliver what you need? Are they performing the way you expect? If so, congratulations! You have mastered that elusive skill in clearly articulating what it is you expect of others. If not, it’s time to get clearer in how you give directions, ask for support, or suggest changes in output. It’s time to be clear in what you want of others. Be clear yourself before you ask others to act In several recent...

So You Think You ‘Walk the Talk’?

Jun 23, 2015 | Leadership Development

You may have rolled your eyes when you read the title to this article. I know I may have too if I hadn't just experienced two senior leaders not 'walk their own talk' just last week. If some of the best-of-the-best leaders I am able to work with don't consistently walk their own talk, the likelihood that most other 'mere' managers and leaders don't either. If some of the best-of-the-best leaders don't consistently walk their own talk, in all likelihood most other 'mere' managers and...

Know What You’re Talking About

Sep 23, 2014 | Strategic Planning

On my return flight from a recent speaking engagement, I started talking with the gentleman sitting next to me as both he and I worked on our laptops. Roger was a senior level manager for a 250 person, defense contractor and was traveling to meet with his company's leadership team for an off-site management and strategy meeting. Roger was finishing his notes on what he wanted to present to help create greater clarity, energy, and productivity throughout the employee population. When I shared...