When leaders sacrifice themselves continuously to their jobs they can become trapped in what is known as the Sacrifice Syndrome. The Sacrifice Syndrome is the result of heavy responsibilities, the perpetual need to influence, and the pressure to get results. Sacrifice leads to Power Stress, a unique blend of stress that results from constant involvement [...]
We operate from three forms of energy – physical, emotional, and mental. Our energy in each of these areas becomes depleted as a result of not getting enough rest (physical energy), pushing the envelope on a project without a break (mental energy), or dealing with the stress that results from perpetual firefighting (emotional energy). Fast fixes [...]
When leaders demonstrate compassion, they understand the wants and needs of their people and feel motivated to act on their feelings. Compassion is empathy and caring in action. Empathy begins with curiosity about other people and their experiences; and leadership effectiveness is heighten when leaders work to understand other people without bias. The business case [...]
As we move into the end of the fourth quarter, it’s easy to become laser focused on what needs to be accomplished by year end. While all of this is important, remember to balance the work with relationship building. Remaining conscious of this balance will ensure that you are visible across the organization and create opportunities [...]
Empathy is an important aspect of relationship building. One’s ability to recognize, understand, and appreciate the way others feel is a core emotional intelligence skill. Empathy sits at the heart of all effective relationships. When you know a colleague at a personal level you will better understand what impacts their emotions and be in a better [...]
We are all multidimensional. Texture gives our dimensions character. An individual’s texture is created by the things that give them energy, their activities, interests and passions. Texture is also developed by perspective, which is the result of experience; and emotion, how we respond to our experiences. When others experience our texture, they are getting a [...]
The demands of leadership are diverse and can make it challenging to determine what and who gets your time and attention. However, access to the leader is critical to a team’s success, even when you are leading people who are highly skilled, self-directed, and able to make things happen. I’m reminded of a conversation with a [...]
The stories that reveal the most about us are usually the ones we would rather not share. Sometimes they are embarrassing, too painful, or make us feel vulnerable. I recently had a conversation with a leader who had experienced a challenging year. His son was in a car accident and he lost a sibling to cancer. [...]
Imagine a line between the words passive and aggressive; assertiveness lives at the midpoint of that line. It is the sweet spot; the place where you work with others by finding the right words at the right time to express your feelings and thoughts. To ensure that you don’t sway too far to the right or the [...]
Brand is rooted in authenticity. This means that before you can establish your personal brand you must be self-aware, and understand how you relate to the world and how the world relates to you. You'll know when you're there because your level of self-acceptance will require no affirmation. Your brand is your trademark. Every interaction with you sends the [...]
