Lee Ellis's Blog, page 191
December 7, 2018
Leading with Honor Wisdom for Today, December 7, 2018
“Sometimes the hardest thing for leaders to do is to pause, reflect and then provide positive, affirming words to others.” – Lee Ellis
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December 6, 2018
Giving Back – Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
Giving Back Recommendation – Based in Washington, D.C., the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is the nonprofit organization authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1980 to build a national memorial dedicated to all who served with the U.S. armed forces in the Vietnam War.
Please learn more about this worthwhile organization, and give a tax-deductible donation before December 31st , 2018 – thank you
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December 4, 2018
3 Ways to Avoid Being a Grinch Leader
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During this Christmas and Chanukah season, many of us are thinking about the special gifts that we hope to receive. But when it comes to giving the most important gifts, many leaders (even honorable ones) can operate like the Grinch! How are these leaders being so stingy?
The Trait of Positivity
“Sometimes the hardest thing for leaders to do is to pause, reflect and then provide positive, affirming words to others.” [Tweet This]
In the vernacular of performance reviews or debriefs, we generally label it as positive feedback, but I’m referring to regular, daily communication with others.
Having been a leadership consultant, coach, and trainer for more than 20 years, I can tell you this may sound easy, but can be like pulling teeth for busy, results-oriented leaders. If you realize that you may be more stingy than generous with your positive words, realize that giving this gift is a fantastic investment that will still have a remarkable impact on results.
The good news is that affirming words of encouragement and positive feedback doesn’t require a new corporate strategy, and it doesn’t add costs to your budget. Well, that’s not exactly true. You don’t have to buy them, but it will cost you some attention, time, and willingness to think positively about someone else. Perhaps above all else, it will require being intentional.
Why Positive Feedback?
Why is this gift so important? Here are three reasons:
Positive feedback meets several deep human needs. Each of us has a deep need to have meaning and purpose in our life. Work is a big part of life, and when we know that we’re contributing and making a difference, it meets that need. It encourages our hearts and lifts our spirits.
When we receive positive affirmation, we are more energized; we feel better about ourselves, and we are more confident and more effective. We have less fear and can respond in a more genuine manner.
When you compliment someone’s talents, contributions, and future potential, you’re contradicting some of the lies and negative beliefs that they have about themselves. We all struggle with these lies that undermine our confidence and cause unwarranted insecurities, both of which undermine our work performance. To quote another Christmas analogy, you’re helping them battle their “ghosts of Christmases past” and realize their true value.
From my background as a former Vietnam POW, I also like to think of it as bringing freedom to the captives. A good leader’s affirmation and expression of confidence can free us from distorted self-perceptions and help restore our perspective of our true identity and achievements.
There’s a multiplication effect that comes from genuine positive affirmation. We know that attitudes and emotions are contagious, and positive ones bring greater efficiency and effectiveness.
“When people are affirmed, they are more energized and confident. This impacts others, creating a generative effect.” [Tweet This]
How to Give Positive Feedback
So now you know why you should generously give positive feedback as well as its benefits. How do you do it? Here are three simple ways:
Make it specific. Use a recent example of a successful contribution or some way in which the person has impacted you or the team.
Make it genuine—short is fine. You don’t have to make a big deal about it—though in some situations that may be called for.
Make sure you have positive energy and enthusiasm. If you are highly results-oriented and reserved, this step may be difficult. This is one time that acting your way into a new way of feeling and expression is not being phony. If you genuinely want to show appreciation and respect for the person, you may feel a bit uncomfortable. Stretch yourself to be more effusive in your delivery of this gift and give extravagantly.
Make it Intentional
I’m going to be very intentional for the rest of this year about giving positive feedback. I want to speak into the lives of those around me to show my confidence in them and their future. I’m challenging you to do the same and then post some of your experiences.
What did success look like? When did you miss an opportunity and how can you recover? Let’s be honest and share and see what we can learn from each other. Don’t be a Grinch—let’s give lots of these gifts.
LE
Buy Both Lee Ellis Books and Save!
[image error]Save 30% during this year’s Christmas season when you buy both of Lee Ellis’ latest books, Leading with Honor and Engage with Honor.
Click to shop in the Online Store, and please tell others about this special offer. Place your order by Tuesday December 17th to receive by Christmas (Standard delivery. Call us for expedited delivery.)
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Commentary: Put the Civil Back in Civil Discourse
Here is another individual and leader calling for civility and civil discourse in public and private life. In this fantastic article below, Lt. Gen. Robert M. Shea, USMC (Ret.) shares his thoughts in Signal Magazine on how honorable leaders can create positive change around them.
Please read and post your comments too – thank you
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December 3, 2018
Buy Both Books and Save 30% – See Inside
Save 30% during this year’s Christmas season when you buy both of Lee Ellis’ latest books, ‘Leading with Honor’ and ‘Engage with Honor’.
Click to shop in the Online Store, and please tell others about this special offer – thank you!
The post Buy Both Books and Save 30% – See Inside appeared first on Leading With Honor®.
December 2, 2018
On This Day in Leadership History, December 2nd
On this day in leadership history in 1993, the space shuttle Endeavor blasted off on a mission to fix the Hubble Space Telescope.
What’s the leadership lesson? Many leaders immediately want to move on the next new thing and forget to fix or maintain their last initiative or project. Honorable leaders cultivate the focus and discipline to see things through to their end goal.
Hubble Telescope – Wikipedia
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November 30, 2018
Leading with Honor Wisdom for Today, November 30, 2018
“In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity.” – Erik Erikson
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November 27, 2018
Gaining Trust – What’s the one Question?
Asking this one question could help you earn trust at work – good advice from speaker and author, Gary Anderson.
Please read on Linkedin and post your comments and experience below – thank you
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November 26, 2018
Two-Book Package – Special Offer Inside
Save 30% during this year’s Christmas season when you buy both of Lee Ellis’ latest books, Leading with Honor and Engage with Honor.
Click to shop in the Online Store, and please tell others about this special offer – thank you!
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November 25, 2018
On This Day in Leadership History, November 25th
On this day in leadership history in 1976, O.J. Simpson (Buffalo Bills) ran for 273 yards against the Detroit Lions. He still holds the record for the single season yards-per-game average.
What’s the leadership lesson? Skill and competence will get results, but character is still the foundational leadership attribute for getting long-term results and building trust. Don’t neglect it.
O.J. Simpson – Wikipedia
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