Are you into leadership because of the power, the role, the status, or because of the challenges, the responsibility, the people that allow you to lead? It seems like a trivial question, and the answer is probably, for most, somewhat in the middle. But I can't count the leaders who stop at the prestige and … Continue reading Would you take it?
Category: leadership
Silence
Silence makes us uncomfortable. Yet without silence there is no listening. We spend entire conversations just waiting for out turn to speak, trying to cut the others short because our idea, our understanding, our experience is better, talking over each other, filling reflective pauses with jokes or irrelevant thoughts, getting annoyed because everyone is taking … Continue reading Silence
Opposition
We often find meaning and identity in opposition. Groups get stronger when they are attacked. Their members feel closer to each other when there is a stranger around, and they find agreement when the topic is a different group. And the more we are weak, the more this happens with intensity and fervour. The less … Continue reading Opposition
My door is always open
If your door is always open, you should go out in the world and see what's going on. Way to often the open door is a lazy excuse. Sure, come to me with your questions, doubts, concerns, just don't expect me to ask first. Because, well, you do not care. We keep reading of how … Continue reading My door is always open
Fan
If you want people around you to be motivated, be their fan. Cheer for them, clap for them, believe in them. Tell them they will be successful. Find what they are good at and nudge them. Promote them, advocate for their cause, put their work forward, write them references, and be their marketing department. Particularly … Continue reading Fan
Pick one
Since you have just started here / you have time / you have done it until now / I don't want to do it, why don't you take responsibility for this project? Or alternatively. I have noticed you working on a past project, and I appreciate how you could keep things on track while still … Continue reading Pick one
The big reveal
Our next project, the future of the team, the current state of affairs, the launch of the new product, the brand revamp, the newly appointed executive, the team member who is leaving. If we treat everything as a big reveal, sharing information with a restricted number of confidants while others are left reading tea leaves, … Continue reading The big reveal
Lack of communication
Silence is golden. Lack of communication is not. One can find comfort in silence. It is a moment of reflection, of expression, of deep connection. Leaders who learn the power of silence are better listeners, and their team members get in a habit of sharing. Lack of communication is on the opposite side of the … Continue reading Lack of communication
Not going to work
The things you say have a life of their own. They do not fade once you are done saying them. They keep floating, and those who have heard them carry them around for an indefinite amount of time. They change in meaning. They change in strength. They change in effect. Often they are still there … Continue reading Not going to work
Empty shells
Have you ever written down a list of the things you do? Particularly when you feel overwhelmed, it is useful to write down on paper the things you do regularly. Emails to write, reports to compile, meetings to attend, errands to run, people to talk to, tasks to complete, projects to finalize, and so on. … Continue reading Empty shells
