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?
Tag: trust
Outbursts
If you can delay your actions for just a few minutes, hold off your come back until the next break, take a couple of deep breaths, put the computer aside late in the afternoon and sleep on the issue. Then you will find yourself focusing on the content rather than the emotion. And when you … Continue reading Outbursts
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
The golden mean
I bought this yesterday, what do you think? Do you like my new haircut? I heard you were at my presentation, did you enjoy it? Honesty is a wonderful thing, but if you have ever had to answer the questions above (or any of their variations) you know that honesty has its dark side. Actually, … Continue reading The golden mean
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
Fairly and kindly
The things you believe you do to others, you actually end up doing them to yourself. The smart comeback to your colleague's comment is going to hurt a relationship that is important to you. The reply you have not sent to that important message is holding the project back and yourself accountable. The carefully planned … Continue reading Fairly and kindly
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