We’re supposed to show appreciation – as leaders, as friends, as community members, within our families. It’s a good thing, right? And it’s often expressed verbally. “You’re awesome!” “You rock!” “You’re amazing!” Other times, it’s about something specific. “You did a great job on that report – thank you.” Being specific about appreciation – about what we’re responding to – …
Are leaders allowed to get angry?
Once upon a time, I barked at an employee who was pushing back on a client request. I completely understood his pushback; he was right, and the client was wrong. But this was what the client wanted, so “right” and “wrong” weren’t relevant. (To be clear: it wasn’t going to break anything, including the law; it was a difference of …
Are you sturdy?
Sturdy. It is – in my opinion – a woefully under-used word. And as someone who frequently rants about over-used words, a.k.a. buzzwords, I’m delighted to find an under-used word that’s so useful. Sturdy. Are you sturdy? According to various online dictionaries, “sturdy” is usually applied to someone’s – or something’s – physical qualities: strong, unlikely to break, solid. Let’s …
Leadership is an individual choice
Leadership – humane, strong, forthright leadership – has always been important. It’s how companies succeed, communities grow, and families thrive. We’ve generally looked at leadership as something done at the head of a group – a team, a department, a company, a community. But there’s a lot more to leadership than that – and a lot of leadership happens quietly. …
Leadership perfection
If I sucked you in with that title – if your eyebrows rose, if your internal voice scoffed, “Yeah, right!” – then I did exactly what I meant to do. If, on the other hand, you read that and felt a sinking feeling in your stomach, a knot in your shoulders, if your head drooped a bit – then you’re caught …
And then there’s Power
So, what about leadership and power? I was thinking about this question after last week’s article “Why lead?” Some people confuse leading with having power. And yes, leaders have power, but that’s not what’s important for true leadership. Those who go into leadership for the power it confers upon them aren’t leaders, in my view; instead, they’re likely to be toxic petty …
Why lead?
To lead or not to lead – is that the question? (With apologies to the Bard, Will Shakespeare.) And, yes, that is, or should be, the question. Because too many people accept a promotion to leadership who don’t really want it. Too many people accept that promotion not really wanting the responsibility and, yes, burden, of true leadership. They take …
Did someone say “doodlepop”?
“Doodlepop.” “Said Cat.” Sometimes the smallest, most inconsequential things become … something meaningful. About nine years ago, we briefly rented a house before buying the one we’re currently in. The rental agreement included a clause about “damage caused by said cat.” We’ve referred to Flicker as “said cat” ever since. Not quite eight years ago, we took our then-puppy for …
Is individuality a problem?
Yes. And no. There, clear as mud, right? Let’s look at the opposing arguments. Yes, individuality is a problem… … when it takes over and squashes good management and leadership. There are too many instances of the Star Employee! who’s So Great! and responsible for So Much! that they Can’t Possibly Be Fired! Even though they’re bullies, undermining team morale …
Who defines respect?
Respect is a key element of trust. It’s impossible to trust someone you don’t respect. (I’d argue it is possible to respect someone you don’t trust, but that’s a whole different conversation.) As leaders, we can say we respect our people – but – news flash – what we think or say doesn’t matter. What does matter is what they …