Mike Acker's Blog, page 4

Achieve Effective Leadership With This Four-Step Approach

Achieve Effective Leadership With This Four-Step Approach

When you’re in a position of leadership, both the amount and quality of your work output depend on your team and, consequently, your skills as a leader. Luckily, these skills can be developed. All it takes is learning the keys to effective leadership and practicing them.

Becoming an effective leader is certainly not an overnight task, but what’s really going to matter is consistency in the process. A good starting point is using the following four steps towards becoming an effective leader.

Once you’ve mastered this approach, you’ll be more than capable of going after whatever leadership roles you desire.

The Four-Step Approach to Effective Leadership

1. Believe in the vision. Knowing the vision of the team and actually believing in it is perhaps the most significant step towards becoming an effective leader. At the end of the day, leading a team means inspiring the trust of your team members. And the best way to do that is to prove to them that you believe in the vision.

· What you should first do is develop a good understanding of what the vision is, and determine whether or not it’s something you can live up to. Next, use every chance you get to “sell” that vision to the team. Show them that you live and breathe it and they’ll eventually realize it’s something to grab on to.

 

2. Be a good team builder. As a leader, you’ll need the support of your team. In selecting your team members, seek people who can understand the vision and support it. Then, identify those who fit the roles they’re required to fill.

· Be careful to select the team based on merit, not emotions. Sometimes, when people recognize you’ve given them an opportunity based on an emotional position, they use every chance they get to play on your emotions for favors. You want team members who know they’ve been given an opportunity based on merit.

 

3. Be a good negotiator. Once you’ve been able to gain the trust of your team members, your next step is to master your negotiation skills. As a leader, that not only means negotiating with the team so the best results are achieved but also succeeding at external negotiations in the best interest of your unit.

· Negotiate fairly so others continue to trust you.

· Negotiate smartly for the well-being of your unit.

4. Be a good delegator. Identifying an ideal team is a success in itself because you know that the persons you’ve selected are capable of excelling in the tasks assigned. Now, it’s up to you to assign tasks effectively. Becoming a good delegator will involve the following activities:

· Studying the strengths of each team player so you can effectively match tasks with the skill set.

· Analyzing the potential success capabilities of your team so you can make a wise choice when assigning responsibilities.

 

Becoming an effective leader is an achievement you’ll undoubtedly be proud of! You have what it takes to earn the title of an outstanding leader. By using this guideline, you’ll be able to sharpen your leadership skills and prove why you’re the best person for any leadership position.

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Baby steps make a big difference

Baby steps make a big difference.

I break big projects down into smaller bits. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I focus on small daily wins. I set modest goals that I know I can accomplish. I increase my confidence and build my motivation. Each victory inspires me to keep trying.

I treat myself with kindness and compassion. Change can be uncomfortable. New habits take time to reinforce. I am gentle with myself as I keep moving forward.

I make concrete plans. I identify my top priorities and align my actions with them.

I enhance my health and fitness. I buy exercise equipment I can use at home. I take a trial spin class online.

I strengthen my relationships. I do something kind for my partner, like cooking their favorite dinner or giving them a foot massage. I listen to a friend who is feeling burnt out.

I continue learning. I browse through the electronic resources at my local library. I practice playing a new song on the piano.

I advance my career. I listen attentively to my coworkers and look for ways to help them reach their goals. I ask for feedback on my performance.

I cultivate my spirituality. I meditate and pray before breakfast. I keep a journal to help me track my daily insights and resolutions.

Today, I make big progress a little at a time. I take baby steps that add up to giant strides forward.

Self-Reflection Questions:

What is one new habit I want to develop?

What happens when I push myself too hard?

How can I keep my eye on the big picture while taking baby steps?

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Get In On the Best Prices Now

Get In On the Best Prices Now

The prices for our Programs will be increasing soon and so I’m giving you advanced notice here so that you can take advantage of the old pricing while it is still available. We have a terrific group of clients and below you’ll find what a few of our great clients have to say about working on our Programs with me and the ADVANCE Team:

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Book Recommendation

Book Recommendation

In addition to my own books, there are hundreds of books out there about Public Speaking. I’ll be sharing some of the very best options with you in the near future, but let’s start right now at the top of the list!

Chris Anderson is the founder of Ted Talks and he’s put together a fantastic guide for anyone who wants to improve their skills. Check it out:

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Bosses: Get Better Results by Strengthening Communication Within Your Team

Bosses: Get Better Results by Strengthening Communication Within Your Team

In your position as a team leader, the quality of the relationship among your team members is perhaps one of your biggest areas of focus. A unified, communicative team produces the best results, but it’s not always easy to develop.

People simply have different beliefs, backgrounds, and social skills, all of which can prove challenging in your quest for an effective workflow.

Try these effective strategies to bolster good communications:

1. Institute a courtesy policy. When employees are clear about the organization’s position on treating each other respectfully, they’ll realize that they play a part in ensuring it’s supported. Insisting on common courtesy is the most direct way to improve communication among co-workers.

· Outline your expectations about how they address others and respond in various situations.

· Establish consequences for non-compliance with the courtesy policy so they realize how important it is to be in accordance.

· Engage them in discussions about the positive impact it has on their jobs when they’re courteous and respectful to others.

2. Cross-train staff. A great way to improve communication among co-workers is allowing them to see and understand the elements of other people’s jobs and responsibilities.

· Having an appreciation for what happens on the other side inspires your team members to communicate without prejudice.

· Cross-training allows team members to experience each other’s challenges so they can communicate with an educated perspective as opposed to ignorance.

3. Incentivize effective communication. Incentives for team members encourage them to work harder, which, in turn, bring back benefits to you. For example, when you see your team members offering excellent customer service, recognize their effort.

· Structure a point system for different elements of communication. Some examples of healthy communication are courtesy, respectfulness, changes in task-related expectations, and honest feedback.

· Announce recipients of communication incentives so other team members are inspired to improve their level of communication as well.

· Remind team members that, although you are incentivizing effective communication, it’s still their responsibility to participate in that level of discourse even if you’re not there to see it.

4. Have regular team meetings. When you bring all members of your team together, it gives you the opportunity to hear what everyone is saying and understand their positions. In addition, it gives them a chance to have direct, open communication with each other.

· Ask members of the team how they feel about upcoming changes in the organization.

· Find out from them the issues they are having with others and encourage them to relay the details directly so openness can be achieved.

· Try to determine if there are areas of the organization’s operations that aren’t as effective as you would like and discuss how strengthening communication can turn things around.

As you already know, a team that isn’t capable of communicating effectively soon diminishes from a lack of cohesiveness and a common goal. To avoid having your organization experience that end, start placing significant importance on how co-workers communicate. You’re sure to achieve smooth operations as a result.

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Do You Make These Leadership Mistakes?

Do You Make These Leadership Mistakes?

Without even knowing it, you’re probably a leader in many ways. Do you have kids? Are you the one whose friends come to for advice? Do you serve as a team leader at the office?

Many of the roles in your life involve some type of leadership. You might be surprised by how easily your actions can impact others. Some of these “leadership positions” may seem basic to you, but they’re more critical than you know. Aim to be the best leader possible.

Take a look at some of these leadership blunders and how to correct them:

1. Avoiding the truth. Avoiding the truth is one of the worst leadership missteps. The minute you start lying, you set yourself up for a fall. You’ll likely lose the trust of those who matter to you. If they’re unable to believe what you say, how can you expect to lead them successfully?

· At all costs, tell the truth. It doesn’t matter if it makes you unpopular. Popularity doesn’t usually win races or battles. Be truthful so you can be respected and trusted as a leader.

· Timing is important. It may help if you choose an appropriate time and place to be truthful with someone, especially if you’re saying something upsetting.

2. Refusing to take your own advice. It’s awkward to give advice that you aren’t taking! Those you lead likely to see that as disingenuous. They’ll start questioning your character if you’re doing the opposite of what you’re telling them to do.

· Leading by example is the best way to earn respect. It shows that you fully believe in what you profess. It allows others to see that you’re genuine and trustworthy.

· If you’re unsure about the advice you’re giving, avoid giving it! If it isn’t good enough for you to take, dishing it out to somebody else doesn’t make sense.

3. Compromising your values. As a leader, it’s important to have solid values. Your inability or lack of desire to uphold your values makes it appear as if you lack integrity. If that’s the case, you’ll have a hard time getting people to rely on you.

· Take a look in the mirror and define what matters to you. What do you value most? Is it hard work? Is it honesty? Whatever it is, look yourself in the eye and commit.

· Each morning, promise yourself that you’ll live according to your values. You’ll find that you won’t even need to tell anybody what those values are. People will know what you stand for by just observing your actions.

4. Failing to teach tough lessons. Tough lessons are an important part of effective leadership. It isn’t enough to tell those you lead what they want to hear. Failing to teach tough lessons essentially makes you look like a pushover. Good luck getting any kind of cooperation after that!

· Sometimes it’s necessary to tell others how you feel. It isn’t necessary to worry about hurting their feelings. If they recognize you’re coming from an honest place, they’ll accept and respect your candidness.

It’s time that you accept your role as a leader! Embrace your leadership traits now, because sooner or later you’ll be faced with applying them. You want to be ready, so you can easily lead others in a positive direction when the time comes.

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Learn How to Work With a Boss Who Used to Be Your Coworker

Learn How to Work With a Boss Who Used to Be Your Coworker

Welcoming a new boss can be complicated, especially when they used to be your coworker. How do you make a graceful transition from being a peer to being a direct report?

Whether you’ve been close allies or friendly rivals in the past, you can learn to thrive under the new leadership. Try these suggestions for restructuring your professional relationship.

Steps to Take With Your New Boss

1. Extend congratulations. Remember the obvious. This is the time to congratulate your former co-worker on their success. Be specific and sincere. Describe at least one quality or achievement that you admire about them. Express your enthusiasm about working together. Follow up with a quick email repeating your thoughts.

2. Decide on sharing personal information. Setting boundaries is a major part of the transition. You may find it necessary to be more discreet about family or health issues that could affect your career.

3. Offer support. Helping your boss succeed enhances your own future. Volunteer information that will help them to become familiar with their expanded responsibilities. Take responsibility for your actions and dazzle them with creative proposals.

4. Accept feedback. Your former peer will now be overseeing your work. Listen with an open mind and appreciate the guidance.

5. Schedule one-on-one meetings. Even if you have a long track record together, you may need opportunities for a private discussion. Ask questions and stress collaboration.

6. Create a learning opportunity. Your new boss must be doing something right if they received a promotion. Pay attention to how they operate and how senior management interacts with them. You may discover a role model for how you can succeed too.

Steps to Take for Yourself

1. Expect change. Even if you’re still dealing with old familiar faces, there will be different approaches and experiences ahead. Strive to accommodate the preferences of your new boss. You’ll be building goodwill that strengthens your connection.

2. Sort out your feelings. It’s natural to feel passed over when a colleague is promoted instead of you. That’s especially true if you wanted the position or if you’ve been with the company longer. Accept your emotions and make decisions that will enhance your professional reputation.

3. Avoid special treatment. Other employees may be uneasy if you’ve been close with the new boss. Be helpful and respectful with each team member to earn their confidence and trust. Take on tough assignments and share credit.

4. Clarify your intentions. You may need to examine your own motives as well in relation to your supervisor. Ask yourself if you value them for their personal strengths or if you’re trying to score advantages for yourself.

5. Squash gossip. New leadership is the kind of event that can trigger an increase in wild speculation and unfounded rumors. Stick to the facts and speak well of others.

6. Reassure yourself. Even positive changes can be stressful. Use this time to take care of yourself and stay strong. Relax with regular exercise and meditation. Give your body the rest and nutrition it needs. Draw on your strengths and remember your achievements.

7. Plan your exit. Then again, major changes at work can sometimes cause you to realize that it’s time to move on. If so, give appropriate notice and depart on good terms. You can ask your previous supervisor to serve as a reference if they’re more familiar with your work.

While your roles have changed, you already know your new boss from the time you’ve spent working side by side. Use your knowledge to make your new relationship supportive and productive. You’ll feel happier at work and enjoy more opportunities for advancement.

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How to Lead With Courage

How to Lead With Courage

When we think of leaders, we might be tempted to think of courageous and heroic figures. The leader is the person at the vanguard of the army, leading the charge and taking the brunt of any enemy attacks. That’s what it means to be a leader in comic books and films after all!

Of course, this is not the reality for most of us. Most people will be managers and parents, where there is very little gunfire or charging.

But that doesn’t mean you can rest on your laurels. It is still very important to be courageous and heroic. It’s just that this courage will take a different form.

Leading Through Action

The best leaders are action-takers. When we lead through action, we set a positive example for our team and inspire them to similarly take action. In this way, we avoid one of the worst traits that any leader can possess: hypocrisy.

There are few things that will inspire dissent in your ranks as quickly as being seen to be hypocritical.

Nobody likes being asked to do things because they feel that their superior is simply unwilling or even afraid to do it themselves. You are in charge and with that comes responsibility. Simply giving the worst jobs to your team and not taking part in them yourself is an abuse of your power.

Decisiveness

Leading through action also means being decisive. It means being able to quickly make a decision and be willing to commit to that action.

Many lesser leaders make the mistake of deferring or avoiding decision-making. Their fear is that they’ll make the wrong decision and thus lose the respect of their staff.

However, being indecisive is worse than making an unwise or incorrect decision. Being indecisive makes you seem weak. And while taking action can result in a negative outcome, delaying a decision will only ever have negative consequences.

Conversely, it’s nearly always inspiring to see someone who makes quick decisions and doesn’t doubt themselves. Decisiveness also builds confidence in your team members.

Responsibility

How is decisiveness a mark of courage?

Simply, it means that you’re willing to accept the responsibility that comes with the role of being a leader. Being a leader doesn’t mean telling others what to do and it certainly doesn’t mean getting to take all the credit.

Being a leader means taking responsibility for the team. It means protecting them, so they can do their best work. It means making decisions and being willing to deal with the consequences. It’s only when we don’t want to look bad that we avoid making decisions… and that is ultimately a mark of cowardice.

Stoicism

Finally, being a courageous leader means that you take your lumps when things do go sour. If you make a mistake, it’s important to not only own up to it, but also stay calm and collected when you’re reprimanded by your own superiors, or when the organization risks collapsing.

Likewise, it’s crucial to remain calm in a crisis. That means setting a good example when things seem to be going wrong for the team. Prevent your team from going into a panic. Stay calm and you’ll be able to address the issue in the best possible way.

How to Be the Hero They Need

Where does all this courage and stoicism come from? How can you acquire it if you don’t possess it naturally?

Does it mean trying to act tough?

Not at all.

Being a truly great leader comes from having the right priorities. It means forgetting yourself and, instead, focussing on the goals of your organization and the happiness and comfort of your team. When you do that, it’s easy to be a courageous leader.

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How to Be a Leader at Work

How to Be a Leader at Work

When we think of leaders, we might be tempted to think of courageous and heroic figures. The leader is the person at the vanguard of the army, leading the charge and taking the brunt of any enemy attacks. That’s what it means to be a leader in comic books and films after all!

Of course, this is not the reality for most of us. Most people will be managers and parents, where there is very little gunfire or charging.

But that doesn’t mean you can rest on your laurels. It is still very important to be courageous and heroic. It’s just that this courage will take a different form.

Leading Through Action

The best leaders are action-takers. When we lead through action, we set a positive example for our team and inspire them to similarly take action. In this way, we avoid one of the worst traits that any leader can possess: hypocrisy.

There are few things that will inspire dissent in your ranks as quickly as being seen to be hypocritical.

Nobody likes being asked to do things because they feel that their superior is simply unwilling or even afraid to do it themselves. You are in charge and with that comes responsibility. Simply giving the worst jobs to your team and not taking part in them yourself is an abuse of your power.

Decisiveness

Leading through action also means being decisive. It means being able to quickly make a decision and be willing to commit to that action.

Many lesser leaders make the mistake of deferring or avoiding decision-making. Their fear is that they’ll make the wrong decision and thus lose the respect of their staff.

However, being indecisive is worse than making an unwise or incorrect decision. Being indecisive makes you seem weak. And while taking action can result in a negative outcome, delaying a decision will only ever have negative consequences.

Conversely, it’s nearly always inspiring to see someone who makes quick decisions and doesn’t doubt themselves. Decisiveness also builds confidence in your team members.

Responsibility

How is decisiveness a mark of courage?

Simply, it means that you’re willing to accept the responsibility that comes with the role of being a leader. Being a leader doesn’t mean telling others what to do and it certainly doesn’t mean getting to take all the credit.

Being a leader means taking responsibility for the team. It means protecting them, so they can do their best work. It means making decisions and being willing to deal with the consequences. It’s only when we don’t want to look bad that we avoid making decisions… and that is ultimately a mark of cowardice.

Stoicism

Finally, being a courageous leader means that you take your lumps when things do go sour. If you make a mistake, it’s important to not only own up to it, but also stay calm and collected when you’re reprimanded by your own superiors, or when the organization risks collapsing.

Likewise, it’s crucial to remain calm in a crisis. That means setting a good example when things seem to be going wrong for the team. Prevent your team from going into a panic. Stay calm and you’ll be able to address the issue in the best possible way.

How to Be the Hero They Need

Where does all this courage and stoicism come from? How can you acquire it if you don’t possess it naturally?

Does it mean trying to act tough?

Not at all.

Being a truly great leader comes from having the right priorities. It means forgetting yourself and, instead, focussing on the goals of your organization and the happiness and comfort of your team. When you do that, it’s easy to be a courageous leader.

The post How to Be a Leader at Work appeared first on ADVANCE, COACHING AND CONSULTING.

How to Build a Happy and Productive Team at Work

How to Build a Happy and Productive Team at Work

If you’re in charge of a project at work, you’ll find that one of your most important priorities is to make sure your team is going to get along and get things done effectively. A happy and well-organized team is one that will excel.

So what are the best ways to make sure that your team is in good shape? Take a look at the tips below to help you build a strong team.

1. Get to Know Your Team’s Members

Take the time to really learn about everyone on the team. What is each team member like and what are they good at?

Knowing your team’s skills and weaknesses is something that is important to keeping everyone happy and productive. You’ll find that when you’re looking to get the best results from your team, you need to know what they excel in. This can help you figure out where to place them and what to make them responsible for.

2. Keep Everyone on the Same Page

One reason good teams fall apart is that some members have information others do not or some members feel unequal to others.

Remember that keeping your team briefed is an extremely important part of being a good team leader. Keep everyone up to date on the information that is available, and if it is not available, let them know why.

3. Don’t Force Contrasting Personalities to Work Together

There’s a chance you’ll have two people on your team who aren’t going to get along. That’s okay. Your team doesn’t have to be a second family. Trying to force all team members to get along can cause more trouble in the long run!

Acknowledge that everyone doesn’t have to get along, but everyone must be respectful. Personality clashes might, whether you like it or not, spillover on the job, so avoid taking sides and, instead, find a swift solution to resolve any conflicts.

4. Don’t Let Bad Apples Hold the Team Back

It’s almost inevitable that you’ll have a member of your team who thinks they can sit back and let the rest of the group do all the work. If you find yourself in this predicament, don’t let it set the entire team back. If, after discussing the issue with the employee, they still refuse to pull their weight, remove them from the team and assign their portion to someone else.

As the team’s leader, you may need to take on the extra work yourself, but at least it’s getting done and your team will appreciate and respect your efforts.

5. Be Respectful of Their Talents

One of the most important things a team leader can do is to stand back and let talented people work. When you’re constantly hovering over their shoulder, you’re essentially saying that you don’t trust them to do their job. Have faith in your team!

If they say they’ll deliver, make sure you respect their promise unless you have a justifiable reason to doubt them. Remember, if members of your team are already working hard there’s no reason to crack the whip on them.

6. Reward Members for a Job Well Done

One great thing you can do is to show your team how much you appreciate their efforts. Check with management, if necessary, to decide how you can reward your team so they know you appreciate their hard work.

Whether you take them out to lunch or something as simple as letting everyone out a little early, rewarding your team can go a long way towards making them more productive. Above all, don’t lose sight of how you would want to be treated if you were in their shoes. Keeping those feelings, along with the tips above, in mind will create a fun and team-oriented atmosphere for everyone involved.

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