I have a friend who decided that he was going to write a thank you note to every single person he never thanked enough. He limited himself to one per week, and it was a one and a half year project. … Read More
For the last two or three years of my career as a teacher, I was able to finally be somewhat effective with those students who were so very different than me.
This affirms two huge things:
One, effective communication and leadership are behaviors that can be learned and practiced behaviors.
Two, DiSC is powerful.
I have become an Inscape Publishing authorized distributor of DiSC products; not because it adds to my “bag of tricks” as a consultant, but because it can make a profound, immediate, actionable difference in the lives of the people who grow to understand it, even at the most rudimentary level; all I did was hear about it and learn a little bit about it and it made a powerful difference. It changed my life, and that is why I use it and recommend it to everyone. … Read More
Sometime, when people are urged to take a positive approach to leadership, there is some push-back. Some people seem to equate “positivity” with being super-nice, but being kind is much deeper than a spewing of empty compliments like “good job” or “nice work” or “super!”
An approach that upholds high standards and is very specific about behavior is positive, but not soft. Be rigorous, not ruthless. … Read More
What can you do to avoid getting bored yourself, with your own routine?
What’s comfortable and automatic for you? Consider ditching it.
Keep moving, keep challenging yourself to do new things, and keep using new words to catch the attention of others. Bonus points if you make them smile… … Read More
Successful leaders consistently find ways to avoid “me, myself, and I” in their communications; this keeps the focus on others. A nice exception; the use of personal failures to make points. Self-deprecation is… … Read More
Cut people some slack. Really, you never know what kind of a day they’re having, how bad their insomnia is, whether they’ve suffered a major loss, or whatever other darkness they carry.
Because grace is something everyone needs to learn, and leaders sometimes act out of fear – “I’ll look weak!” we think. Pick some moments to cut people some slack.
At least, you’ll inspire loyalty because you’ve shown compassion, and at best, you’ll teach grace. And that can change the world. … Read More
