Aspiring for “excellence” can lead to an inspiring environment of achievement. But it can also lead to a neurotic atmosphere of fear. I once was talking with a new team member as part of his on-boarding process, when I mentioned to him that “excellence” was one of our core values. “Oh no,” he sighed. “Not…
3 Ways To Know It’s Finally Time To Kill Off A Good Idea
As a leader, you must be able to start things. You must be able to complete things. And, more often than you’d think, sometimes you have to put an end to things. In leadership, sometimes you just have to kill off a good idea. But how can you tell if it’s time to kill off…
3 Times When Saying, “I Don’t Know” Is A Terrible Leadership Response
When a leader responds to a question by saying, “I don’t know”, it can reveal transparency and authenticity. But sometimes, “I don’t know” is the very worst thing you could say as a leader. Increasingly, leaders are being coached that “It’s okay to say ‘I don’t know’”. This is a largely positive trend and, in…
5 Worn-Out Phrases That Can Actually Hurt Your Leadership
What you believe as a leader will ultimately determine who you become as a leader. Unfortunately, the beliefs that many leaders cling to are not only outdated, but they can severely limit the growth potential of a leader who subscribes to these ideas. Here are five of the most commonly held leadership beliefs that could…
In Your Leadership, Are You Missing the Messages Hidden in Silence?
Effective leaders know that the art of communication is as much about listening as it is about talking. But to really master this art, leaders must learn to listen to, and interpret, silence as much as they listen to words. If you’re going to really understand what is happening with your team and with your…
