When I speak with leaders I tend to attune to their language in order to understand their orientation toward the team. Some leaders speak about themselves profusely, using the words “I” or “me” so often that it sounds like they the only person in the department. Sometimes these leaders refer to the team as “my” [...]
To sustain desired behaviors, it is important to model them. Modelling happens when a person consistently demonstrates behaviors that point to a particular value system. Whether the modeled behavior is intentional or not, it gives permission to others to demonstrate actions that reflect a similar value system. In other words, modelling provides observers with the [...]
Communication can be a two-person exchange. You meet someone, get to know him or her, then take the steps you need to keep the relationship alive. With other introductions, you are delinquent allowing the would-be relationship to die a natural, disconnected death. The same is true in teams, when a new person joins a team, [...]
Feedback is a curious thing. The intention behind offering it is to bring about positive change, to modify behaviour. However, when criticism is offered, even when it is skillfully embedded in a non-judgmental tone, sounding supportive and authentic, persons on the receiving end can still feel attacked or embarrassed so responses like withdrawal, defensiveness or [...]
Power, in and of itself is neither positive nor negative, it is the intent behind it. Jackie is a manager who is ambitious, and focused on her movement up the corporate ladder. She aligns herself with executives and other coworkers who can help her attain her ambitions. She is prepared to throw her colleagues under [...]
At certain times in our careers we need to make decisions about up-levelling our lives and careers. Some persons are loyal to their organizations, waiting for their supervisors to recognize their contributions and potential. They wait and wait, and sometimes they are rewarded with a promotion if they wait long enough. This is because the [...]
No two cultures are the same, even if they have similar qualities these characteristics manifest in different ways. I have encountered collaborative work environments where persons can be ready and willing to work together, I have also come across innovative teams that are focused on creating, planning and implementing. On the unproductive side of the [...]
I sometimes encounter cultures that exhibit control in different ways. In some of these cultures, employees are exposed to autocratic leaders whose leadership style ensures these employees will not take initiative. In fact, in some highly controlled cultures, I have encountered leaders who go as far as saying “I don’t pay you to think, just [...]
I have witnessed a number of leaders who have meaningfully transformed themselves and their leadership. In each case, the first step was the most difficult. This is because when these leaders were ready for deep transformation, it meant it was time to come face-to-face with the reality of who they really are. They had the [...]
Emotions operate like a virus, traveling from person to person, creating a collage of feelings. When emotions are allowed to flow unabated, they can cause a virus that connects with the team that can be productive or unconstructive. Your tone of voice amounts to how you say what you have to say. When you are [...]
