Avoiding feedback with poor performers often starts as a kindness. Managers don’t want to demoralize someone, create conflict, or open a conversation they’re not sure how to finish. But over time, silence stops being neutral. It becomes a decision, and one that carries real consequences.
Read MoreSome organizations say they value employee growth, but employees pay closer attention to what is actually rewarded. In many workplaces, advancement still appears tied primarily to managing people, even when an employee’s greatest strengths lie in technical expertise,
Read MoreEmpowerment and delegation are essential leadership skills for senior executives. Essential but also sometimes seemingly impossible. By mastering these skills, senior execs can create a high-performance culture where employees are motivated to excel, collaborate, and innovate.
Read MoreIn many organizations, engagement is measured, tracked, and reported with precision. Dashboards are reviewed, survey scores are analyzed, and action plans are created. Yet even with all that data, leaders are often left wondering: Do we actually understand how our people are experiencing their work?
Read MoreA few years ago we introduced a strengths-based framework to managers overseeing the frontline maintenance, operations teams in a regional transportation agency. For these leaders, their effectiveness is often judged by one thing: whether the work gets done.
Read MoreLeadership development doesn’t start at the executive level and it doesn’t end there either. This month, Sara’s coaching conversation challenges a common assumption: that leadership readiness is about capability alone. In reality, it’s just as much about environment, feedback, and awareness at every level of an organization.
Read MoreA few years ago, when we introduced a strengths-based framework to managers overseeing frontline maintenance, shop, and fleet administration and operations teams, the most useful conversations did not center on people at their best.
Read MoreThis month, Sara’s coaching conversation poses a few questions centering on a powerful, and often uncomfortable, truth: The way we communicate doesn’t just express culture. It creates it.
Read MoreA report from Korn Ferry puts the spotlight on what employees really want and what leaders need to do about it. The big takeaways? Upskilling is non-negotiable, company culture isn’t just a buzzword, and if you’re not offering flexibility, you’re already losing the battle for talent.
Read MoreIn our fast-paced world of leadership, the recipe for success isn't just about strategy and execution—it's about how you lead people. I found the data aggregated into four themes: Empowerment and Development, Courage and Accountability, Collaboration and Teamwork, and Vision and Influence. Let's dive into each of these themes and how each of them tends to show up in the workplace.
Read MoreStrategic thinking is a must-have for senior executives who are steering their organizations through the chaotic, ever-changing business world. It means thinking critically, anticipating future trends, and developing innovative strategies that align with the organization's mission and vision.
Read MoreVisionary leadership is a transformative leadership skill that distinguishes exceptional senior executives. It involves the ability to envision a compelling future for the organization and communicate that vision in a way that inspires and mobilizes teams.
Read MoreDecision-making is a critical leadership skill for senior executives, as their choices influence the direction, success, and sustainability of their organizations. Effective decision-making involves evaluating risks, considering multiple perspectives, and aligning choices with the organization's goals.
Read MoreAccountability and integrity are fundamental leadership skills for senior executives, as they set the tone for organizational culture and influence employee behavior. Senior executives must exemplify ethical values and take responsibility for their actions and decisions. A culture of accountability and integrity not only fosters trust among employees and stakeholders but also enhances the organization's reputation and long-term success.
Read MoreEffective communication stands as the cornerstone of successful leadership, especially for senior executives who are responsible for guiding organizations towards their vision. It is a dynamic skill that enables leaders to articulate a clear vision, inspire and motivate their teams, and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Read MorePower is a goal that many strive to gain. In a workplace, people have different levels of power. Leaders may use their power in a variety of ways, and informal leaders in an organization may also exert power in other ways. But what exactly is power? What kind of impact does it leave, and how does it connect with opportunity and responsibility?
Read MoreIt’s hard to find a one-trait-fits-all for leadership. None are always effective, and no one trait works the same in every situation. In the right hands, most approaches or skills can be highly impactful for a leader who truly understands their potential and can modify their approach to the situation at hand. However, when traits are misinterpreted or used incorrectly, they can have unintended consequences to the team and organization's detriment.
Read MoreWhen working with clients, I often get asked to break down the difference between Leadership, leadership, Leader, and leader. While it may seem on the surface to be mere capitalization or semantics, we learn and ascribe key differences to each of these terms that it’s important to unpack.
Read MoreLeadership is not about controlling or having more power than those below you in the corporate environment. In many cases, a leader who abuses their power over their team and organization will inevitably build a poor reputation within the industry. This can be demonstrated through high turnover, low retention, or difficulty filling open positions.
Read MoreWhen leading an organization or place of business, the leadership methods in place must be as effective as possible and work fluidly. To employees, compensation, being respected, and proper management are critical, and these factors should be handled with the appropriate leadership style. With the right models in place, effective leadership can ensure that employees are motivated and productive, leading to better results for the organization.
Read More