By Kevin Eikenberry Have you ever heard someone say (or maybe you have said or thought it yourself): “That book changed my life.” While I do believe reading is important, I believe that statement is, by definition, false. A book cannot change your life (or my life). Only you can make that change. There are many books that have had an impact on my life as a … [Read more...]
Is Conflict Avoidance a Good Leadership Strategy?
By Kevin Eikenberry Conflict avoidance, as a general statement isn’t a good idea. Left unchecked and unaddressed, conflict tends to grow, not recede. But the question here is about you, as a leader, and whether conflict avoidance is a good idea. The answer is, it depends. If someone on the team is coming to you, telling you about what someone else is doing wrong -and … [Read more...]
Taking Over Management of a Hybrid Team
Guest post by Ainsley Lawrence Every new manager gets confronted with challenges. Leadership classes and experience working under other managers can help you gain some of the skills and insights you need to oversee a team of workers, but there will always be elements of the job that you have to learn through trial and error. The rise of hybrid work arrangements has … [Read more...]
When Will My Team Get Back to Where They Were Before the Pandemic
By Guy Harris In recent Bud to Boss workshops, I have been getting a question similar to the title of this post in several ways. While the questions are not always phrased the same way, they tend the same direction: longing for a return to “normal” as we reach the end of pandemic-imposed lockdowns, shutdowns, and isolation. Every situation is a bit different, and the … [Read more...]
5 Easy Ways to Accidentally Make Your Employees Hate You
Guest post by Indiana Lee Being a good leader is no easy task. You’re responsible for helping your employees reach their goals, fostering a positive workplace environment, and pushing for productivity without alienating anyone. Finding a management style that works for you is important; however, your style should never come at the expense of employee happiness. You might … [Read more...]
What is the Best Way to Build My Leadership Skills?
By Kevin Eikenberry What is the best way to build my leadership skills? It is a question I hear often. It is an understandable question that comes from a great intention. And I hate the question. I don’t hate the intention behind it – in fact I love it. But the question itself? Not so much. Let me explain. This question is like so many other questions that I frame as the … [Read more...]
Why Taking Time for Yourself Will Make You a Better Leader
Guest post by Dr. Dennis O'Neil and Greg Hiebert When you’re a new leader, it can be easy to let self-care fall to the bottom of the list of priorities, but actually, it needs to remain near the top. Self-care, to some, may feel indulgent—as though you are neglecting other priorities for selfish reasons. In caring for your body, mind, heart, and spirit, you actually … [Read more...]
How to Deal with a Persistently Negative Team Member
By Guy Harris One fairly common question I get from Bud to Boss workshop participants is: How do you deal with a persistently or aggressively negative team member?” While the full answer in a given situation depends on many situation-specific details, there is a thread of common themes that applies to almost all of my experiences with the issue and the conversations I … [Read more...]
Stop, Drop, and Role: Putting Out Fires
By Kevin Eikenberry I’ve worked with well-meaning, highly-principled leaders for years. When I talked to these leaders about coaching and developing their team, I kept hearing that, although they know that coaching and developing their team is important, there are too many things that get in the way. They want to coach more, but they don’t have time because they are too busy … [Read more...]
When Does Leading Get Easier?
By Kevin Eikenberry Leadership is hard work. You may have heard or read me say it – and chances are you have experienced it – the transition to being a leader is likely the hardest transition of your professional life. To do it well requires dedication, discipline, attention, and a lot of skill. Then, the natural question is – when does it get easier? I’ll … [Read more...]