Communicate Your Way to the Culture You Want

Dec 17, 2024 | Leadership Development, Sales, Marketing & Customer Service

We’ve heard for years, and possibly for decades, that communication is critical for leadership success. Okay. We know that. But then why do so many of us continue to struggle with it? Why is communication critical for a leader to be effective, to achieve the goals needed, to develop the financial results expected, to delight customers, to initiate and not constantly react to change, and to create companies associates WANT to be a part of, engage with, and stay with? Why is communication, and...

Are Your Actions Leading to Your Vision

Nov 19, 2024 | Leadership Development

While on my 6.5 mile walk this morning, I noticed something new in the road in front of one of the houses I pass on a quiet side street. There were four white lines on the asphalt. The lines were in front of a basketball hoop that’s been sitting in the yard near the road. As I got closer, I realized the lines were strips of white tape with writing on them. The first strip was roughly in the middle of the road and said, “FREE THROW.” The second strip was roughly four feet away from the first...

Our Favoritism Is Creating Chaos

Oct 22, 2024 | Leadership Development

We all struggle with it: We want to be fair to all of our teams, but there are simply some teams we enjoy working with more than others. Some teams are working on projects that will elevate our professional areas of expertise and interest, while others are not. Some teams are succeeding more than failing, while others are not, and some teams are simply fun to work with, while others are not. This aspect of leadership is real. It’s common, it’s pervasive, and it’s a challenge for leaders. It’s...

Why Are They Resisting This Change?

Aug 20, 2024 | Leadership Development

In a recent coaching session, Jason, a manager new to his position shared, “My team is fighting even the most basic of changes. I know there have been a lot of changes to deal with lately. Me, coming on as their new leader being a big one, but they’re behavior is ridiculous. The recent changes I’m suggesting to our delivery schedule aren’t monumental. I’m simply saying we need to space out our delivery schedule in response to recent customer feedback. I’m not suggesting we drop, change, or...

It’s Not Done Until Its Purpose Is Served

Jul 23, 2024 | Leadership Development

There’s an interesting trend I’ve been observing of late: Leaders are ‘accepting’ projects as being ‘DONE’ even though the goal doesn’t fulfill its purpose or the true need for it in the first place. As long as the goal’s tasks were conducted, the task or project is deemed ‘COMPLETE’. However, during subsequent executive team meetings, I’ll hear comments such as: “This is DONE?” or “What are we supposed to do with this now,” or my favorite, “Well that was a total waste.” If you don’t know what...