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...]
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...]
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...]
Be Nice: It’s a Leadership Skill
By Kevin Eikenberry I have noticed a theme in my life, and this theme has a great deal to do with your ability to lead your team successfully. The theme is stated simply on a t-shirt that I have that I wore at Halloween. It said: "Just Be Nice" I love the shirt and the message because I believe that we all need to be reminded sometimes of the importance of … [Read more...]
5 Ways You Can Recharge: Mind, Spirit, and Productivity
By Kevin Eikenberry Experts say that people are truly complex bundles of energy. Therefore, it makes sense to think about how we can manage, use, and increase the amount of energy in our bodies and minds. Why? Because when we are better energy managers, we can create better results in all areas of our lives. The topic of personal energy is much larger than can be covered … [Read more...]
How to Keep the Project Running When You’re Under Stress
Guest post by Eun Rockwell At some point in your career, you'll encounter stressful situations on the job. A new assignment may loom larger than life. Unforeseen events like illness or family problems can cause stress. Asking for assistance too late has led many project managers to fail and watch the job fall apart. How can you prevent this? Planning ahead is … [Read more...]
The Six Secrets You Need to Boost Your Confidence
By Kevin Eikenberry Have you ever seen the movie or stage musical The Sound of Music? If so, you probably remember Maria leaving the Abbey to become a governess. As she winds her way through town toward the von Trapp mansion, she sings about her lack of confidence in her ability to succeed in this role. In the course of the song, she convinces herself that she can be … [Read more...]
Three Commitments that Leaders Must Make
By Kevin Eikenberry Perhaps this title is a little misleading. What I mean is, you don’t necessarily have to make any of these commitments. However, the degree that you don’t make them, you will reduce your success as a leader. There is a direct correlation between a leader’s commitment and their success. Given that profoundly important point, perhaps a more accurate … [Read more...]
Why New Supervisors Absolutely Must Make Time for Self-Care
Guest post by Justin Bennett When you’re a supervisor, your decisions have a far-reaching impact, affecting not just you, but also the people around you. It’s a weighty – and stressful – responsibility you shoulder. It’s the kind of responsibility that keeps you up at night and wears you down slowly (if you let it). The only way you’re going to sustain yourself … [Read more...]
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
By Guy Harris Most new, front-line leaders have a history of being excellent individual performers. They are good at what they do, and, as a result, they get the opportunity to move into leadership. It makes sense in so many ways, and that common path to leadership can also create a challenge. The challenge comes when front-line leaders continue to act like individuals on … [Read more...]