We wonder what has changed with the world. This new generation, those Millennials, are shaking up the workforce and the way we live in a way not seen since the Baby Boomer generation. But it is not just the Millennials. Plenty of us belonging to “other” generations have long held the same desire for work that was more than just a paycheck; for purpose and meaning for the time and energy we invest 8 plus …
How do you move from paycheck takers and role fillers to building a team of contributors? Teammates and colleagues who are just as driven as you, the owner or leader, in the purpose and focus of the organization. This is a point of frustration we see with many clients and it sounds something like this: Isn’t it enough that I’ve built an organization and am providing employment? Do I have to offer unlimited PTO, a …
It happens in groups large and small. The great divide between leadership and the rest of the organization. In my work with clients I have the opportunity to observe this divide and would like to share a few thoughts on why I think it occurs. The relationship between boss and team member, owner and employee is fraught with tension. In an employment at will state such as Texas, the employee is just two words away …
Who are the people that “get it done” on your team? They are likely easy to identify by the long “to-do” lists that are completed. Daily. They turn the plans of the Strategic Thinkers into action and back up the promises of the Influencers. Many of us mistakenly think we lead with Executing because we get things done. Do you lead by Executing or are you simply a human doing? The true Executors among us …
Strategic Thinkers add a dimension to the team that considers what could be. Futuristic, in the now or considering past events, they analyze the inputs to inform decisions. As careful considerers, they often need time to contemplate all the options. You might recognize these contributors as the “smart” ones in the room. The value of Strategic Thinkers in a team is obvious, however their talents may not always show in the brightest of light. The …
George Bernard Shaw said “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” A powerful statement and frankly, it simply sums up a challenge we deal with on a daily basis. Spouse to spouse, parent to child, co-worker to co-worker, you to barista and assuming that we all are speaking the same language and in our native tongue, what happens from lip to ear? Communication is more than the words …
Act! Act now! Act on the information you’ve received. Asking for feedback requires action, particularly when asked of employees. Consider a few situations. If asking has determined that someone on the bus is not a fit, act now. Moving quickly can preserve the culture and morale of the team. It also increases trust, one of the four attributes of great leadership. It may be hard to believe but relieving the team of a bad fit …
Who wants to be on the bus you are driving? Can you tell by the glazed eyes and distracted glances at the smartphone in the weekly meeting? Probably not. Discovering who wants to be on the bus starts with the hiring process, and continues from there. However, you can’t ask if they want to be on the bus if you can’t tell them where the bus is headed! Start with the company’s vision and purpose …
In “A Winning Team Begins With You” we identified that great teams come from great leaders. And that leadership begins with you. Our preference is to look at others’ performance as a reflection that they are not capable; that a failing within the other person is the reason for underperformance. While at times that can certainly be the case, great teams are created with great leadership and that is determined by you. Look inside How …
Over the past few weeks, it has occurred to me over and over again, that a feeling of tiredness or fear may be something entirely different. Getting out of bed each morning is a very simple example. Even with 7 or more hours of sleep it is difficult to rouse the body from the prone position. “I’m so tired” or “Shouldn’t I sleep until I don’t feel tired” may be what we are inclined to …
Do you yearn for a formula for success? A combination of elements that would make moving through your personal and professional life easier? Have you found it in the articles and blogs promising the “7 Keys to Outperformance” or “Perfecting Balance in an Imperfect World?” While enticing, most of us have discovered that these resources serve as helpful reminders or insightful ideas, yet they aren’t the solution we seek. I would love to give you …
In dressage we use a phrase “on the aids” to describe when we have the horse’s full attention and he is listening to us. You might think that’s a constant with a rider on the back. Have you ever ridden on one of those vacation trail rides? The kind where the horses follow nose to tail? That horse is not on the aids and is paying zero attention to you. In fact, he likely believes …
Focusing on strengths brings out the best in ourselves and in others. A few statistics* demonstrate the value of focusing on what is right with people. People who learn to use their strengths every day have 7.8% greater productivity. Teams who focus on strengths every day have 12.5% greater productivity. Teams who received strengths feedback have 8.9% greater profitability. Employees who received strengths feedback have 14.9% lower turnover. These are impactful and meaningful numbers to …
Forward motion allows a heavy object to become more mobile. Consider this: In dressage, my sport of choice, a horse and rider attempt to become one unit, moving together in harmony with fluidity while executing impressive movements. The horse weighs between 900 to 1,200 pounds on average and has four legs and a long neck to coordinate. The rider, much to people’s surprise, does not remain on the horse’s back by gripping with the legs. …
Planning has its advantages but at what point do you stop planning and start executing? This is a time of year when we pause to take stock of our accomplishments and shortcomings over the past year and are laying the groundwork, the plans, for what we will accomplish in the coming years. How much forethought and planning is required? When do you know to move forward? The turning of the calendar to a new year is …
Engagement is the new buzzword. Not only for employees but you will hear it used for customers as well. What does it mean to engage? As defined by Merriam-Webster engagement is: an arrangement to meet or be present at a specified time and place a job or period of employment especially as a performer emotional involvement or commitment betrothal the state of being in gear a hostile encounter between military forces We will disregard the …
What does it take to have an engaged workforce? Is it a Ping-Pong table in the breakroom and unlimited vacation and sick pay? Is it a flexible work environment allowing employees to set their own schedules? If your eyes were rolling and you were wondering just how you were going to make that happen, worry no more. According to research conducted by Gallup®, these types of fringe benefits are not what make an engaged workforce. …
Recently I had the opportunity to volunteer as a mentor/coach to a group of business women. The event provided that various coaches address different topics and the women could choose three of the 30 minute topic discussions to join. My topic was “Accelerate Performance”; a topic that could be defined in many ways leaving the conversation to be shaped by the needs of the participants. Of the nine women I had the pleasure to meet …
As a financial advisor I learned technical concepts and developed knowledge and skill around the fundamentals of financial planning. What are the payoffs of investing in the stock market, real estate or other ventures? What level of risk is required to generate the return? Will the return be sufficient for the client’s needs? How much will the client earn and how much can be saved? What I learned in twenty-plus years of financial advising is …
Are you too close to your vision to see it clearly? Have you ever held something close to your face in order to see it clearly only to discover that it comes into focus when you hold it farther away? Or am I just revealing my age here?? At a recent client retreat we filled pages and pages of those giant sticky notes with ideas, thoughts and suggestions that poured forth from the team members. …