Yearly Archives: 2020

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What business are you in?

What business are you in? This is the time of year that business plans for the new year are already formed, or at least are in process. Therefore, it may be a good reminder to ask yourself the question of, "What business am I in?" It shouldn't be a surprise to you that your answer has nothing to do with making a profit. Obviously you will be out of business if you don't. Profit is a result of when we answer the question correctly. Over the years I have wrestled with this question, but have discovered a simplistic answer. For me, "the purpose of business is to create a customer and to satisfy a human need." As you review your [...]

By |2021-02-09T17:35:53+00:00December 30th, 2020|Coaching, Connecting, Development, Empowering, Leadership, Listening|0 Comments

Strengthen Others

Strengthen others Creating a climate in which people are fully engaged and feel in control of their own lives is at the heart of strengthening others. When we enable people to take ownership of and responsibility for their group's success we enhance their competence and confidence in their abilities. When we listen to their ideas, involve them in important decisions, and acknowledge and give credit for their contributions, we foster empowerment through the organization. Leadership experts and authors James Kouzes and Barry Posner refer to the Power Paradox in their leadership books. They believe that when you give your own power away, you live the Power Paradox, which replaces an old leadership style of employing force with demonstrating empathy and [...]

By |2021-02-09T17:34:45+00:00December 23rd, 2020|Coaching, Connecting, Development|0 Comments

Passion and conviction

Passion and conviction People want to follow a passionate leader. When we as leaders are passionate about a topic, it can be contagious. But, people need to follow a leader who also has conviction. So what is the difference between passion and conviction? We can be passionate about something and not necessarily have lived it, or successfully experienced what it is we are passionate about. It's primarily intellectual. An example could be in sports. A coach of a team, who has never played the sport, can be passionate about playing hard, preparing, winning, and has love for the game, but they haven't felt the highs and lows of being a player, and their team feels the difference. However, a coach [...]

By |2020-12-22T16:05:21+00:00December 16th, 2020|Coaching|0 Comments

Encouragement is key.

Encouragement is key. “Flatter me, and I may not believe you, criticize me, and I may not like you, ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you," William Arthur Ward. Isn’t it true that just about every person on the planet wants to believe they have value? They want to know that they matter, and that they count for something. It is my belief that being valued and mattered is a basic human need. As a leader, helping someone feel significant can be a game changer. If you ever played sports you know how important the words of encouragement coming from the coach meant to you. Maybe accompanied with a pat on [...]

By |2020-12-22T16:04:03+00:00December 8th, 2020|Coaching|0 Comments

Are you an authentic leader?

Are you an authentic leader? A good question to ask ourselves from time to time is, "Am I truly an authentic leader?" I am learning authenticity begins with living out our values. What we truly care about -- not just talk about-- and living by that code daily is the beginning of being an authentic leader. I believe our people deserve a leader who is true to what matters most. When we pursue our purpose, we are demonstrating our authenticity. Most of us have mission statements or purpose statements, and they are likely in writing and prominently displayed in an office or conference room. While a display serves as a strong reminder, what is more important, is having your people [...]

By |2020-12-22T16:03:02+00:00December 2nd, 2020|Coaching|0 Comments
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