Monthly Archives: January 2020

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The Authentic Leader

A good question to ask ourselves from time to time is: am I truly an authentic leader?  Do others see me under the filter of authenticity?   I am learning authenticity begins with living out our values.  What we truly care about, (not just talk about) and live by that code daily is the beginning of being an authentic leader.   I believe people deserve a leader who is true to what matters most.   In addition, pursuing our purpose is another demonstration of being an authentic leader.   Most of us having mission statements, purpose statements etc.  In fact, they are likely in writing and prominently displayed.   A reminder for all of us  is to live out our [...]

By |2020-04-20T00:11:32+00:00January 18th, 2020|Coaching, Development, Leadership|0 Comments

The Opportunity to Listen

I have learned one of the strongest human needs is for others to listen to us.  We all need people to listen to what we say a need to be heard, a need to be valued. Sometimes we need to listen more than just the words.  People don’t always say with words what they’re really attempting to say.  Their actual words and what they’re trying to communicate are not always synonymous. Dr. Albert Mehrabian of UCLH said it years ago in his report called “Communication Effectiveness”.  He said that communication effectiveness depends on: 7% on the words we say 38% on the tone of voice 55% on the non-verbal cues   Although the study was years ago, it still seems [...]

By |2020-04-20T00:07:01+00:00January 14th, 2020|Coaching|0 Comments

Don’t just act interested — be interested.

Don't just act interested -- be interested. I love this quote by Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics Inc, "Everyone has an invisible sign hanging over their neck saying make me feel important." As a leader with the responsibility of developing people, listening and being sincerely interested is a critical skill. I am not sure we can ever perfect it, however there is no substitute for practice, practice, practice. There is an old joke that says "you can't fake sincerity," well in my opinion you can't fake interest either, so save your energy and don't even try. The more you want to influence and get through to discerning your people, the more sincere your interest in them needs [...]

Mutual Expectations

Expectations we have in our followers: Must be clearly defined Must be measurable for progress (scorecard) Must communicate high expectations -- “we value them” Expectations followers have of their leaders, three questions they have: Do you care about me? Can I trust you? How can you help me? As leaders we carry the weight of mutual expectations.  

By |2020-04-20T00:18:08+00:00January 5th, 2020|Coaching|1 Comment

Thoughts about Life

The following are some little gems, I have learned, and am learning about life: Money doesn’t buy character It’s the small daily happenings that make life spectacular Under everyone’s exterior is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved To ignore the facts doesn’t change the facts One of the ways to grow as a person is to surround myself with people who are smarter than I am Everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile You can’t often choose how you feel,  but you can choose what you will do about it When you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks

By |2020-04-20T00:16:33+00:00January 1st, 2020|Coaching, Development, Leadership|1 Comment
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