Spirit of Purpose · A Leadership Style That Reduces Stress When we think workplace strain and fatigue, we tend to think first about workers – those in positions other than management.  But a recent Gallup report indicates managers are experiencing higher levels of stress and burnout than their reports, which impacts their own level of engagement and productivity, as well as their […]

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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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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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Often, leaders are extroverts with lots of charisma and energy. But two related studies from Ohio State University reveal that there are limits to how effective that personality trait can be.  The two subject groups included 260 undergraduate students and 337 employees at a large Chinese retail company. The research found that extroverted leaders tended to […]

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Researchers at the UK’s University of Exeter have found that having a high-quality relationship with employees is good.  But, to build loyalty, leaders have to make employees feel like their relationship with them is important.   While I often encourage my clients and podcast listeners to look within for validation, let’s also remember that we’re members of […]

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Are you a leader who struggles to see the value of building relationships with your team?  Do you see the personal stuff as a distraction? Harvard Business Review says this is a recipe for high turnover and lower productivity.  They offer five ways to adjust your management style. Get Feedback. Ask key stakeholders to rate your focus on […]

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A recent McKinsey & Company article delved into a report from Deloitte Global, where they interviewed two thousand C-Suite executives in nineteen countries, and found four types of leaders who are successful in this – the early part of Industrial Revolution 4.0. The Super Socials. These leaders have cracked the code of doing well by doing […]

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It may not surprise you to hear that only 26 percent of c-level positions at S&P 500 companies are held by women. According to research conducted at University of Buffalo School of Management, men are still more likely to be perceived as leaders than women. The researchers point to societal pressure and differences in personality […]

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 If you aspire to become a leader, but your title is still something less, Forbes.com contributor William Arruda offers these five tips to help others see you in a leadership role. Master the mindset. Look way beyond your to-do list to the bigger picture. Think of ways you and the work you do can […]

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6 Leadership Styles That Inspire & Motivate According to Forbes.com contributor Joseph Folkman, inspiration and motivation top the list of what employees crave from their leaders. But people who lead are falling dramatically short on delivering. One possible reason – their approach may not come from a place of authenticity. There are many ways to […]

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  A CareerBuilders survey says 71% of employers value emotional intelligence, or EQ, over IQ. Many employers believe people can be taught “hard,” or technical skillls more readily than EQ, the required softer, human relations skills. I agree with their assessment. For more than 30 years as a speaker, leadership development expert and executive coach, […]

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A recent Forbes article took a fresh look at what it takes to be an inspiring leader.  The six qualities described go beyond charisma and give proof that successful leadership not a one-size-fits-all equation. Do you possess the qualities that make others want to follow you? Are you a visionary – someone who provides a […]

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Carol was recruited to create change.  Her expertise was just what the company needed…or so they said. One day, after yet another barrage from her team of, “That won’t work here.” “We tried that before.”  “The company will never go for that.” Uncontrollably, she blurted out, “I don’t buy that!  It is doable.  We can […]

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Charles, a senior-level coaching client, told me that early in his career, his mentor advised him to be smart enough to be humble, versus proving how smart he is. No matter the job level of the person he’s interacting with, Charles’ mode of operation is always to be collegial and collaborative. Here are the principles […]

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