When in leadership, whether a formal position or informal, you have the opportunity to positively influence others. But some methods used to influence and motivate are more effective than others. Here is the most effective way (and least) to influence others.
Read more4 Traits Common to Successful Teams, Marriages and Boards
A leadership team, a married couple, and a board of directors are so very different! But they actually have a lot in common since each has a strong potential for conflict and yet cannot accomplish its mission without effectively working together. Here are 4 traits that contribute to success in each of these unique relationships.
Read more10 Tips for Managing a Crisis
Unexpected things happen. An employee embezzles funds. A disgruntled staff member attacks another member. A volunteer sexually assaults a constituent. Such crises can threaten the operations, reputation and overall health and well-being of the organization. While the crisis itself is damaging enough, it can get worse when managed unwisely. The following are ten tips for managing an organizational crisis.
Read moreWhy You Procrastinate & How to Conquer It
When you procrastinate, it’s easy for things to snowball out of control. In some cases, it can lead to outright panic, freezing you in your tracks and preventing you from getting anything done. Here are 12 causes of procrastination and how to conquer it.
Read more5 Leadership Lessons from a Fool
“Burglar Enters Escape Room, Can’t Escape, Calls 911.” Yes, you read that right. A guy breaks into an escape room (the idea of an escape room is to, you know, ESCAPE!) and can’t find his way out, so he called 911 to recuse him. As leaders, we should always look for lessons in the things we read. Here are some of mine…
Read more“Bring Your Best to Work Day!” – 4 Things to Take to Work with You Every Day
There is “Bring Your Child to Work Day” and “Bring Your Dog to Work Day.” And there is even “Bring Your Parents to Work Day”! Really! But what it would be like if we had a “Bring Your Best to Work Day”? Here is what that day might look like…
Read moreAre You Toxic? 5 Types of Toxic People and How to Know If You Are One of Them
We all have to grapple with toxic people – from those who are extremely self-centered to those who always say no. Here are five of the most common toxic people you will likely experience or even become.
Read moreLeadership Quiz – How Healthy Is Your Leadership?
Leaders have the opportunity to influence others for good… or bad. How healthy is your leadership? Use this quiz to find out.
Read more5 Quotes worth Discussing as a Team
Sometimes, all you need is a unique perspective to jump start the process at hand. Here are five interesting concepts and quotes that I believe are worth discussing with your team.
Read moreWhat’s More Important Than Compensation? 4 Benefits of Relational Connection at Work
What is the one thing that can bring huge benefits to the workplace? Hint: this doesn’t even cost the organization a penny. Relational connection can significantly benefit an organization – even more than compensation can! Cultivating a culture of relational connection can produce the following important benefits to organizations, their employees, and their leaders.
Read moreWould Your Team Trust a Stranger Over You? Here are 6 Ways to Build Trust
According to a Harvard Business Review survey, 58% of employees would trust a stranger more than their own boss! Ouch! Here are the top six things leaders can do to change that perception and build trust.
Read moreLeaders and Managers: Is there REALLY a difference? [INFOGRAPHIC]
Quite often, people make it sound as if leaders are first class and managers are, well, somewhere quite a bit below that! In reality, leaders and managers have a lot in common, and sometimes the dichotomy is a bit exaggerated. However, there are a few things that do differentiate a leader from a manager. Not good versus bad, just different.
Read more5 Quotes to Inspire Innovation in Your Team
The innovation process of idea generation, idea evaluation, and idea implementation is critical to create momentum but can also create challenges. The following quotes are worth discussing with your team when considering the strategies, benefits, and challenges involved in the innovation process.
Read more5 Changes Nonprofit Boards Should Consider as They Move into the Future
Serving on a nonprofit board can be very rewarding. However, I have heard complaints about serving on boards far too often. Here are 5 changes many nonprofit boards should consider as they move into the future.
Read moreFaith and Work: How to Be a Christian at Work Without Ruining Your Leadership Effectiveness
Christians in the marketplace – it’s where many of us spend the greatest amount of our time, yet our spiritual impact can be limited by our own attitudes and behaviors. Here are six ways to be a Christian at work without ruining your reputation for Jesus. After all, Jesus calls us to be different… not annoying.
Read more4 Ways to Shape Your Organization’s Culture
“Corporate.” “Casual.” “Friendly.” “Excellent.” “Ruthless.” Every organization, department, board, and even family has a culture – a unique climate created by the values and beliefs of the leader. Here are four ways you can shape the culture of your team or organization.
Read more9 Things Nonprofits and Businesses Can Learn from Each Other [Infographic]
It's easy to assume that our way is the best way. But nonprofits and businesses can actually learn a lot from each other. Here are 9 important lessons.
Read more15 Things That Will Deplete Your Credibility Bank
Here are 15 things that will quickly deplete your credibility bank and subsequently chip away at your leadership influence.
Read moreWhat to Do When a Leader Stumbles
The recent news regarding the accusations against pastor Bill Hybels, founder of Willow Creek and Leadership Summit, and his subsequent resignation have caused me to think more about life and leadership. Here are a few of my personal thoughts regarding what I should do when a leader falls.
Read more7 Reasons Why Plans Fail
Planning for the future is essential to create growth and momentum - but there are practices that are more effective than others. Here are seven reasons why plans end up failing.
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