Anyone can lead. Anyone can get a job or hold a position that has some time of leadership role to it. And yet, not everyone can lead with intent. Not everyone can commit to it, focus on those they lead, develop programs for their growth and development, take them out of the fire, and lead them somewhere different. But those who do, get the most out of what they do, put in the effort, stand-alone,…
What you do, how you talk, how you move, and what actions you take. These are the examples you set for what you do. They are what define you, they are what people know you for, and they are how you are remembered. If you’re worried about how you are being perceived, maybe start there, in what you are doing, today.
Stories save us in learning, they are what help us understand what to avoid, where to go, and what to do. They save the work of trying everything out on your own. They can be simple or complex, but in the end, the value they provide to what you are doing is what makes adoption simpler. They tear down the barriers to growth by getting through the what-ifs. They can make you smile and relax…
A team needs principles, tenets, values, a mantra, a song, a theme… They need something they can get behind, something they can always fall back on when they are not sure what to do. If you’re making one for your team, some thoughts; Don’t do it by yourself – it can be a great team exercise. Keep it digestible – a page, a print-out, something that can be viewed everywhere and anywhere and doesn’t require…
Some of my most memorable one-on-ones have been a walk to get a coffee (or let’s be honest tea). They are not planned, they are not structured and they start with a simple question – “How is it going?” or “What do you think of this?”. You don’t need to make them a complex lunch, planning session, build-up that takes 1 hour. Most times you’ll get more out of that relaxed 15 min discussion.