It Doesn't Have To Be That Way

Low morale.. One of the most dreaded phrases in the world of work. This label is intended to soften the reality of a deteriorating workplace. Turnover is rising, staff are voluntarily heading out the door as fast as they can, and the ones that are left behind are not exactly who you hoped would be staying.

That's grim.

What To Do?
Um, really? How about a quick list:

1. Smile. Everyday. You may think this is lame, but you all know who the miserable leaders are in your organizations, and I'm betting they don't smile a whole lot. Don't be the miserable leader in your company.

2. Be positive. Yeah, I know the earnings report sucked, and you aren't sure if you'll be able to keep all of your employees. If you're not trying to stay positive you aren't going to inspire anyone, which means no creative ideas are being generated, which means you just became the self-fulfilling prophecy of a lame leader. Don't be the lame leader in your company.

3. Try new things. I say this a lot. Why? Because far too many HR pros hide behind compliance, conservative legal advice and old-school corporate culture and never actually push hard for changes. For God's sake go do something!

How About You

Are you proud that you can quote every line of every company policy, so you feel justified saying "no" and being stuck in the quagmire of your status quo HR career?

Or, are you sick and tired of living this way and are ready to break free? I say break free and call me! We can talk real strategy any time.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.




photo credit

Bigger Than [Corporate] Life

One of the exercises I love using when speaking to groups about the impact of good leadership is quite simple. I ask them to close their eyes, and visualize the person they feel was the most effective leader they had ever worked with in any capacity. The group invariably identifies “their” person almost immediately. Next we talk about the characteristics these special people demonstrated to attain such lofty status. Lastly, and my favorite part, is when I ask if in a few years another group of new leaders were being asked the same question, would the attendees have made a similar impression and be “the one?”

                       

Good stuff, right? The obvious challenge to the group is basically – “What are you waiting for? Be the leader you should be right now!”

And Then They Leave

But what happens when Wonder-Manager transitions out of the organization? I’m not talking about succession planning; I mean how does the organization fill the personality void? How do those left behind maintain the energy, focus, and most importantly – results – in the absence of such an impactful person?

Lay the Culture Foundation

The easy answer is to create a culture ahead of time so everyone is fully engaged, committed, supportive, blah, blah, blah. How many companies do you know that have all of their employees on board with every strategy all the time? I don’t know any either. So is this an unsolvable dilemma? The answer is not what you may think.

Why in the world would anyone want to preserve the status quo? Yes, a charismatic leader moving on is difficult, but it also opens up new opportunities that most aren’t even thinking about. Those left behind are initially, appropriately so, processing through the change. But holding on to “the good ‘ol days” even if they were yesterday, means you’ve stopped moving forward.

How About You

What happens when a sudden void opens up in your organization? Do you wring your hands; or, get fired up about the changes heading your way? Your reaction is being watched by so many…don’t waste the opportunity to show why you should be the one who’s name comes to mind in the next leadership session.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.


pics courtesy of listverse and doka

Leadership Freedom and the Status Quo

There is a certain sense of freedom that comes with leadership.  Often times we miss this piece as the burdens of big decisions, risks, goals, budgets, deadlines and employee issues monopolize our time.  But it is the freedom we need to embrace.

Take A Stand

Now you may think that I have a somewhat twisted view of freedom.  For me, having the ability (insert courage here) to take a stand for what is right represents a big part of leadership freedom.  The tired excuses of not having authority, or a proverbial seat, or enough respect just don't cut it.  You have all of these things...you just may not have enough courage to do anything about it. 

Except now you have the freedom...to take a stand. 

Break the Chains
Too often we allow our circumstances to dictate our path.  That only works if you're committed to wallowing in self pity.  You can break free of your situation but only if you're willing to do something.  Change will not come if you wait for it.  It will only come if you make it happen.  These limits may have felt too heavy a burden to carry in the past.


Except now you have the freedom...to break the chains.

 At What Cost
Are you afraid of being labeled?  Will you be known as someone who stirs the pot; or is a rebel; or isn't doing things the way they've always been done?  What price will you pay for pushing ahead of everyone around you?  Will you compromise your career?  Certainly that has never been a safe play, right?

Except now you have the freedom...to pay the cost.

How About You

Do you recognize the freedom you enjoy; or, are you trapped in a world of "status quo is the way to go?"  You've been hired to step up whether you realize it or not.  Do you have the freedom...to lead?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.


pics courtesy of calligraphy london and cafepress

Grow or Die: 3 Reasons Growing Is The Better Choice

By accepting your leadership position, you've indicated you WANT to do this job. That's right.  You signed up for this.  You applied, interviewed, and understood the role (Please don't use the excuse you didn't know what you were getting yourself into.  If that's true, it's your fault, not the company's.)  You wanted this job, and now you have it.

No More Status Quo


There is a fallacy in the world of work that the status quo is still a viable option.  If you believe in the status quo, it's time to call it a career.  The status quo = death.  At least your professional death.  How many leaders over the years have inspired people to do great things with their "cling to the status quo visionary style?"  Exactly zero, that's how many.


So you [read here -> WE] need to keep growing, learning, and doing.  It is truly the only option.  But how does one grow?  Easier said than done, right?


Protection - Step 1


Growth means protection.  Push yourself to make progress.  You won't be a sitting duck, an easy target, or find yourself being outpaced by someone else.  You will be in charge of you.  That's big.  But that protection only comes when you force yourself to get things done.


Exhilaration - Step 2


Growth means exhilaration.  Explore the world around you.  Reach out to your colleagues and ask questions.  This is not a sign of weakness; in fact, it's quite the opposite.  Only those strong enough on the inside, have the courage to ask for help on the outside (and gain the respect of those around them.)  You will feel energized about your work, but you have to take the first step.  No one is thinking about helping you...you need to make that happen.


The Work - Step 3


Growth is our work.  The perception that somehow growing professionally is an obstruction to our regular duties is simply absurd.  Working harder is not the solution for a challenging day, or week, or role.  Having too many "irons in the fire" will not result in better performance.  Growing professionally means you have successfully integrated this "grow" philosophy into how you do your work.  That is performance at a high level. 


What Are You (We) Waiting For?


How much more impactful will you be this week when you decide to grow in your approach to leadership?  Tap into the resources around you, take risks, succeed, and fail.  Allow your staff to see you trying new things.  You will build trust as a team, and guess what?  You'll grow.  Better yet, you won't die from trying.  Let me know what you decide.


I'd love to hear from you.


No Excuses.






pic courtesy of Despair