To take a few new steps on your journey to inclusion, journal your responses to the following three questions.  As you write, consider how your behavior might show up in the experience of others who are culturally different from you along any number of dimensions of cultural diversity: When it comes to inclusion, my habit or […]

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Spirit of Purpose · 6 Ways to Manage Remote Team Members It goes without saying that managing remotely differs from managing in-person.  No more managing-by-walking-around.  There are fewer opportunities to give spontaneous feedback.  Standing and ad hoc meetings may still happen, but the rules are not exactly the same. Harvard Business Review contributor Sabina Nawaz offers 6 great […]

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C-level executives who seek out coaching support do so to improve their skills beyond those needed for their specific industry. Lolly Daskal, CEO of Lead From Within, says these five things are among the ways executives benefit from coaching. Assistance with self-awareness. They seek to build self-knowledge that can help them identify and address blind […]

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Every year, Gallup invites their client organizations to apply for the Exceptional Workplace Award.  Part of the process includes nominating the best managers in their organization.  Here are two things that stood out when 2019 Manager of the Year Finalists were asked how they lead, navigate change and develop successful teams.   One manager said he coaches his […]

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While personal styles among those who occupy the C-suite can vary dramatically, from the reserved and analytical to the warm, outgoing people person, exceptional leaders – those who get results in the short run and long-term – all share a special set of common characteristics.  And, it’s not technical competence, nor the gift of exceptional intellect.   […]

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In a recent Harvard Business Review article, the Dalai Lama shared his thoughts on ways leaders can contribute to a happier world and workplace.  He offered three ways leaders can BE to cut down on stress and anxiety, as well as build cultures of cooperation. Be mindful.  Don’t let destructive emotions like anger and attachment cloud your ability to […]

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Buddhist tradition describes three styles of compassionate leadership.  In a recent Harvard Business Review article, the Dalai Lama described how these styles operate. The Trailblazer is someone who leads from the front, takes risks and sets an example.   The Ferryman accompanies those in his care and manages the ups and downs of the crossing.   The Shepherd sees everyone of […]

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Strategic thinking is one of the most important skills today.  It comes with its own language that new and aspiring managers might not be accustomed to hearing or using. Here’s a quick primer from executive coach Helen Baxter Southworth. External scan means learning about the competition, it’s key players and the market forces that influence your business.  An internal […]

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Strong problem-solving skills are not only crucial in business, but also in life.  Some people do it well instinctually, while others could use advice on where to start or how to improve. Success.com consulted members of the Young Entrepreneurs Council to see how they hone their problem-solving skills.  Here are three of their suggestions. Reflect on your worst […]

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Success.com asked members of the Young Entrepreneurs Council how they strengthen their problem-solving skills.  Here are four of their answers.       Exercise creativity like a muscle.  WPBeginner’s Syed Balkhi suggests writing, doodling or brainstorming.  Express any idea, no matter how absurd, then whittle down your answers to the most useful ones. Change your perspective. Stephanie Wells of Formidable Forms says […]

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Relationships between leaders and their followers are driven by how leaders communicate their expectations.  Gallup recommends using a coaching style that creates engagement. To accomplish that, try asking process-oriented questions. Ask questions that give you perspective on each individual employee’s experience.  For instance, if someone is struggling to complete a report, you might say, “This report has […]

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Steven Cohen, author of “Leading from Within,” says regular meditation maximizes leadership performance by strengthening your capacity in what he calls the four leadership pillars: Build Awareness. Through meditation, you learn how to observe your thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations, without judgment.  Enhanced awareness will help you see situations more clearly, solve problems more readily.   Make Connections with people […]

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As a leader, you may often feel alone and isolated, especially when making critical decisions.  But you don’t have to go it alone.  Make it a practice to discuss concerns with colleagues inside and outside your organization.  Position the conversation as an opportunity to connect with a peer and share. To get the most out of your time, […]

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Having the right people in the right roles is critical for optimal business results.  Today’s fast-moving business environment leaves no room for employee stagnation.  High performing leaders actively assess their teams to ensure they’re positioned to maximize their contribution.  Here are three easy questions to ask yourself as you assess your staff.   Who delivers at or above expectation?  What […]

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In a recent Inc.com interview, Dr. Hossein Rahnama, a CEO and associate professor, says there are things he has learned while teaching that have informed his approach to leadership.  Here are three of the lessons he believes leaders can learn from professors. Ditch the “sit and listen” lecture model.  It’s not effective and employees would be better […]

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There are many reasons why an employee may feel job insecurity.  Whatever the reason, it can impact productivity and the company’s bottom line.  The solution may be in supportive managers.   Research shows that job insecurity significantly decreases the odds of employee engagement.  Gallup says the odds of engagement decrease by thirty-seven percent among employees who think their jobs […]

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According to Gallup, the executive least likely to become CEO is your Human Resources Officer.  It may be time to rethink this often-overlooked position.  Here are three reasons why. They can increase human capital returns during a merger and acquisition.  Harvard Business Review says failure to manage and motivate employees is why seventy to ninety percent of acquisitions […]

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If you’re losing your most valuable players, talent hoarding could be why. According to a recent Gallup article, when good employees believe that the only way up is out, they’ll look for and probably find new jobs.   Managers who are behind this dilemma, are only doing what comes naturally to them. They’re likely experiencing one of two […]

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When managers hoard talent, they may think they’re protecting their turf. But according to Gallup, they’re actually driving the best people away.  When great employees realize they won’t be given opportunities to move up, they’ll look for work outside the company. Gallup recommends these approaches to those responsible for managing human capital.   Realize you may already have […]

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Some leaders say they want to set stretch goals, but they stop short because they want certainty that their goals will be achieved.  They want plans that account for all possible outcomes and consequences. If this sounds like you, consider the following.   Knowing for sure that you will attain your goal probably means you have not set […]

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