You may not think of yourself as a leader but, if you are influencing others, you most certainly are! My definition of leadership is actions and behaviors that influence the actions and behavior of others. With a little conscious effort, we can all be more effective leaders, adopting the positive habits of those who touched us in some way. Here are a few suggestions to up your informal leadership game.
Read MoreThese are difficult times in the United States with wide-ranging challenges, as well as forces that magnify these issues: a media environment that rewards outrage over thoughtfulness; social media algorithms that exploit our worst instincts; and conflict entrepreneurs who benefit financially and politically by pitting us against each other. But we can each make a difference through individual actions.
Read MoreIt is easy to get sucked into doom and gloom these days, but I am reminded of the powerful Henry Matisse quote: “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” Then there is Gandhi’s insightful wisdom: "If you want to change the world, start with yourself." That last phrase is the hard part. It is human nature to want others to change, not ourselves. But there are practical steps we can each take to change for the better. . .
Read MoreThat is the name of a new National Governor’s Association initiative under the leadership of Utah governor Spencer Cox. I spent time with five state governors who were in NH for a day-long event based on the idea that, “We need to learn to disagree in a way that allows us to find solutions and solve problems instead of endlessly bickering.” We can’t just blame politicians; as one speaker observed, “we need to look at ourselves.”
Read MoreI listen to NPR, but doom and gloom in the news (including events in Ukraine where I once lived) can depress my mood. However, the “My Unsung Hero” segment always brings joy -- stories of someone touching another’s life in a small, but meaningful way. I strive to embrace this in daily life. For example, making sure the young woman who so positively welcomed me as a blood donor knew how much she was appreciated. My brother David was an unsung hero.
Read MoreIt is hard to “have it all,” but having a balanced life with a clear sense of purpose is vital for true success. Figuring this out this takes time and effort, but if we fail to invest the time, including periodic reviews and adjustments, we only have ourselves to blame when life boils over into inevitable frustration. Set aside time to write down key ideas and create a personal strategic plan for success.
Read MoreWhen we interact quickly or superficially with people, we have little influence and make little impact. But when we take the time to get to know them and build a relationship, we build trust and can have significant influence. “With people, fast is slow and slow is fast,” observes Stephen M. R. Covey. A combination of feedback and encouragement, in the context of open and honest discussion, can make a big difference in the lives of those you work with and the business’s bottom line.
Read MoreAn April NPR story ”How Do You Stay Optimistic in Spite of it All” invited listeners to submit perspectives. I sent: “It is easy to get swept up in the doom and gloom which permeates the media and online environment. Escaping from a victim mentality starts with gratitude. A second key step is infusing life with meaning and purpose.” What helps keep you optimistic in these challenging times?
Read MoreWhile leadership development has been a longtime passion, Growing Leadership LLC was formally created just five years ago on March 26, 2018 -- so happy birthday! But, what does it mean to grow leadership? My thinking is that it embraces two core ideas. First is the internal perspective: as leaders we must never stop growing.
Read MoreThree key aspects stand out for implementing big life changes: a clear vision, sound planning, and discipline to successfully execute. Being clear what you want to achieve (and why you want to do it) is essential and also very helpful when the going gets tough, as it invariably will. What changes are you resisting that could make your life better? Start with articulating a vision of what you want to achieve and why you want to do it.
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