Tag Authentic Leadership

How to Give a Sincere Compliment

Steve Keating 3 Comments

Have you ever received a compliment from someone and immediately wondered what they were up to? You may be thinking they want something in return. Maybe they are about to ask for a favor. You’re not at all certain the compliment is truly sincere.

Lots of people think they’re giving sincere compliments but a truly sincere compliment has two parts. The compliment itself and the “evidence” that proves it’s sincere. It’s easy to say “nice job” and walk away thinking you’ve just given a compliment. But explaining with some level of detail why you believe the person did a nice job requires some effort.

For instance, if they have just interacted with an upset and challenging customer and the customer ended up being pleased with the outcome it can be very tempting to say “nice work” and let it go at that. But consider adding something like, “nice work, that was very impressive the way you calmly interacted with a very upset person. It could have gone very differently but your caring demeanor really saved the day…and likely the customer. Again, very nice work.”

It’s a little more effort but it makes a very big difference. Specificity is the key. If you can’t be specific you’re leaving the door to doubt open in the mind of the person you’re complimenting.

Here are a few additional ideas to consider to make sure your compliments are received the way you intended.

• Be Genuine: Your sincerity should come from a place of authenticity. Avoid giving compliments just for the sake of it; mean what you say.

• Timing Matters: Choose an appropriate time to give a compliment. It could be in response to a specific action, achievement, or simply as a positive acknowledgment.

• Use Positive Language: Frame your compliment in positive language to convey your admiration. Avoid any negative comparisons or qualifiers. Instead of: “You’re not as bad as others at this, try your skills in this area really stand out.”

• Body Language: Non-verbal cues like eye contact and a genuine smile can enhance the sincerity of your compliment. Make sure your tone of voice aligns with your words.

• Avoid Backhanded Compliments: These are compliments that also contain an insult or criticism. They can be easily misinterpreted and may negate the positive intention. An example of a backhanded compliment might be “You’re surprisingly good at this.”

• Personalize the Compliment: Tailor your compliment to the individual and their unique qualities. This shows that you see and appreciate their individuality. Instead of: “You’re good at your job,” try “I’ve noticed your attention to detail in your work. It really sets you apart.”

• Be Mindful of Cultural Sensitivities: Understand the cultural context and be mindful of cultural differences when giving compliments, as what might be considered appropriate in one culture may not be in another.

The key to a sincere compliment is honesty and thoughtfulness. If you’ve ever given someone a compliment and they looked at you a little cross-eyed you may now know why. By acknowledging specific positive qualities or actions, you not only boost the recipient’s confidence but also strengthen your connection with them. It takes a little effort to turn a simple compliment into an undoubtably sincere compliment, but it’s way more than worth it.

Leading Difficult People

Steve Keating Leave a comment

If leadership was easy then everybody would be doing it. The fact is, leadership is not easy. It’s not easy because leadership is about people. People come in all shapes and sizes. They bring with them all kinds of backgrounds and upbringings. They carry with them past experiences, good and bad. Sometimes they even bring with them a chip, one they carry on their shoulder. Those “chips” can make them a unique challenge to lead.

But leading difficult people is part of the package a leader accepts. Leading difficult people can be a challenging but essential skill for effective leadership. Whether you’re leading a team or working on a project, dealing with difficult individuals is a not an uncommon occurrence.

But nearly everyone can be led to success if the leader is willing to hang in there with them. Here are some ideas to help you hang.

• Start by trying to understand the difficult person’s point of view. Ask questions and actively listen to their concerns and motivations. Often, people become difficult when they feel unheard or undervalued. Empathy is a powerful tool for building rapport.

• When dealing with difficult people, it’s important to maintain your composure. Don’t let their behavior provoke you into a reaction that you might regret. Take a deep breath, stay patient, and remain level-headed.

• Clearly communicate your expectations for their behavior and performance. Make sure they understand their role and responsibilities, as well as the consequences of not meeting those expectations.

• Consistency in your actions and responses is key. Make sure you treat all team members fairly and equally. This helps prevent any perceived favoritism or bias that can lead to conflict.

• If a difficult person’s behavior is disruptive or problematic, address the issues in private rather than in a public setting. This allows them to save face and reduces the chances of escalation.

• Provide feedback that is specific, objective, and focused on behavior or actions rather than personal characteristics. Use the “I” statements approach to express your feelings and concerns. For example, say, “I felt frustrated when you missed the deadline” rather than, “You’re always late.”

• Clearly define the boundaries for acceptable behavior within the team or organization. Enforce those boundaries consistently and fairly.

• Look for areas of common interest or shared goals and use them to build rapport. Finding common ground can help bridge gaps between difficult individuals and the team.

• Encourage difficult individuals to develop their skills and work on self-improvement. Offer training, coaching, or resources to help them grow and address their problem areas. Make their faults seem easy to correct.

• If necessary, involve HR or a higher-level manager to help mediate or address more serious issues. They can provide guidance, support, or disciplinary action if required.

• Keep records of problematic behavior and interactions, including dates, times, and descriptions. This documentation can be helpful if you need to escalate the issue or if it becomes a pattern of behavior.

• Sometimes, a person may be difficult due to external factors such as personal problems, stress, or health issues. Consider the context and be open to offering support or accommodations when appropriate.

• Changing behavior or attitudes can take time. Be patient, but also be persistent in your efforts to lead and difficult individuals effectively.

The sad reality is that not all difficult people can be transformed, and some may need to be led differently. In extreme cases, they may need to be removed from the team or organization to maintain a healthy working environment. Your approach should depend on the specific situation and the impact of the individual’s behavior on the team’s overall performance and well-being.

Redirecting someone to another organization or another role is not the most rewarding part of leadership but it is a mighty important one. Ignoring a difficult team member and hoping they will improve or simply “go away” is not leading.

If you’ve accepted a leadership position then it is imperative that you Lead…Today!

How Good Companies Lose Their Way

Steve Keating Leave a comment

History is rife with examples of good companies, even great ones, that were excellent right up until they were bad. At least it seems that way. The truth is, they were good right up until the point they slowly began turning away from the principles and practices that made them good. Companies rarely turn from good to bad overnight. It’s a decision here and a tough break there that add up over time. It seems common that when the slide begins it picks up speed until the momentum towards bad becomes hard to stop.

But great companies with great leadership can and do stop that negative momentum. They turn it around and use it to become what they once were or even better.

Good companies can decline for a wide variety of reasons, and the path to failure is often a complex interplay of internal and external factors. Though responsibility most often falls to top leadership it is rarely one person’s fault. Here are some common reasons why otherwise successful or “good” companies lose their way.

• Poor Leadership: Leadership is crucial for the success of any company. Ineffective or unethical leadership can lead to poor decision-making, mismanagement, and a toxic work culture that erodes a company’s foundation. Make no mistake about this fact…company culture begins and ends at the top of an organization. It cannot be delegated to teams or committees. Everything, absolutely everything a top leader says and does has an effect on the culture of an organization. People are always watching and listening. When the words and the actions of leadership are not in sync the people notice. And culture suffers mightily.

Top leaders must also pay close attention to the “sub cultures” within the different departments of their organization. The overall culture within the larger organization may be good but these “sub cultures” can sink an organization too. Culture eats strategy, tactics, and planning for breakfast. If a top leader messes up the culture they have messed up the company. Nothing matters more!

• Market Changes: External factors, such as changes in the competitive landscape, shifts in consumer preferences, or disruptive technologies, can rapidly undermine a company’s position in the market. Failing to adapt to these changes can lead to failure. A common mistake of companies that go from good to bad is an assumption that because they are good they will always be good. It’s an assumption that because they are market leaders they will always be market leaders. You know what they say about assuming and assumptions are a huge factor in companies that lose their way.

• Financial Mismanagement: Poor financial decisions, including excessive debt, overexpansion, or misallocation of resources, can drain a company’s financial health and lead to insolvency. Once again assumptions play a critical role in financial decisions.

• Lack of Strategic Vision: A clear and well-defined strategic vision is essential for long-term success. Without a direction for the future, a company may make ad-hoc decisions that are not aligned with its overall goals. Even big decisions become easy decisions when they are made within the context of an organization’s strategic vision.

• Short-Term Focus: Companies that prioritize short-term profits at the expense of long-term sustainability may make decisions that harm their future prospects. This can include cost-cutting measures that compromise an organization’s talent pool, product quality or investments in research and development. But…profits matter and balancing the need for profits today versus long-term profit down the road is one of top leadership’s biggest challenges. I do not envy them that responsibility.

• Competitive Pressure: Aggressive competition can put pressure on a company’s market share and profit margins. Failing to respond effectively to competition can lead to market share erosion and financial instability. I think this is especially challenging for companies that are market leaders. It’s tempting to say “who cares what the other guys are doing, we’re the market leaders.” While tempting, the fact is that it does matter. It all matters and failing to respond to market conditions has sunk more than one company. If you don’t believe that then think about this one company that we’ll allow to remain nameless…their chief marketing officer once said to me, and I quote, “people will always need film for their cameras.”

• Economic Downturns: Economic recessions and downturns can impact a company’s revenue, access to credit, and consumer spending. Companies without a strong financial cushion or contingency plans may struggle to survive during such times. Economic downturns can be torturous for senior leaders because it may mean letting some of their people go. If you ever find yourself in the role of someone who has been “rightsized” or “downsized” then know that as brutal as it is for you it’s likely been a brutal experience for your senior leaders as well. Put simply, it just sucks, for everybody.

There are a host of other factors that can also come into play. Keeping a business going has always been been a dicey proposition. Lately it’s been a little more dicey than usual. In many cases, it’s not a single factor but a combination of these issues that leads to a company’s decline. Successful companies must remain agile, forward-thinking, and responsive to internal and external changes to mitigate the risk of becoming a “formerly” good company.

How to Stop Being a Micromanager

Steve Keating 1 Comment

Almost everyone, except perhaps micromanagers, know that micromanaging is counterproductive. Even some micromanagers realize the damage they do but they just can’t control their urges to turn their people into unthinking robots. This post is written especially for them.

If you’re a leader, you should know that micromanagement hurts your effectiveness and team morale. You are literally holding your people back from their potential. In the process you are limiting the future growth of your organization. In that environment your best people will leave and find someplace where they can use their skills and knowledge. That is unsustainable in today’s business world.

If you’re a micromanager you need to stop, now. If you’re not sure if you’re a micromanager then ask around. Your reputation will precede you. Because no one likes a micromanager, truth be told even micromanagers don’t like micromanagers.

If you want to stop being a micromanager and become a more effective leader, here are some ideas you should begin to put in place today.

• Self-awareness: Recognize the problem. Acknowledge that you tend to micromanage, and understand the negative impact it can have on your team. Self-awareness is the first step towards change.

• Trust your team: Understand that your team members are capable and competent. Trust their skills, judgment, and abilities. Remember that you hired them for a reason, and they can handle their responsibilities.

• Delegate effectively: Delegate tasks and responsibilities clearly, specifying the desired outcomes and expectations. Be clear about what needs to be done, but allow your team members to determine how to accomplish it. Provide them with the autonomy to make decisions within the framework you’ve set.

• Set clear goals: Establish clear and measurable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for your team. When everyone understands the objectives, it’s easier for team members to work independently and make decisions aligned with those goals.

• Communicate openly: Encourage open communication with your team. Let them know they can come to you with questions, concerns, or updates. Regularly check in to offer guidance and support without being overbearing.

• Provide resources and support: Ensure your team has the necessary resources, tools, and training to excel in their roles. Show that you’re there to support them when they need assistance.

• Empower decision-making: Encourage your team to make decisions within their areas of responsibility. This helps them feel more invested in their work and fosters a sense of ownership.

• Avoid micromanaging tasks: Resist the urge to constantly monitor or interfere with how tasks are being performed. Give your team space to execute their responsibilities independently.

• Focus on results, not methods: Instead of getting caught up in how tasks are done, concentrate on the outcomes and whether they align with the established goals and quality standards.

• Provide constructive feedback: Offer feedback that is constructive and supportive. Recognize achievements and offer guidance when improvements are needed. This feedback should be ongoing, not just during annual reviews.

• Step back gradually: Reducing micromanagement is a process. Start by loosening your grip on smaller, less critical tasks. Gradually entrust your team with more significant responsibilities over time.

• Develop your team’s skills: Invest in the growth and development of your team members. Help them acquire the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles. That will also boost your confidence in their abilities.

• Learn to let go: It can be difficult to relinquish control, but it’s essential for becoming a more effective leader. Trust your team to handle their responsibilities and avoid the temptation to step in unless it’s genuinely necessary.

• Seek feedback: Ask your team for feedback on your management style and be open to making changes based on their input. This demonstrates your commitment to improvement and your respect for their perspective.

• Be patient with yourself: Breaking the habit of micromanagement takes time. You may occasionally slip into old patterns, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Recognize those moments and commit to doing better next time.

Micromanagement, like most habits can be a hard habit to break. But it’s essential for the growth and development of your team and your own effectiveness as a leader. As you gradually let go and empower your team, you’ll likely see improvements in morale, productivity, and overall team performance.

You’ll feel more like a leader and you will in fact be truly leading.

How to Demonstrate that You’re a Leader Who Cares

Steve Keating Leave a comment

One of the easiest things for someone in a leadership position to do is tell their people that they care about them. The reality is, many followers doubt the sincerity of those words. That’s why Authentic Leaders remove all doubt by demonstrating, on a consistent basis, that they do actually care about their people. Demonstrating that you’re a caring leader is essential for creating a positive and productive organizational culture. It builds trust among your team members and promotes their well-being.

There are about a gazillion ways to show you care, here are several that can have an immediate impact with your team.

• Pay close attention to your team members when they speak. Show empathy by nodding, making eye contact, and asking clarifying questions. This demonstrates that you value their thoughts and concerns.

• Encourage open and honest communication within your team. Create safe spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas, problems, and feedback without fear of judgment or reprisal. By the way, it’s best if the entire organization is one giant safe space. People looking over their shoulder to see if it’s “safe” to say something are less productive than those who know their safety is assured.

• Put yourself in your team members’ shoes. Try to understand their perspectives, feelings, and needs. When they face challenges or personal issues, express empathy and offer support.

• Be accessible to your team. Make sure they know they can come to you with their concerns, whether they are work-related or personal. Maintain an open-door policy, or set aside regular times for one-on-one meetings.

• Acknowledge and appreciate your team members’ contributions and accomplishments. Recognition can be verbal praise, written notes, or other forms of acknowledgment, and it shows that you value their efforts.

• Invest in your team’s professional growth. Help them set and achieve their career goals. Provide opportunities for learning and skill development, and offer guidance and mentorship.

• Promote a healthy work-life balance. Encourage employees to take breaks, use their vacation time, and avoid overloading them with excessive work. Show understanding when they need to attend to personal matters.

• Be flexible when possible. Accommodate reasonable requests for flexible work hours to accommodate people’s needs. Things like family responsibilities or personal health issues matter and you should never ignore them.

• Address conflicts and disagreements within the team promptly and impartially. Encourage a resolution process that respects everyone’s perspectives and feelings. You’ll likely have to fight the normal human behavior of playing favorites but if you want complete engagement of your team you will fight that fight.

• Demonstrate the behaviors and values you expect from your team. Show that you prioritize caring and empathy in your interactions with others.

• Recognize that each team member is unique. Tailor your leadership style and support to their individual needs and preferences. Remember, the “one size fits all” leadership style generally fits no one.

• Continuously seek feedback from your team on your leadership style and areas for improvement. Show that you are open to making changes based on their input. Listen to them and implore as many of their ideas as possible and when you can’t implement an idea tell them exactly why.

There is no doubt that consistently demonstrating that you care for your people requires effort, sometimes even great effort. But the rewards make those efforts well worthwhile. It’s also possible your efforts at showing you care will spill over into your personal life as well and improve all your relationships.

So you see, showing you care won’t only change the lives of those you lead, it could very well change your life too.

How to Boost the Morale of Your Team

Steve Keating 7 Comments

High morale is often the little recognized secret to success. Organizations and leaders that work to ensure the morale and engagement level of their people remain high, outperform those who don’t. Boosting the morale of your team is essential for maintaining productivity, job satisfaction, and overall team cohesion. High morale can lead to increased motivation, creativity, and a more positive work environment. High morale means lower turnover and far fewer personal issues, even in turbulent times. Here are some strategies to intentionally boost your team’s morale on a regular basis.

• Effective Communication:

• Keep an open line of communication with your team members. Regularly check in with them to see how they are doing both personally and professionally.

• Provide clear and transparent information about company goals, expectations, and changes. It is virtually impossible to over communicate.

• Recognize and Appreciate:

• Acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and contributions of your team members. Publicly praise their achievements, either in team meetings or through company-wide channels.

• Consider implementing a rewards and recognition program to formally acknowledge outstanding performance. People tend to do what’s required of them for pay, they do more than required for the recognition.

• Provide Opportunities for Growth:

• Offer opportunities for skill development and career advancement within the organization.

• Help team members set and achieve professional goals. Provide resources and support for their growth. If your people are not aware of their career path within your organization then they have no career path within your organization.

• Empower and Delegate:

• Trust your team members with responsibility and delegate tasks that align with their skills and interests.

• Empower them to make decisions within their areas of expertise, fostering a sense of ownership and autonomy. There is very little that can boost morale more than being trusted by the people above you in the organization.

• Work-Life Balance:

• Encourage a healthy work-life balance. Avoid overloading your team with excessive work or unrealistic deadlines.

• Promote flexible working arrangements when possible, such as remote work or flexible hours.

• Team Building:

• Organize team-building activities and events to strengthen team bonds.

• Create a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose through team projects and collaborative efforts. Remember, the deepest relationships are typically built “off the clock” so provide opportunities for those relationships to grow.

• Provide Constructive Feedback:

• Offer regular, constructive feedback to help team members improve their skills and performance.

• Focus on specific behaviors and outcomes, and provide guidance on how to make positive changes. Your people NEED to know how they are doing, without direct input from their leaders their imaginations take over and that’s usually not helpful for morale.

• Lead by Example:

• Demonstrate a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and professionalism.

• Be a role model for the behaviors and values you want to see in your team.

• Address Issues Promptly:

• Address conflicts and issues within the team promptly and professionally.

• Show that you are committed to resolving problems and maintaining a positive work environment.

• Celebrate Achievements:

• Celebrate team and individual achievements, whether they are big or small. This can include milestones, project completions, or personal accomplishments.

• Use celebrations as an opportunity to build team spirit and show your appreciation.

• Provide Support During Challenges:

• During difficult times, such as tight deadlines or challenging projects, offer your support and help your team manage stress.

• Show empathy and understanding for their concerns and provide resources if needed.

Leadership is not a part-time job. Authentic Leaders know that like creating a solid culture, boosting morale is an ongoing process. It requires consistent effort, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to the well-being and success of your team members. By implementing these strategies, you can create a positive work environment that fosters high morale and team satisfaction.

That will make your life as a leader much more rewarding and much less stressful. But as always, the amount of effort you put into the morale building process is completely up to you. I hope for your people’s sake, you choose to put in a whole lot of effort.

How to Truly Earn a Leadership Position

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Have you ever wondered how some people “found” their way into a leadership position? Some people “earn” the position simply by being around for a long time. Some are pals with someone higher up in the company. Some are suck ups who will say or do anything to gain a little power. 

But some truly earn the right to lead. Truly earning a leadership position requires a combination of skills, qualities, and actions that demonstrate your ability to effectively lead and inspire others. If your goal is to lead others in such a way as to make a positive difference in their lives then here are a few development areas to consider. 

  • Self-Development:
    • Continuous Learning: Invest in your personal and professional development. Seek new skills, knowledge, and certifications relevant to your field. This shows your commitment to growth and improvement.
    • Self-Awareness: Understand your strengths, weaknesses, values, and leadership style. Being self-aware allows you to leverage your strengths and work on areas that need improvement.
  • Demonstrate Leadership Qualities:
    • Communication: Develop strong communication skills, both verbal and written. A good leader can convey ideas clearly, listen actively, and foster open dialogue.
    • Decision-Making: Show your ability to make informed and timely decisions. Be sure to consider both short-term and long-term impacts.
    • Problem-Solving: Demonstrate your aptitude for analyzing complex situations, identifying root causes, and proposing effective solutions.
    • Emotional Intelligence: Display empathy, understanding, and the ability to manage emotions. Both your own and those of others.
    • Resilience: Leaders often face challenges and setbacks. Demonstrating resilience and a positive attitude in the face of adversity is crucial.
  • Show Initiative and Responsibility:
    • Proactive Attitude: Take the initiative to go above and beyond your current role. Identify opportunities for improvement and take action.
    • Accountability: Hold yourself accountable for your actions and decisions. Admit mistakes and learn from them rather than placing blame on others.
  • Build Relationships:
    • Networking: Cultivate a strong professional network both within and outside your organization. Networking can expose you to new opportunities and provide valuable insights.
    • Mentorship and Collaboration: Seek guidance from experienced leaders and collaborate effectively with colleagues. Being a team player and supporting others can make you a respected figure within your organization.
  • Lead by Example:
    • Work Ethic: Exhibit a strong work ethic and dedication to your role. Be punctual, reliable, and willing to put in extra effort when needed.
    • Integrity: Uphold high ethical standards in your interactions and decisions. Consistently act with honesty and transparency.
  • Take on Leadership Roles:
    • Volunteer for Projects: Seek out opportunities to lead projects or teams. Even if they are outside your immediate responsibilities. This demonstrates your willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
    • Demonstrate Results: Deliver measurable results in your current role and any leadership roles you take on. Tangible achievements showcase your ability to drive success.
  • Seek Feedback and Improve:
    • Feedback: Actively solicit feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and mentors. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and adjust your approach.
    • Adaptability: Be open to change and willing to adapt your leadership style based on feedback and evolving circumstances.
  • Express Interest and Ambition:
    • Express Your Intentions: Let your supervisors or higher-ups know about your interest in taking on leadership roles. This demonstrates your ambition and commitment to the organization’s success.
  • Continuous Improvement:
    • Reflect and Learn: Regularly reflect on your leadership journey, identifying areas where you’ve grown and areas that still need development. Be committed to continuous improvement.

Truly earning a leadership position is a gradual process. It requires consistent effort, dedication, and a willingness to learn from your experiences. It’s about demonstrating your ability to lead effectively, inspire others, and contribute positively to your organization’s goals. It’s a process that never ends because even after you’ve been promoted to a leadership position you must continually earn the right to stay there.

Want more of LeadToday? I’ve changed things up on my Twitter feed for subscribers. I recently began publishing two or three videos each week focusing on an element of Authentic Leadership. I’ll post these videos each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Sometimes a bonus video pops up at other times during the week. They will be about 10 minutes long so we can get into the topic in a more meaningful way. The investment for subscribers in still only $4.99 a month. That’s for at least 80 MINUTES of quality video content on leadership a month.

If you’re interested in taking a look, head on over to my Twitter profile page. If you’re not a follower yet just hit the follow button. It will change to a subscribe button and once you hit that you’re on your way. You can cancel at any time you’ve decided you have nothing left to learn about leading the people who you count on for your success.

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