Lolly Daskal's Blog, page 29
January 8, 2024
Strategic, Simple, and Successful Guide to Managing Change for Leaders
Leading change requires new mindsets, skills, and techniques. It’s more than managing budgets or metrics; the key lies in understanding and managing the people side of change.
Here’s a simple, strategic, and successful guide for leaders to navigate change.
Grasp what leading change entails: Leading change goes beyond strategic or logistical aspects. Leaders must monitor employees’ attitudes and needs, providing information and support. Clearly communicating the vision and “why” for the change is vital. Leaders should actively listen, addressing concerns, and motivate teams to adopt the change.
Embrace a team effort with diverse leaders: Change management thrives on collaboration. Executive sponsors share the vision, rationale, and commitment. Senior leaders reinforce the change’s importance, while managers and supervisors interpret the change for their teams. Change agents, peer leaders and early adopters, communicate, listen, and demonstrate desired behaviors.
Model the change, don’t just delegate: Leaders must demonstrate support at all levels. Visible champions inspire confidence, and by modeling desired behaviors, they encourage employees to embrace new ways of working.
Achieve adoption and sustain the change: Consider stakeholders’ needs and concerns. Collaborate with communication teams to create materials and share the vision. Engaging leaders at all levels throughout the process ensures lasting impact.
Set expectations and hold people accountable: Clear communication is essential. Convey expectations for the change and acknowledge those demonstrating desired behaviors. Leading by example, participating in training, and adopting new behaviors helps show commitment. Regular check-ins and listening sessions address questions or concerns and support employees through change.
Lead from within: Successful change leadership starts with understanding people’s needs and ends with sustained commitment and action. This simple, strategic, and successful guide will help leaders effectively manage change.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post Strategic, Simple, and Successful Guide to Managing Change for Leaders appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
January 5, 2024
How Great Leaders Use Emotional Intelligence to Connect with Employees
In the fast-paced world of leadership, great leaders manage more than just projects and deadlines. Above all, they manage people, and managing people demands a fine blend of knowledge, wisdom, and something more abstract but equally crucial – Emotional Intelligence (EQ).
Emotionally intelligent leaders build robust connections with their employees, fostering a sense of unity and motivation within the team. Here are some ways great leaders employ emotional intelligence to forge these strong bonds:
Demonstrating Empathy: Emotionally intelligent leaders never underestimate the power of empathy. They continually make efforts to understand their team members’ perspectives, feelings, and challenges. This understanding fosters an environment of respect and trust, allowing team members to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Controlling Emotions: EQ is not just about understanding others’ emotions but also about managing one’s own. Great leaders are aware of their emotions, and how they may affect their decisions or interactions with their team. By demonstrating control over their emotional responses, leaders set a positive example and create a more harmonious working environment.
Delivering Constructive Feedback: Leaders with high emotional intelligence know how to deliver feedback in a constructive, positive manner. They understand the impact of their words and take care to present their feedback in a way that encourages improvement and development. Through their empathy, they can anticipate how their words will be received and can adjust their approach accordingly.
Being Authentic: Authenticity is key to emotionally intelligent leadership. Great leaders are true to themselves and to their team. They express their thoughts, beliefs, and values openly and honestly, which in turn fosters trust and respect within their team.
Emotionally intelligent leadership isn’t about showing dominance, but about demonstrating understanding. It’s not about commanding respect, but about earning trust. It’s about being there for your team, just as you expect them to be there for you.
Lead From Within: Great leaders master the art of emotional intelligence, making every interaction an opportunity to forge stronger, deeper connections with their team.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post How Great Leaders Use Emotional Intelligence to Connect with Employees appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
January 4, 2024
10 Ways to Get Your Boss to Trust You Completely
Building trust with your boss is essential for career growth and success. When your boss trusts you, it can lead to increased responsibilities, opportunities for advancement, and a more fulfilling work environment.
Here are ten strategies to gain your boss’s trust and become an indispensable team member.
1. Deliver Consistent Results: To gain your boss’s trust, consistently deliver high-quality work. Meet deadlines, exceed expectations, and demonstrate your commitment to excellence. When your boss knows they can rely on you, trust will naturally follow.
2. Communicate Effectively: Clear, concise communication is crucial. Keep your boss informed about project progress, challenges, and achievements. By proactively sharing updates, you’ll show that you’re accountable and committed to transparency.
3. Take Initiative: Show your boss that you’re a self-starter by taking initiative. Identify areas where you can add value and propose solutions. Your proactive approach will be appreciated and demonstrate your dedication to the team’s success.
4. Be a Team Player: Support your colleagues and collaborate effectively. Be willing to share your knowledge, resources, and time. When your boss sees you contributing to a positive work environment, they’ll trust you as a valuable team member.
5. Own Your Mistakes: Nobody’s perfect. When you make a mistake, own it, learn from it, and move forward. Demonstrating accountability and a willingness to grow will earn your boss’s respect and trust.
6. Show Integrity: Act with honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times. Be consistent in your actions and decisions, and always follow through on your commitments. Your boss will trust you if they know you’re a person of your word.
7. Be Adaptable: Embrace change and be willing to adapt to new circumstances. Show your boss that you’re flexible, resilient, and open to learning. Being adaptable will prove that you can handle challenges and thrive in any situation.
8. Manage Your Time Wisely: Prioritize your tasks, stay organized, and avoid procrastination. Show your boss that you can effectively manage your time and consistently meet deadlines. When you demonstrate strong time management skills, your boss will trust you with important tasks.
9. Seek Feedback: Regularly ask your boss for feedback and show a genuine interest in improving. By actively seeking constructive criticism, you’ll demonstrate humility and a commitment to personal growth.
10. Share Your Vision: Align your goals with your boss’s objectives and share your vision for the team’s success. When your boss sees that you’re invested in the company’s future, they’ll be more likely to trust your judgment and value your contributions.
Earning your boss’s trust takes time, effort, and commitment. By following these ten steps, you’ll become an invaluable asset to your team and pave the way for a successful, fulfilling career.
Lead from Within: Trust is the foundation of every successful relationship; build it wisely to unlock limitless potential.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post 10 Ways to Get Your Boss to Trust You Completely appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
January 3, 2024
How Artificial Intelligence Will Reshape the Future of Leadership
As the world of work evolves, artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a key component in modern business. AI holds the potential to revolutionize our work, transforming leadership roles and responsibilities.
This is how AI will reshape the future of work and alter leadership dynamics forever:
The Intersection of AI and Leadership Strategies: Leaders must think long-term, integrating AI into their strategic plans for market forecasting and supply chain optimization. Staying ahead in AI trends is key for future readiness.
AI-driven decision-making: AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data rapidly enables leaders to make well-informed decisions. Utilizing AI-powered insights, they can make strategic choices that fuel growth and innovation.
Improved collaboration and communication: AI breaks down collaboration and communication barriers within organizations. Chatbots and virtual assistants facilitate seamless interactions between team members, enhancing information flow and efficiency. As leaders, embracing these technologies and fostering an open communication culture is crucial for teamwork and productivity.
Streamlined processes and increased efficiency: AI automates routine tasks and processes, allowing leaders to concentrate on high-level strategic initiatives. Therefore, adopting AI-driven automation results in an agile work environment, promoting swift adaptation to market changes and improved efficiency.
Talent development and management: AI significantly contributes to identifying and developing talent in an organization. By assessing skills, performance, and recommending targeted training programs, AI enables leaders to make informed decisions about their workforce. Consequently, leaders should prioritize investing in AI-driven talent management solutions to encourage employee growth and retention.
Ethical considerations and responsible leadership: As AI permeates the workplace, leaders must tackle ethical concerns that arise from its use. Ensuring data privacy, security, fairness, and transparency in AI-driven decision-making requires a proactive approach to responsible AI implementation. This involves cultivating an ethical responsibility culture and staying informed about AI-related regulations and best practices.
Artificial Intelligence promises to revolutionize work and reshape leadership. However, by embracing AI-driven solutions and adopting a forward-thinking mindset, leaders can successfully navigate the changing landscape and set their organizations up for future success.
Lead from Within: The leaders who will define the future are those who adapt, learn, and grow with it. As AI reshapes our understanding of leadership, remember: the future is not just to be foreseen but to be enabled.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post How Artificial Intelligence Will Reshape the Future of Leadership appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
January 2, 2024
How to Craft a Compelling Leadership Message That Never Fails to Inspire
As a leader, your words have the power to inspire, motivate, and drive change. But how do you craft a leadership message that never fails to resonate with your audience?
As a seasoned executive leadership coach, I consistently guide my clients through the proven Five Cs approach to communication for successful messaging. This fail-proof method ensures clarity, conciseness, credibility, a compelling nature, and consistency in every interaction. Embrace and follow this process to craft messages that inspires.
Clear: Cut Through the Noise: A great leadership message is easy to understand and remember, no matter the audience. To make your message clear, use simple language, and focus on the essential points. Avoid jargon and technical terms that may confuse your listeners. Remember, clarity trumps complexity.
Concise: Get to the Point: Brevity is the soul of wit, and this is especially true for leadership messages. Be direct and to the point, removing any unnecessary insertions that may distract your audience from the main points. A concise message is more likely to stick in your audience’s minds and make a lasting impact.
Credible: Back It Up: Your message must be believable, supported by proof points and incorporating relevant details to strengthen your key points. Share data, research, or personal experiences to bolster your message’s credibility. A credible message will earn your audience’s trust and make your words more persuasive.
Compelling: Inspire Action: A compelling message grabs your audience’s attention and inspires them to take action. Use strong, active words and emotionally engaging language to create a sense of urgency. Show your passion and commitment, and your audience will be more likely to join you on the journey.
Consistent: Repeat and Reinforce: Consistency is key for effective communication. Your message should be repeatable and flexible enough to be incorporated into various communication channels. By weaving your key points into different formats and contexts, you ensure that your audience consistently hears and internalizes your message.
As you develop your messages, think about the following questions:
What’s happening?Why is this critical?Who is this impacting?Where is this decision coming from?When is the change happening?How will this happen?To make your message truly unforgettable, tell stories, give examples, speak from the heart, and always think of your audience. Show them that you care about their needs and concerns, and they will be more likely to connect with your message on a deeper level.
Lead from Within: Remember; a message crafted with clarity, concision, and passion is a message that inspires.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post How to Craft a Compelling Leadership Message That Never Fails to Inspire appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
January 1, 2024
21 Leadership Habits to Cultivate This Year
Be a visionary: The most effective leaders have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and are able to inspire others to work towards that vision.
Be a strategic thinker: Business needs good strategic thinkers and the most effective leaders are able to think strategically and plan for the long-term.
Be a good planner: The best leaders are able to plan effectively, and set clear and achievable goals.
Be adaptable: Leaders who are able to adapt to change are able to navigate new situations and challenges more effectively.
Be a problem solver: With our ever evolving business landscape, leaders who are able to identify problems and develop solutions are able to make better decisions and lead their employees to success.
Be a good leader in crisis: The best leaders are able to navigate crisis effectively and lead their teams through difficult times.
Be a good delegator: Knowing how to delegate tasks is essential for any successful leader. Don’t be afraid to empower your team to take on new challenges and responsibilities.
Be a good listener: A great leader is one who can listen to and understand others, they will listen more than they talk. They take the time to understand the perspectives and needs of their team members.
Be a risk taker: Taking risks is a necessary part of successful leadership. Don’t be afraid to try something new and push yourself and your team to reach new heights.
Be appreciative: A great leader knows how to recognize and reward their team’s hard work. Show your appreciation for their efforts and they will be motivated to do even better.
Be flexible: As a leader, it’s important to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations. Be prepared to adjust your strategies and tactics as needed.
Be a lifelong learner: Continuous learning helps leaders stay current with new trends and technologies, and be more effective in their roles.
Be a good collaborator: The most effective leaders are able to work well with others and foster collaboration.
Be a good leader in virtual teams: Leaders who are able to lead virtual teams effectively are able to navigate the challenges of remote work and build strong and effective teams.
Be a good time manager: The best leaders are able to manage their time effectively and prioritize their tasks.
Be responsible: As a leader, it’s important to take responsibility for your actions and decisions. Don’t be afraid to admit mistakes and learn from them.
Be a good communicator: Communication is key to successful leadership. Learn to clearly articulate your ideas, visions, and objectives to your team.
Be a decision maker: Leaders who are able to make quick and decisive decisions are able to navigate the challenges of leadership more effectively.
Be a motivator: Leaders who are able to motivate their team members are able to drive them to success.
Be a role model: As a leader, it’s important to lead by example. Demonstrate the behaviors and attitudes you want your team to adopt.
Be a mentor: A great leader is also a good mentor. By taking the time to develop the skills of your team members, you are helping them to grow and become more effective leaders themselves.
Leadership is an ongoing process of learning and growth. To be an effective leader, it is important to cultivate certain habits that will help you navigate the complexities of leadership and drive your team to success.
Lead From Within: When it comes to effective leadership, to handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post 21 Leadership Habits to Cultivate This Year appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
December 29, 2023
The Biggest Problems Leaders Face Today and How to Solve Them
Leadership is a challenging task, and it is even more challenging in today’s fast-paced, complex and uncertain world. Today’s leaders are facing a plethora of problems, some of which are unique to our times and others that have been around for centuries.
Here are the of the biggest problems that leaders face today, and how they can solve them:
The ever-increasing pace of change: The world is changing faster than ever before, and leaders must be able to adapt and evolve quickly in order to keep up. This can be a daunting task, especially for those who are used to operating in a more stable environment. To solve this problem, leaders must be willing to embrace change, to be open to new ideas, and to continuously learn and grow.
The rise of technology and automation: Technology is transforming the way we live and work, and leaders must be able to navigate this rapidly changing landscape in order to stay competitive. This can be a daunting task, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. To solve this problem, leaders must be willing to invest in technology, to stay abreast of the latest developments, and to empower their teams with the tools and skills they need to succeed.
The changing nature of the workforce: Today’s workforce is more diverse, more global, and more mobile than ever before. This can make it challenging for leaders to build a cohesive and engaged team. To solve this problem, leaders must be willing to embrace diversity, to build an inclusive culture, and to communicate effectively with team members who are located in different parts of the world.
The increasing pressure to deliver results: Today’s leaders are under more pressure than ever before to deliver results, and this can be a source of stress and anxiety. To solve this problem, leaders must be willing to set realistic goals, to focus on the long-term, and to build a culture of accountability and excellence.
Leadership is not just about managing problems, it’s about leading through solutions. Today’s leaders are faced with a multitude of challenges, but it is through their ability to overcome these challenges and drive their organization forward that they truly prove themselves as leaders.
Lead From Within: When it comes to successful leadership, there’s no use talking about the problems unless you talk about the solutions.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post The Biggest Problems Leaders Face Today and How to Solve Them appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
December 28, 2023
5 Leadership Misconceptions That Can Sabotage Your Success
As an executive leadership coach, I have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of leaders from various industries. One thing I have noticed is that many leaders fall prey to misconceptions about leadership that can ultimately sabotage their success.
Here are five common misconceptions that can compromise the effectiveness of all and most leaders:
Leaders are born, not made: A popular misconception is that leaders are born, not made. While some people may have natural leadership abilities, leadership is also a skill that can be developed and honed over time. Successful leaders are those who are constantly seeking out opportunities to improve and grow as a leader.
Leaders must command and control: Many people believe that the most effective leaders are those who give orders and expect them to be followed without question. However, the best leaders understand that true leadership is about inspiring and motivating others to reach their full potential.
Leaders must be perfect: A common misconception is that leaders must be perfect. This is simply not true. Leaders are human and will make mistakes. The key is to learn from those mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
Leaders should be tough: Another common misconception is that the best leaders are those who are tough and unyielding. While it is certainly important for leaders to be assertive and decisive, it is also important for them to be empathetic and approachable.
Leaders need to do it alone: Many leaders believe that they must go it alone in order to be successful. However, this is not the case. Leadership is a team effort and it is important for leaders to surround themselves with a supportive team of advisors and mentors.
As an executive leadership coach, I have seen firsthand how these misconceptions can compromise the effectiveness of a leader. It’s important for leaders to be aware of these misconceptions and work to overcome them.
Lead From Within: Being a great leader is an ongoing journey, and to be the best leader you can be, don’t let old myths and misconceptions ever hold you back.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post 5 Leadership Misconceptions That Can Sabotage Your Success appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
December 26, 2023
Why the Best Leaders Never Miss An Opportunity to Learn
Learning is a fundamental human ability that allows us to keep pace with the changing world. However, for leaders who are at the forefront of change, growth, and evolution, embracing learning is not just an option, but a necessity. The best leaders understand this and make learning a priority, recognizing that their ability to lead is directly tied to their ability to learn.
Here are just a few reasons why the best leaders never miss an opportunity to learn:
Learning cultivates curiosity: The most successful leaders foster a culture of curiosity and openness within their organization by encouraging learning and inquiry in daily operations. This not only helps them stay informed and up-to-date, but also inspires their team to think critically and creatively.
Learning fosters vulnerability: Being open to learning means being open to vulnerability. This makes leaders more relatable as humans, and allows them to delegate better and tap into the skills and knowledge of their team more effectively. A culture of vulnerability also empowers employees and creates a safe environment for them to contribute meaningfully.
Learning drives imagination: The best leaders never stop learning because they understand that in order to create a vision for a better future, they must continuously engage their imagination. Learning is where imagination meets vision, and it’s crucial for leaders to keep their minds open to new ideas and possibilities.
Learning enables accurate predictions: By constantly expanding their knowledge and skills through learning, leaders are better equipped to anticipate events and industry trends. This is essential for leaders to effectively navigate change and predict the future. Learning-inclined leaders can do both.
Learning extracts valuable insights from failures: The most successful leaders know that every failure carries valuable lessons. By being open to learning from their mistakes, they can extract insights that can improve their performance and that of their organization
Learning instills boldness: Leaders who are open to learning don’t shy away from challenges and are bold about improving their performance. This attitude reflects on those they lead and positively impacts their organizations.
In today’s rapidly changing world, leadership learning is crucial for the success of an organization. It enables leaders to navigate current challenges and anticipate future developments, keeping their organization on the path to success.
Lead From Within: Learning for leaders is not an option, it is a necessity for the success of the leaders themselves and those they lead.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post Why the Best Leaders Never Miss An Opportunity to Learn appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
December 25, 2023
Leadership Mastery: How to Lead and Succeed in Any Situation
Leadership is a vital skill that can be applied in both personal and professional settings. Whether you hold a formal leadership role or not, you can still practice fundamental leadership skills to improve your effectiveness and maximize your potential. In order to achieve true leadership mastery, here are four key strategies to keep in mind:
Act on feedback: No matter what role you have it’s crucial to understand how others perceive you. One way to do this is by seeking feedback from colleagues, leaders, or former coworkers. This can be challenging, but it can be extremely empowering. By receiving feedback, you may uncover a skill or trait that requires improvement, but you may also discover a strength you didn’t know you had.
Resolve skills gaps: A skills gap can be a real obstacle to leadership potential. By identifying and filling these gaps, you can enhance your toolbox of skills and become more efficient, saving time to explore other opportunities.
Maintain a disciplined lifestyle: Discipline is crucial to establish and achieve worthwhile goals, to overcome the thought of failure, to improve patience, and to increase self-confidence. It may not be exciting, but discipline accomplishes a great deal.
Take part in leadership development programs: Leadership development programs are an excellent way to clarify your vision and goals. They can also help identify your own leadership development needs and provide you with the skills to take full advantage of a leadership position should you find yourself in one.
To achieve mastery in leadership, individuals must be willing to constantly learn and grow, constantly evaluating their own leadership style and seeking out new opportunities for development.
Lead From Within: Investing in your leadership abilities is an investment in your future, and it will not be a decision that you will regret.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post Leadership Mastery: How to Lead and Succeed in Any Situation appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
