If you live in the United States, you likely know it is Election Day. Direct mail, yard signs, neighborhood canvassers, radio and television ads and more – all add up to an important day in the life of a democracy. This post isn’t about politics, and while I have often written about what we can learn from politicians as leaders, the lesson today is different. The lesson … [Read more...]
Should You Ever Be Silly?
As leaders, we're often convinced that we need to be serious and put together all the time, but is that realistic or even recommended? I believe a certain amount of silliness and playfulness belongs in leadership. In part because being a great leader requires you to be transparent and real. All real human beings laugh, are playful and have fun sometimes, don’t they? Have … [Read more...]
Motivate Yourself With a New Routine
With everything that has happened, even the normally super productive and focused leaders among us are struggling to manage all the change and emotions. So, if you are like so many people who are feeling some unease and distress, it could be because your daily routine has been shattered. Building new routines can be a game changer for your productivity and happiness. Here … [Read more...]
When Should We Train New Leaders?
It's not a matter of if you're going to train your new leaders. It's a matter of when and how. Those are the questions I'm going to respond to in this video. https://youtu.be/QGk_YQlbCEY?rel=0&showinfo=0 Tweet it out: Being a new supervisor may be the biggest transition of a career. Make sure you are supporting their growth. @KevinEikenberry … [Read more...]
7 Critical Steps of Trust Building
There are many reasons why trust is important to leaders. With higher levels of trust you are able to influence change more easily and quickly. With more trust you are able to create higher levels of productivity and team cohesiveness. I could go on, but in short, being trustworthy and trusted are two of the most valuable attributes remarkable leaders possess. Here are … [Read more...]
The Key to Making Better Decisions
You work in the real world, a messy place filled with exceptions, complications and people. When you are making decisions in real-world organizations, you must factor the following into your decision-making process, if you want to make the best decisions: The relative urgency of the decision. How fast must it be made? When the urgency level is high and you need to get on … [Read more...]
Last-Minute Shopping List for New Leaders
When I look back on the Christmases of my childhood, I have lots of fond memories. I remember when I got my Hot Wheels track, all shiny and orange (the loop-to-loop was amazing). I remember when I got my rock tumbler that I wanted so badly (but barely used). I remember my electric football game (with the Joe Namath action figure). I remember my slot hockey table (and how … [Read more...]
Making Sure You Aren’t the Know-it-All
Some time ago, I did a video that was very popular about Dealing with a Know-It-All. Recently a viewer asked us a key question, though: What if the know-it-all is you? https://youtu.be/X_6e4fYDhqg?rel=0&showinfo=0 Tweet it out: There is a difference being knowledgeable and being a "know-it-all." Remember that no one wants a know-it-all leader. @KevinEikenberry … [Read more...]
Being Thankful for Criticism
Thanksgiving is Thursday, and today I am asking you to choose to be grateful for something that you may have never said "Thanks" for: criticism. Especially criticism that comes from your employees. When you are a new leader, I know it's hard to hear that you aren't doing well or that your ideas are flawed. Hearing that from people who report to you can be infuriating. … [Read more...]
The New Leader’s Morning Routine
Does your morning routine set you up for success? No, I'm not talking about what you do after getting out of bed. I'm talking about what you do when you get to work. https://youtu.be/i3f0HJ-bXGk?rel=0&showinfo=0 Tweet it out: How you start your day determines how you will lead all day. @KevinEikenberry … [Read more...]