Don’t Believe these Empathy Myths!

August 12, 2019

Empathy is a quality that is sorely lacking among many of today’s leaders, even though it is exactly what is needed within modern organizations. Some leaders have dismissed empathy altogether, continuing to subscribe to old-school leadership tactics and models like “command and control.” Other leaders, however, may be curious about empathy and how it can enhance their leadership, but are sometimes swayed by powerful, persistent myths. These myths may seem like the truth, but they are far from having any relevance in today’s world. Let’s take a look at a few of the more troubling empathy myths and break them apart one by one.

4 Reasons Why Empathy Is Essential for Excellent Leadership

August 5, 2019

Empathy may be a “soft skill,” but that is no reason to underestimate it. The ability to master soft skills like empathy, communication, collaboration, flexibility and conflict resolution is absolutely critical to leadership. “Hard skills,” which include things like typing proficiency, computer-programming aptitude, writing ability, mathematical competency and other technical skills, are obviously important. But those skills have nothing to do with the qualities that make leaders compelling or successful.

A Guiding Light on the Path to Emotional Intelligence

July 29, 2019

Enhancing emotional intelligence is actually quite difficult – leaders need to put forth a strong effort and fail many times on the path to improving their EQs. Many simply give up and fall back into familiar patterns. Others try and try again, hoping the same methods will produce different results. The truth is that if you have been unsuccessful at improving your emotional intelligence, it doesn’t mean you have failed. Rather, it means you need to try some different methods. Or you may need to enlist the help of another person who can supply you with much-needed perspective and coaching.

5 Daily Practices of Emotionally Intelligent Leaders

July 22, 2019

Today I want to dig a little deeper into the types of habits that successful leaders employ to ensure they keep their EQs sharp and healthy. Some of these habits are shockingly simple. Others are a bit more challenging. All of them are potentially powerful for you as you transcend to the next level in your leadership.

How Did Emotional Intelligence Become Essential for Leadership?

July 8, 2019

Do you suspect that your leadership could benefit from an emotional intelligence boost? Perhaps you’re reluctant to look deeply inside yourself for the answers to these questions, and I get it. Working on emotional intelligence is not easy, and it forces people to confront themselves in ways that can be uncomfortable. However, your ability to improve your EQ could pave the way to your transformation into a truly great leader.

The Help You Need to Become a Master Communicator

July 1, 2019

Do you struggle with communication? Are you concerned that your communication skills might be negatively impacting your ability to lead effectively? Are you worried that you are unable to do it on your own? I have worked with leaders in various industries over the years, many of whom required deep, fundamental transformations to their communication styles. I have observed leaders turn communication challenges into absolute strengths, and I have been there for leaders who felt challenged by the idea of becoming more vulnerable with their communication.

The 5 Communication Blind Spots Leaders Need to Avoid

June 24, 2019

How do you become more self-aware of these blind spots in order to keep them in check? It may not be easy, but it is possible. The first step is to simply acknowledge that you probably do have some blind spots. You may not recognize them right away, but if you open yourself up to the possibility of doing things differently your mind will be better able to notice opportunities as they happen, allowing you to make the necessary corrections. To help you expand your self-awareness of potential communication blind spots, I’ve compiled a list of common areas where leaders often go wrong in the way in which they are communicating. 

How to Empower Your Employees to Tell You What They Really Think

June 17, 2019

You want to know what your people really think, right? You don’t want them to tell you what you want to hear; you want them to tell you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. I would go a step further and say that what you want is for your employees to tell you the truth precisely because it might be uncomfortable.

Are You Asking Your Employees the Right Questions?

June 10, 2019

Asking the right questions – in the right way – is a great way for leaders to learn more about their people, enhance engagement and build high-quality organizational culture. Unfortunately, leaders don’t always know how to flip the conversational switch if they have become accustomed to operating in a more traditional, “command-and-control” model. Or they may simply not know how to open up and ask the appropriate questions of their people. Do you have questions on what it takes to improve the flow of communication within your organization?