The term, attitude gets a bad rap most of the time. We associate attitude with words such as bad, uncooperative, truculent, antagonistic. When was the last time you heard someone say, “That person has an attitude,” and you interpreted it as a compliment? Attitude needs a p.r. campaign.
There are no courses, books, or even alchemical formulas that replace the hard work essential for learning to lead. Here are 10 hard-won lessons for anyone in search of success as a leader:
The next time you come face-to-face with someone offering different ideas or coming from a world you don’t know or understand, slow-down and listen. And then listen harder. Don't let the pressure to conform with convention keep you from the right decision.
Annual resolutions are tempting but mostly empty promises easily discarded. Effective leaders work hard at identifying opportunities to improve daily. Here are some tools to help your cause:
The gravitational pull of the status quo is powerful in every organization. It takes rebels and rebellion to change. While breaking the rules always comes with risk, learning to guide others through constructive rule-breaking in pursuit of needed changes is a great way to grow your success.
Sometimes we're reminded that our actions in the present create someone else's backstories and memories. As a leader and manager, you have the unique opportunity to directly impact the lives and careers of the people you encounter. Make certain your impact on people ripples positively through time.
I've long been convinced we work our way to professional success one challenging conversation and one challenging situation at a time. (Think about it.) Of course, learning to succeed in those moments is the critical part. That's why we put together our online/on-demand program, Crushing It with Challenging Conversations.
The absence of respect breeds toxicity among individuals and across the workplace. Instead of being blinded by your brilliance it pays to take the time to look, listen, learn, and value the person across the table from you. You’ll be pleased with results, including the respect you'll receive in return.
Challenging conversations are inherent in a manager's job, yet this knowledge doesn't make it any easier when you have to sit down and let a good person know they're not cutting it and it's time for them to go. While you own doing everything in your power to coach, train, and support them, in some instances, the individual's abilities don't match up with your firm's and the job's needs. Here's guidance on handling this tough situation with clarity and empathy.
Taking a cue from the late President George H.W. Bush, character and moral compass are essential for good leadership. Here are some ideas to help you bring them to life.
