Why don’t you say what’s on your mind – constructively, of course? Why do you feel there is a bowling ball in your gut when you have to offer someone feedback? Why do you hide behind the formality and rigor of the rules and forms when someone fails to perform? As much as there is…
Working with a client group recently and the question came up, “How can I find time to develop people while running my business?” You can develop and be in constant training mode with your employees as long as you are willing to stay engaged, communicate fully and constantly ask great questions. Training can be a big…
Communication is Behavior How many times have you thought, “Well that’s just the way I am” and used that as a reason for a circumstance in your life? How many times have you discounted people on your team with the thought, “She’s always been that way. She can’t change”? How often do you justify how…
All people have a default pattern of communication behavior. When you are not thinking or not actively looking to influence or connect, you just show up the way you are. However, your default communication style may not get you want you desire. This is especially true when your style is diametrically opposed to another’s. Communication…
To understand accountability is to take a giant leap forward in understanding Emotionally Intelligent Leadership. Accountability is defined as the quality of being answerable to another for actions taken. You can answer to yourself or can answer to another individual or group. At the core of it, a promise is made: You agree to answer…
We teach people how to treat us. This is especially harmful when we throw on our hero cape and step in front of a natural consequence which is about to occur for someone else. First Scenario: Rainstorm is about to arrive and the bikes are outside. Thought Process: It’s so much easier for you to…
There were torrential downpours last week in the area of the U.S. which I live. Spring showers on steroids, it poured and poured. I love the rain and I love a good thunderstorm. So I was feeling cozy in my house with a quick check of the basement to make sure it was dry, and…
I love to watch the flight attendants when I fly. The ability to provide efficient and quick service while maintaining friendliness and watchfulness reminds me of a well-orchestrated ballet. On a recent flight from San Diego to Chicago, I was watching one particular attendant as she took care of the requisite drink orders. When delivery…
Feel What You Feel Can you remember the last time you lashed out at someone (probably someone close to you) and the lashing had nothing to do with the present situation? Can you remember the last time someone had an over-the-top reaction to you and you wondered where in the world that came from? To…
Celebrating Mother’s Day last weekend I bowed in reverence to the juggling act of motherhood. Mothers (and inspired leaders) are skilled at managing everything from multiple schedules to financial planning; from creating visions (usually for your children!) to trusting that the course correction is for the best; from standing up to small-minded teachers and celebrating with those who really get…