Lolly Daskal's Blog, page 32
November 30, 2023
7 Things Great Leader Can Never Afford To Forget
Leadership is a challenging and demanding role, and it is easy for leaders to get caught up in the everyday minutiae of management. However, it is essential for leaders to remember the basics of leadership and not drift away from them.
Here are things that great leaders can never afford to forget if they want to succeed in leading:
Stop micromanaging: As a leader, it can be tempting to want to control every aspect of your team’s work, but this can lead to a demotivated and disengaged workforce. Instead, great leaders trust their team to do their job and give them the autonomy to make decisions. This not only leads to a more productive team but also helps in developing leadership skills in team members.
Never forget you have experts: As a leader, it is important to recognize that your employees are experts in their field. Great leaders trust their team to do their job to the best of their abilities and instead of telling them how to do it, leaders should focus on providing guidance and support. This not only helps in utilizing the full potential of employees but also shows trust and respect towards them.
Never forget to communicate: Effective communication is essential for any leader. Keeping employees informed and up-to-date on important information will help to build trust and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals. Clear and consistent communication also helps in avoiding any misunderstandings and promotes transparency throughout the whole organization.
Never forget integrity: As a leader, your integrity is essential for building trust and respect among your employees. Leaders must always act with integrity and lead by example. A leader’s integrity and character not only helps in building trust but also helps in setting a moral compass for the whole organization.
Never forget to be accessible: As a leader, being available and accessible is crucial for building trust and fostering a positive work culture. Being approachable and available helps in addressing any concerns and issues in a timely manner that are happening in the organization.
Never forget you create the culture: As a leader, you are responsible for setting the culture of your organization. Your attitude and behavior will set the tone. It will let people know what is expected in the culture of the organization. This will help maintain a positive and respectful attitude among all employees.
Never forget your leadership is contagious: As a leader, your actions and behavior has a ripple effect on the whole organization. Therefore, it’s essential to lead by example. Leading by example not only helps in setting a standard for others to follow but also shows a sense of accountability and responsibility for you, as their leader.
In conclusion, great leaders can never afford to forget the basics of leadership which is to do right by those they lead. leaders can ensure they are leading their organization to success, when they remember what is right to do by their employees.
Lead From Within: A leader must always be aware that their actions and behavior are being observed so it’s essential they never forget how to handle themselves.
#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 7 Things Great Leader Can Never Afford To Forget appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
November 29, 2023
What Should A Leader do After Hiring an Executive Coach
Hiring an executive leadership coach is an investment for any leader, and it’s natural that you would want to get the most out of this investment. However, without proper preparation, the coaching process can stall before it even begins. To set the stage for success, here are a few things a leader should do after hiring an executive coach:
Establish realistic goals: As a leader, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve through the coaching experience. Establishing realistic goals will provide direction and focus for the coaching sessions, and will ensure that the coaching experience is tailored to your specific needs. Be clear about what areas you want to improve upon and what specific outcomes you want to achieve. Having well-defined goals will also help you measure the progress you make throughout the coaching process.
Become receptive to feedback: An executive coach is there to provide you with objective and honest feedback, which can be difficult to hear at times. However, it is essential to be open-minded and willing to take constructive criticism to make the most out of the coaching experience. Being receptive to feedback means being willing to listen, reflect on what is being said, and then take action to improve. It’s important to remember that feedback is a gift, and the more you can learn to accept and incorporate it into your leadership style, the more effective you will become as a leader.
Be open for guidance: Sometimes, even the most experienced leaders get stuck. If you’re having trouble achieving a particular goal, it’s okay to ask your coach for help. They are there to provide you with guidance, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. Achieving a particular goal can be challenging if you cannot figure out where the difficulty lies, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when you are having trouble. Any good executive coach will help you identify obstacles and figure out how to overcome them.
Trust the process: Some leaders may feel the need to have all the answers, but an executive coach comes with expertise and experience. Trusting the process and allowing the coach to guide you can lead to significant improvements in your leadership skills. Trusting the process means being willing to try new things, to experiment and to take risks. It also means being willing to let go of old habits and ways of thinking that may be holding you back. Remember, an executive coach is there to help you grow, and the only way to do that is to be open to change and to trust the process.
In conclusion, hiring an executive coach can work wonders, but it requires commitment and preparation from both parties. It’s important to remember that coaches are not magicians or miracle workers. Real progress and change can only occur with enthusiasm and effort from the leader.
Lead From Within: Hiring an executive coach may be easy, but the real work begins after the coach is hired. The actions and steps taken after the hiring process will determine the success of the coaching experience.
#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 What Should A Leader do After Hiring an Executive Coach appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
November 28, 2023
The Hard Steps You Must Take to Become a Successful Leader
Being a successful leader is not easy. Those who have never held a position of leadership may believe that once they get to the top, they can expect others to cater to their needs, but it’s the other way around. Successful leadership is not about power and prestige, but it’s about leading and guiding others, taking on responsibilities and putting in the work to be a good leader and it comes with hardship.
Here are a few hard steps you must take to become a successful leader:
Managing isolation: Successful leaders tend to be isolated. They are often consumed with the tasks and responsibilities of leading the whole organization, and they may have little time to connect with others. To combat isolation, it is important to make time to connect with others and to build a strong network of support.
Managing lack of time: Successful leaders are often inundated with an overwhelming amount of responsibilities and tasks, leaving little to no time for self-reflection and processing. This can present a significant challenge, as it may impede one’s ability to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of their decisions and actions as a leader. To mitigate this, it is crucial to allocate dedicated time for reflection and to prioritize self-care practices to maintain a clear mindset and perspective.
Managing fear: Fear can be a detrimental force for leaders, as it can impede clear thinking and decision-making capabilities, potentially compromising the effectiveness of their leadership. In order to effectively combat fear, leaders must take proactive measures such as identifying and acknowledging it, seeking guidance from a coach to develop strategies for managing it. By taking these steps, leaders can take control of their fear and mitigate its detrimental effects.
Managing decisiveness: Effective decision-making is a vital aspect of successful leadership, and it often requires leaders to make quick decisions. Though, it’s important to remember that leaders need time to think and reflect on the decisions they make. It can be challenging to maintain a balance between the need for quick decisions and the need for thoughtful reflection. Successful leaders must be able to stand by their decisions while also being able to recognize when they need to correct course and adapt. This requires a combination of critical thinking and humility, as it can be emotionally taxing to navigate this delicate balance.
Achieving success as a leader is a challenging endeavor, but it is well worth the effort invested. The key to success is to be aware of the various obstacles that may arise and to have a plan in place to overcome them.
Lead From Within: Successful leadership is not about being perfect, it’s about being willing to constantly improve and evolve.
#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 Hard Steps You Must Take to Become a Successful Leader appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
November 27, 2023
The Best Way To Improve Your Company’s Culture
Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping a company’s culture. A strong company culture can attract and retain top talent, increase productivity, and foster a positive work environment. However, developing a company culture that achieves these goals takes more than a few scattered initiatives. It requires dedication.
If you want to improve your company’s culture the best leaders do the following:
Create a culture of belonging: As a leader, it is important to create a culture where employees feel valued, respected and included. By fostering a sense of belonging, employees will feel more invested in the company and be more motivated to contribute to its success.
Generate a culture of trust: As a leader, building trust with your employees is essential. Trust fosters open communication, collaboration, and a sense of security, which in turn leads to a more productive and engaged workforce.
Create an aligned culture: As a leader, it is important to ensure that your employees share the company’s goals and cultural aspirations. Cultural alignment keeps the foundations of your company’s success intact by continually motivating employees and reinforcing the cultural traits your organization values most.
Build a resilient culture: As a leader, it is important to create a culture that can adapt to change. A culture that is resilient can weather the bad times and the good, and this helps in avoiding a culture that becomes quickly obsolete.
Cultivate a culture of teamwork: As a leader, it is important to build culture organically by fostering teamwork and healthy work relationships. A culture of teamwork helps in creating a sense of unity and collective responsibility among the employees.
In conclusion, improving a company culture requires educating everyone at your company on why culture matters, identifying the elements that contribute to an amazing culture, and taking proven steps to strengthen those elements.
Lead From Within: A leader’s responsibility is to their people and company, and it begins by creating a culture of meaning and purpose.
#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 The Best Way To Improve Your Company’s Culture appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
November 26, 2023
7 Great Tips For Making Your Employees Happy
Making your employees happy should be one of your top priorities as a leader. When employees are happy, they are more engaged, motivated, and productive, which ultimately leads to the success of your organization. But, how do you make your employees happy?
Here are seven great tips to help you achieve just that:
Develop an incredible work culture: A positive work culture is essential for employee happiness. This includes things like open communication, a sense of community, and a shared sense of purpose. When employees feel that they are part of something bigger than themselves, they will be more motivated to work hard and achieve success.
Enable a meaningful recognition program: Recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work and achievements is essential for keeping them engaged and motivated. This can include things like bonuses, promotions, and other forms of recognition.
Respect your employees: Showing respect for your employees is essential for building trust and fostering a positive work environment. This includes things like being punctual, keeping promises, and being honest.
Listen to your employees: Employee happiness is closely tied to feeling valued and heard. Make sure to actively listen to your employees and take their ideas and suggestions seriously.
Practice transparent communication: Open and transparent communication is essential for building trust and fostering a positive work environment. This includes keeping employees informed about important company developments, as well as being responsive to their concerns.
Support professional development: Employees who feel that they are learning and growing in their roles will be more satisfied and motivated. Provide opportunities for professional development through training, mentoring, and other forms of support.
Enable work-life balance: A good work-life balance is essential for employee happiness. This includes things like flexible work arrangements and policies that support family-friendly practices.
In conclusion, making your employees happy is essential for the success of your organization. The most effective leaders know that by creating a positive work environment, it will lead to happier employees and ultimately more success.
Lead From Within: The best leaders make it their objective to constantly strive for employee happiness at work, as this is crucial for maintaining a motivated and productive workforce.
#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 7 Great Tips For Making Your Employees Happy appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
November 22, 2023
4 Simple Ways to Handle Your Leadership Time Wisely
Time is a valuable commodity for any leader, and it is important to use it wisely. Not only does this mean being efficient and productive, it also means taking the time to ensure that you are setting yourself up for success and taking advantage of every opportunity.
If you want to be a successful leader here are the four ways you need to learn how to use your time wisely:
Create time blocking: Time blocking is the practice of scheduling your day into blocks of time for specific tasks or activities. As a leader, this helps you stay organized and focused, so you can maximize your efficiency. When creating time blocks, be realistic about how long each activity will take and try to plan and prioritize your tasks accordingly.
Intentional mindset: Having an intentional mindset means having the right attitude and perspective when it comes to managing your time. As a leader, this means understanding that time is precious and should be used wisely. It also means having a clear understanding of your goals and objectives, and being intentional with the way you use your time to achieve them.
Learn to delegate: As a leader, this will help you free up more time, so you can focus on the tasks that require your attention and expertise. When delegating tasks, it is important to be clear and concise in your instructions, and to provide the necessary resources and support to ensure success.
Setting firm boundaries: Setting firm boundaries is essential for managing your time wisely. As a leader, this means setting limits on how much time you spend on tasks and activities, and sticking to those limits. This will help you focus and stay on track, and will ensure that you are using your time wisely.
By implementing these four simple strategies, you can make the most of your time as a leader and lead more effectively and efficiently.
Lead From Within: Time is a precious resource, and if we know how to manage it wisely, you will be more productive and successful.
#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 4 Simple Ways to Handle Your Leadership Time Wisely appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
November 21, 2023
How the Best Leaders Help Their Employees Reach Their Full Potential
As a leader, it is crucial to empower your employees to reach their full potential. Not only will this improve their happiness and productivity, but it will also positively impact the overall success of your organization. It’s the leader’s responsibility to take the initiative and invest the necessary time and effort to ensure their employees are able to excel.
Here are some ways to accomplish this:
Invest in your employees: As a leader, when you invest in your employees it means you are providing them with the resources and training they need to excel in their roles. This includes providing them with access to professional development opportunities, as well as mentorship and coaching.
Provide clear direction: The most effective leaders, understand that employees need clear direction and goals in order to succeed. Therefore, it’s important to provide them with clear expectations and objectives, and to give them the tools and resources they need to achieve them.
Offer constructive feedback: The best leaders offer constructive and regular feedback, they know it is essential for helping their employees reach their full potential. Feedback allows them to understand what they are doing well, as well as where they need to improve.
Encourage stepping out of the box: Creativity and innovation are essential for any business to succeed. As a leader, this means encouraging your employees to think creatively and come up with new ideas by providing them with the tools and resources they need to explore different solutions and approaches.
Believe in your employees: One of the best ways to help your employees reach their full potential is to believe in them. This means giving them a sense of ownership over their work and allowing them to make decisions without needing your approval.
Bottom line, by investing in your employee they are more likely to give their all and strive for success, which benefits the organization as a whole.
Lead From Within: The best leaders help their employees reach their full potential because they want to bring out the best in them.
#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 the Best Leaders Help Their Employees Reach Their Full Potential appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
November 20, 2023
How to Effectively Manage Your Team’s Emotional Dynamics
As a leader of any corporation, it is crucial to be able to effectively manage and regulate the emotions of your employees, particularly in situations where negative emotions are prevalent. As an executive leadership coach, I often compare team dynamics to family dynamics – both can be complex and filled with dysfunction and drama. However, with the right approach, leaders can effectively navigate these emotions and create a positive and productive work environment.
Here’s the most effective way to manage your team’s emotional dynamics:
Acknowledge the Situation: One of the most important things a leader can do when dealing with negative emotions among their team is to acknowledge the situation. Sometimes, all people want is to be acknowledged and heard. By simply acknowledging that there is an issue, you are showing your employees that you care and are willing to listen.
Address the Issue: Once you have acknowledged the situation, it is important to address the issue at hand. This may involve having a conversation with the individual or group of employees who are experiencing negative emotions, or it may involve implementing changes to address the root cause of the problem.
Stay Neutral: It is important for leaders to remain neutral when addressing negative emotions among their team. This means refraining from taking sides or becoming emotionally invested in the situation. By staying neutral, you are better able to make objective decisions and find a solution that benefits everyone.
Lead from the Front: Leadership is not just about making decisions, it’s about leading by example. As a leader, it is important to lead from the front, and to take steps to improve your own emotional intelligence. This will make you better equipped to gauge the emotional “temperature” of your team and take appropriate action.
Spot the Signs of Emotional Crisis: As a leader, it is important to be aware of the signs of an emotional crisis. These signs may include persistent negative emotions, high levels of stress, or a decline in productivity. By being vigilant and watching for these signs, you can take steps to prevent a crisis before it occurs.
In conclusion, managing and regulating the emotions of your team can be challenging, but it is an essential aspect of being a successful leader. As an executive leadership coach, I know that when leaders are able to navigate the emotional dynamics of their team, they are better equipped to drive success for the organization.
Lead From Within: As a leader, the ability to effectively manage your team’s emotional dynamics is not only crucial, it is the foundation upon which all great leadership is built.
#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 to Effectively Manage Your Team’s Emotional Dynamics appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
November 18, 2023
How to Effectively Show Your Employees You Appreciate Them
As a leader, showing your employees appreciation is essential for building a positive and productive work environment. It’s not just about what you say but also about what you do. Showing employees that you value their hard work and contributions is key to keeping them engaged, motivated and committed to their roles.
Here are four ways to effectively show your employees that you appreciate them:
Ignore small mistakes: Sometimes the best way to show appreciation is to give your employees leeway when they need it. If they make small mistakes, such as missing a project deadline by a few hours or neglecting a minor task, allow them to try again rather than reprimanding them. This shows that you appreciate their hard work and that you trust them to do their best.
Give a financial incentive: To encourage employees to do their best, consider offering financial incentives. You can start small by offering gift cards to local stores or coffee shops. To recognize bigger accomplishments, offer quarterly, annual or project-based bonuses to team members who reach predefined goals or who make the most substantial contributions.
Offer extra time off: Although most employees value financial incentives, many also appreciate intangible rewards like additional time off. Consider giving top-performing employees an afternoon off each month, or allow select team members to adopt a flexible schedule during a given time frame. You can also show your recognition by allowing employees to work remotely, which is a benefit that people in most industries value highly.
Create a rewards system: If each of your employees has different preferences for receiving recognition, develop a rewards system that allows each person to choose their own incentives. Assign a certain number of points to major tasks and accomplishments, and track the points that each team member receives. Allow them to trade their points for rewards of their choice, such as days off or contributions toward continuing education.
In conclusion, showing your employees appreciation is essential for building a positive and productive work environment. Remember it’s not just about what you say but also about what you do, and taking action to show your employees that you appreciate them, will lead to a more engaged, motivated, and committed team.
Lead From Within: Many leaders say they appreciate their employees, but the best leaders show it by truly giving their employees what they need and want.
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 to Effectively Show Your Employees You Appreciate Them appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
November 17, 2023
Leading into the Future: How Far Should a Leader Go to Prepare
To successfully prepare a business for the future, leaders must possess expert change management skills. While the idea of embracing disruption and meaningful change may seem straightforward, the reality is that organizational infrastructure and interpersonal relationships can make it complex.
Navigating these challenges can be difficult, but there are several things that leaders can do to prepare for the future:
Invest in soft skills: People often perceive emotional intelligence and self-awareness as “soft” leadership skills. However, as a leadership coaching professional, I don’t view these skills as “soft” but as essential. They form the foundation of most important inner and outer-core intelligent leadership competencies. In the economy of the future, leaders will be dependent on experts and not vice-versa. This requires leaders to sharpen their self-awareness and emotional intelligence to keep specialists engaged and focused on tasks.
Retain top talent: In today’s economy, keeping top talent will be key to success. As the job market becomes more competitive, leaders must focus on creating engaging work environments and empowering employees. This means being prepared to offer competitive compensation and benefits, as well as opportunities for growth and development. Leaders should also be proactive in addressing any issues that may be causing employees to consider leaving. By being proactive in talent retention, leaders can ensure that they have the right people in place to drive the organization’s success.
Embrace disruption: Change management is an important aspect of future-proofing an organization. Acting as a change agent requires solid authority. People often resist change, especially when it directly affects them. Leaders who choose to be agents of change must be prepared to face resistance and work to overcome it and they must be protected for embracing th
Leverage leadership abilities: Every leader has their own unique strengths and abilities. To be successful in the future, leaders must focus on building on these strengths. This means identifying what you do best and making sure that you are in a position to use your strengths to drive success. It also means being aware of any weaknesses and working to improve in those areas. By leveraging your leadership strengths, you can ensure that you are best equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
In conclusion, preparing a business for the future requires a leader to be prepared. While the challenges of the future can be complex and difficult to navigate, by taking these steps, leaders can position themselves and their organizations for success.
Lead From Within: Change is inevitable, but it’s a leader’s preparation for it that determines their success.
#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 Leading into the Future: How Far Should a Leader Go to Prepare appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
