Some people will think that “humble leadership” is a contradiction in terms. The stereotype that some have about a “leader” is that they are all about themselves, self-absorbed, and boastful. While there are certainly leaders like that, many of us don’t believe that it is what “true” leadership is all about. Jim Collins called it “Level 5” leadership in his excellent … [Read more...] about Humble Leadership
Inspiration
Celebrate Your Team
We all need some appreciation. In fact, research by Gallup shows that the ideal is to give employees recognition or praise for a job well done at least once a week. If you are not doing this, you are starving your team! We are all busy and giving a little gratitude can slip your mind if you let it. Here are a few tips from an article in Harvard Business Review to help … [Read more...] about Celebrate Your Team
Peace on Earth
Wars are raging. Hate crimes are on the rise, including Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and acts impacting people of color, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ Community, and essentially anyone who is not a WASPy straight, male (like me). If we ever needed more Peace on Earth, it is now. But what can just one person do about it? Christians are preparing to celebrate Christmas, Jews … [Read more...] about Peace on Earth
Build Your Leadership Legitimacy
You might have formal authority, but do you have “legitimacy?” Legitimacy is one of the things that separates a good leader from an exceptionally effective one. As per a recent article in Harvard Business Review: “A legitimate leader engenders good will and a feeling of personal connection with followers. . . (Leaders) who enjoy legitimacy can motivate loyalty and … [Read more...] about Build Your Leadership Legitimacy
Improve Your Change Effort
Leading a change is among the most challenging tasks executives take on. Change management guru, Dr. John Kotter, says that 70% of change efforts fail. Sometimes I wonder if the actual numbers are even higher. There are many changes you might like to lead – a change in culture, staff structure, new products and services, maybe a new financial model. But inertia and … [Read more...] about Improve Your Change Effort