Lolly Daskal's Blog, page 37
September 22, 2023
5 Things Empathetic Leaders Never Do
Empathy is a crucial trait for any leader, especially those who want to succeed. Leaders who understand the perspectives and emotions of others and make decisions accordingly are more effective. They foster a positive and inclusive culture, build strong relationships with their team members, and are more likely to make better decisions. But there are certain things that empathetic leaders never do. Here they are:
Never disregard or dismiss: Empathetic leaders never dismiss or disregard the feelings of others. They understand that every person has their own unique perspective and emotions, and they make sure to consider them when making decisions.
Never isolate or alienate: Empathetic leaders never isolate themselves from their team. They understand the importance of building strong relationships with their team members and actively work to foster open and transparent communication.
Never reticent or shrink: Empathetic leaders never shy away from difficult conversations. They understand that avoiding conflict or difficult conversations can have negative consequences and actively work to address any issues that arise in a timely and effective manner.
Never hesitate or hold back: Empathetic leaders never hesitate to apologize. They understand that no one is perfect, and they take responsibility for their actions when they make mistakes.
Never bully or intimidate: Empathetic leaders never use their power or position to bully or intimidate others. They understand that the best way to lead is through humility and respect, and they always strive to be a positive role model for their team members.
Bottom line, empathetic leaders understand that their team members are more than just employees, they are human beings with their own unique perspectives and emotions.
Lead From Within: By avoiding negativity empathetic leaders can ensure that they are building a healthy, engaged, and motivated team.
#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 5 Things Empathetic Leaders Never Do appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
September 21, 2023
How The Best Organizations Develop Great Leaders
Great leaders are essential for the success of any organization. They provide direction, set the tone, and inspire others to achieve their best. But how do the best organizations develop great leaders? Through the following strategies:
Identifying and promoting potential leaders: The best organizations have a system in place for identifying and promoting potential leaders. This includes paying attention to who is taking on new responsibilities, who is stepping up to solve problems, and who is inspiring others to do their best work. By keeping an eye out for these traits, organizations can identify and nurture the next generation of leaders.
Providing opportunities for learning and growth: Great leaders are made, not born. Top organizations provide their leaders with opportunities to learn and grow through formal leadership training programs, mentorship, stretch assignments, and other on-the-job experiences.
Investing in leadership development: The best organizations understand that leadership development is an ongoing process. They invest in training, coaching and mentoring programs for their leaders, and provide opportunities for them to develop new skills and knowledge.
Encouraging diversity: The best organizations value diversity, not only in terms of race, gender, and ethnicity, but also in terms of thinking, ideas, and perspectives. This enables them to tap into different viewpoints and approaches to leadership, and to create a more dynamic and innovative culture.
Fostering a leadership-friendly culture: The best organizations create a culture that values and supports leadership. This means giving leaders the autonomy and resources they need to succeed, as well as holding them accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, developing great leaders takes time, effort, and dedication. But for organizations that are willing to invest in the development of their leaders, the payoff can be enormous.
Lead From Within: When organizations want to set themselves up for success they must invest in developing the next generation of great leaders.
#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 The Best Organizations Develop Great Leaders appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
September 20, 2023
3 Ways to Handle Difficult Relationships with Confidence
Difficult relationships can be a source of stress and anxiety for many people. Whether it’s a challenging colleague, a difficult client, or even a family member, managing these relationships requires a certain level of emotional intelligence and skill.
Here are three ways to handle difficult relationships with confidence:
Communicate assertively: Assertive communication is a key skill for handling difficult relationships. It involves being able to express your own needs and wants, while also respecting the needs and wants of others. This means being able to say “no” when necessary, while also being able to compromise when appropriate.
Set boundaries: Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining your own emotional well-being and maintaining healthy relationships. It means being able to say “no” to requests or demands that are unreasonable or that you are not comfortable with. Setting boundaries also means being able to communicate your expectations clearly, so that others know what you expect from them.
Keep emotions in check: Emotions can run high in difficult relationships, but it’s important to keep them in check. This means being able to take a step back and take a deep breath when things get heated, as well as being able to stay calm and composed even in the face of provocation. By keeping your emotions in check, you’ll be better able to communicate assertively and set boundaries in a way that is constructive and professional.
Managing difficult relationships can be challenging, but it’s not impossible to navigate these relationships and maintain a sense of control over your own emotions and well-being.
Lead From Within: Leadership is not just about the easy relationships, it’s about the strength to navigate the difficult ones.
#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 3 Ways to Handle Difficult Relationships with Confidence appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
How to Lead in an AI-Driven World Successfully
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the global business landscape, it brings along not only revolutionary changes but also a new set of challenges and opportunities for leaders.
To thrive in this AI-driven world, today’s leaders must become fluent in both the language of humans and the language of machines. Here are the key competencies and approaches that can equip all leaders to navigate the intricacies of this new direction successfully.
Understand AI Basics: Leaders don’t need to be AI experts, but having a solid understanding of what AI can and cannot do is invaluable. This includes grasping the fundamentals of machine learning, data analytics, and automation.
Develop a Data-Driven Mindset: In an AI-driven world, data is the new goldmine. Leaders must understand the importance of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to make informed decisions.
Retrain and Upskill: AI will inevitably change the job landscape. Offering retraining and upskilling programs can prepare your workforce for these changes and enhance employee loyalty.
Combine Human and Machine Strengths: While AI provides valuable insights, human intuition and creativity should not be underestimated. The most effective leaders will know how to balance AI analytics with human judgment.
Long-term Vision with Artificial Intelligence: Use AI not just for immediate problem-solving but also for long-term strategic planning. From forecasting market trends to risk assessment, AI can offer valuable insights.
The advent of AI in the business world is not a signal for leaders to step back but an invitation to step up in new ways. By embracing lifelong learning, adopting a data-driven mindset, fostering ethical AI use, building resilient teams, and leveraging AI for strategic decisions, leaders can not only navigate but also thrive in an AI-driven world.
Lead From Within: The future belongs to leaders who can successfully cultivate AI capabilities with timeless leadership virtues.
#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:
12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow OldA Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness 11 Powerful Ways Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Leadership Forever 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves How the Best Leaders Help their Remote Employees Thrive The One Quality Every Leader Needs To SucceedThe Deception Trap of LeadershipThe post How to Lead in an AI-Driven World Successfully appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
September 19, 2023
Manager Vs Leader: Which One Are You?
When it comes to leadership, the terms manager and leader are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. A manager is responsible for maintaining the status quo and ensuring that tasks are completed on time and within budget. A leader, on the other hand, is focused on creating a vision and inspiring others to work towards a common goal. In this blog post, we will be discussing the key differences between a manager and a leader, and providing five ways to identify which one you are.
A leader focuses on the future and long-term goals, while a manager focuses on the present and the immediate needs of the organization.
A leader is focused on driving change and innovation, while a manager is responsible for maintaining the status quo.
A leader is focused on inspiring and motivating others, while a manager is focused on completing tasks.
A leader’s primary role is to inspire and guide, while a manager’s primary role is to oversee and direct.
A leader’s primary concern is with building a better system, while a manager’s primary concern is with maintaining the current one.
A leader tends to challenge the status quo and think outside the box, while a manager tends to operate within set boundaries and established systems.
A leader’s primary focus is on the long-term vision and mission of the organization, while a manager’s primary focus is on achieving short-term goals and objectives.
A leader prioritizes empowering and developing others, while a manager tends to prioritize maintaining control.
A leader focuses on driving growth and progress, while a manager typically focuses on maintaining stability.
A leader often makes decisions based on intuition and vision, while a manager tends to make decisions based on facts and data.
In summary, a manager is more operationally focused, ensuring the work is getting done, making sure that the processes are working and making sure that the team are following the rules and standards, While a leader is more visionary and focused on direction, strategy and inspiring the team to work towards a shared vision.
Lead From Within: Being aware of the differences between a manager and leader and identifying which one you are, allows you to better understand your strengths and weaknesses.
#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 Manager Vs Leader: Which One Are You? appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
September 18, 2023
10 Ways to Stay Calm In Difficult Leadership Conversations
It’s inevitable that every leader will encounter difficult conversations that will test their leadership. However, it’s important to remain calm in these situations in order to think clearly and respond responsibly.
Here are ten ways to stay calm in difficult leadership conversations, so that you can handle any difficult situation with poise and professionalism:
Take a deep breath: The power of deep breathing can’t be understated. It helps to slow your heart rate, decrease stress, and clear your mind.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and aware of your thoughts and feelings. Regular mindfulness practice can help you stay calm in the face of stress and adversity.
Prepare beforehand: Prepare for difficult conversations by thinking about what you want to say, anticipating the other person’s reactions, and having counterarguments ready.
Use “I” statements: Instead of accusing the other person, use “I” statements to express your feelings, concerns, and needs. It can help defuse the tension and make the conversation more productive.
Be open to feedback: Be open to feedback and actively listen to the other person’s perspective. This can help you understand where they’re coming from and find common ground.
Remain calm and composed: Maintain a calm, composed and professional demeanor, even in the face of provocation. This can help to de-escalate a tense situation.
Be assertive, not aggressive: Stand up for yourself and assert your position, but do so in a calm and controlled manner. Avoid becoming aggressive or confrontational.
Use humor: Humor can be a powerful tool to lighten the mood and defuse tension. Use it sparingly and appropriately, but don’t be afraid to use it when it feels natural.
Take a break: If things are becoming too heated, take a break. Give yourself and the other person some time to cool down and come back to the conversation later.
Reflect afterwards: After the conversation, take some time to reflect on what went well, and what you could have done differently. This will help you prepare for future difficult conversations.
Bottom line, difficult conversations are a part of any leadership role, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can stay calm and composed in any situation. By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle difficult conversations and make better decisions as a leader.
Lead From Within: Staying calm in the face of adversity is the mark of a true leader.
#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 Stay Calm In Difficult Leadership Conversations appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
September 15, 2023
How to Avoid Looking Incompetent When Leading
When it comes to leadership it’s important to project confidence and competence in order to earn the respect and trust of your employees. However, some leaders inadvertently project an image of incompetence due to certain behaviors and attitudes.
Here are some common behaviors that can make a leader appear incompetent and offer strategies for avoiding them.
Self-Obsessed: Leaders who are overly focused on their own needs and desires can come across as self-absorbed and disconnected. To avoid this, try to regularly check in with team members and show a genuine interest in their needs and concerns.
Think They Are Always Right: Leaders who are overly confident in their own abilities and opinions may come across as arrogant or unwilling to consider other perspectives. To avoid this, be open to feedback and ideas from your team, and be willing to listen and learn from others.
Don’t Support Their Team: Leaders who fail to provide support and resources to their team may come across as unsupportive and uncaring. To avoid this, make sure to provide the resources and support your team needs to succeed, and be available to provide guidance and assistance when needed.
Absentee Leadership: Leaders who are frequently absent or disengaged from their team may come across as disinterested or lacking in commitment. To avoid this, make an effort to regularly communicate with and be present for your team.
Creates Silos: Leaders who fail to foster communication and collaboration within their team may inadvertently create silos. To avoid this, encourage open communication and collaboration and make an effort to facilitate connections and interactions between team members. By creating a cohesive and collaborative team environment, you can avoid creating silos and project competence as a leader.
In conclusion, incompetence in leadership is often the result of a lack of awareness or understanding of one’s own limitations and the needs of their team.
Lead From Within: To avoid incompetence in leadership, it’s important for leaders to be self-aware and willing to continuously learn and improve.
#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 Avoid Looking Incompetent When Leading appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
September 14, 2023
6 Psychological Reasons There’s So Much Conflict in Your Leadership
Conflict is a natural part of any group dynamic, but it can be particularly prevalent in leadership roles. Whether it’s disagreement about strategy, personality clashes, or differing values, conflict in leadership can be damaging to both the individuals involved and the organization as a whole.
Here are six psychological reasons that conflict is so common in leadership positions:
When many personalities are trying to get along: Differences in personalities can lead to conflict in leadership roles, especially when there is a lack of understanding and respect for different personality types.
When experiencing different communication styles: Differences in communication styles can lead to misunderstandings and conflict in leadership positions if not properly addressed.
When there are strong egos: Ego can play a significant role in leadership conflicts, causing individuals to become defensive and unwilling to compromise when their sense of self-importance is threatened.
When there are unresolved past conflicts: Past conflicts that were not properly resolved can lead to lingering resentment and a greater likelihood of future conflicts, especially in leadership roles where the same people are likely to work together on a regular basis.
When there is competition for resources: Competition for limited resources such as time, money, and attention can lead to conflict among leaders due to a psychological need for status and recognition.
Conflict in leadership is a complex issue with many psychological factors at play. By being aware of these factors and taking steps to address them, you can create a more effective leadership.
Lead From Within: The more people you lead, the more you realize that conflict is inevitable. But it’s how you deal with it that’s important.
#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 6 Psychological Reasons There’s So Much Conflict in Your Leadership appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
September 13, 2023
How to Lead Effectively When You’re Not in Charge
Leadership is not always about holding a formal position of power. In fact, some of the most effective leaders are those who are able to influence and inspire others even when they don’t hold a traditional leadership role.
If you want to lead effectively when you’re not in charge, here are four ways to do it:
Set a good example: As the saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.” If you want to lead effectively when you’re not in charge, make sure you are setting a good example for others to follow. This means being reliable, hardworking, and ethical in everything you do.
Build relationships: Strong relationships are the foundation of effective leadership. Take the time to get to know your colleagues, and look for ways to build trust and establish rapport.
Take initiative: One of the most powerful ways to lead when you’re not in charge is to take initiative and look for ways to make a positive impact. This might mean coming up with new ideas, volunteering to take on additional responsibilities, or simply stepping up when others need help.
Collaborate and build consensus: Leadership is often about bringing people together and working towards a common goal. When you’re not in charge, this might mean finding ways to collaborate with others and build consensus around a shared vision. This might involve facilitating meetings, mediating conflicts, or simply working to bring people together and build strong relationships.
Bottom line, by following these strategies, you can become a more effective leader even when you don’t hold a formal leadership role.
Lead From Within: Leadership is not just about having authority – it’s about influencing and inspiring others to achieve great things.
#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 Lead Effectively When You’re Not in Charge appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
September 12, 2023
4 Effective Ways You Can Become More Resilient Leader
Resilience is an essential trait for any leader. It allows us to bounce back from challenges and setbacks, and to continue moving forward even in the face of adversity. But how can we become more resilient as leaders?
Here are four effective ways:
Physical resilience: Taking care of your body and mind is essential for coping with the demands of leadership. This means getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy nutrition, as well as finding ways to relax and recharge.
Mental resilience: Training your mind to stay focused and positive, even in the face of stress and uncertainty, is key to mental resilience. This can involve setting clear goals and priorities, practicing mindfulness, and finding ways to stay motivated and engaged.
Emotional resilience: Managing your emotions and reactions in a healthy way, and being able to cope with the emotional demands of leadership, is crucial for emotional resilience. This can involve developing healthy coping mechanisms, such as seeking support from trusted colleagues or engaging in self-care activities.
Social resilience: Building strong relationships and networks, both within and outside of your organization, is important for social resilience. This can involve seeking out mentors and role models, building supportive teams, and being open to learning from others.
Bottom line, by developing these four types of resilience, you can become a more resilient leader, better equipped to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the modern world.
Lead From Within: Resilience is not something you are born with – it is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time through practice and effort.
#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 4 Effective Ways You Can Become More Resilient Leader appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
