Lolly Daskal's Blog, page 39
August 28, 2023
5 Reasons Why Gratitude Will Make You A Better Leader
When it comes to leadership it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday tasks and responsibilities. However, as a leader, taking the time to practice gratitude can have a huge impact on your leadership skills and overall well-being.
Here are five reasons why gratitude will make you a better leader.
Gratitude improves your relationships: Expressing gratitude towards your team and colleagues can help improve relationships and create a more positive work environment. When people feel appreciated and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work.
Gratitude boosts your mood: Practicing gratitude has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. As a leader, when you focus on the things you are grateful for, it can boost your mood and help you feel more positive and motivated.
Gratitude makes you more productive: Not only does gratitude improve your mood and focus, it can also make you more productive. As a leader, when you are grateful for the things you have, you are likely to be more motivated and engaged at work. This can lead to increased productivity and success in your leadership role.
Gratitude checks your ego: It’s natural for leaders to want to be recognized and appreciated for their hard work and achievements. However, it’s important to recognize that success is not solely about personal accomplishment, but also about the contributions and support of others. As a leader, practicing gratitude can help you check your ego and recognize that your success is not solely due to your own efforts.
Gratitude fuels generosity: As a leader, when you are grateful for the things you have, it becomes easier to be generous with your time, resources, and support towards others. Gratitude can fuel a sense of generosity and a desire to give back to others, which can have a positive impact on your team and work environment.
Bottom line, gratitude is the feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for the things we have or the good things that happen to us. It involves recognizing and valuing the positive aspects of our lives and expressing appreciation.
Lead From Within: By taking the time to practice gratitude, we can become more positive, motivated, and successful leaders.
The post 5 Reasons Why Gratitude Will Make You A Better Leader appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
August 25, 2023
7 Ridiculous Reasons You Feel Like An Imposter At Work
As a leader, it’s natural to have moments of self-doubt and insecurity. However, sometimes these feelings can escalate into what is known as imposter syndrome, a feeling of unworthiness or inadequacy despite evidence of success. If you’ve ever felt like an imposter at work, you’re not alone. In fact, research shows that imposter syndrome is common among high-achieving individuals.
Here are seven ridiculous reasons you might feel like an imposter at work, and how to overcome them:
You don’t have a fancy degree: It’s easy to feel like you don’t belong or aren’t qualified if you don’t have a prestigious degree. However, it’s important to remember that a degree is just one aspect of your education and experience. Your skills, knowledge, and work ethic are just as important, if not more so.
You’re not an expert in your field: No one knows everything, and it’s impossible to be an expert in every aspect of your field. Don’t let your lack of knowledge in certain areas hold you back. Instead, embrace the opportunity to learn and grow.
You’re not as experienced as your colleagues: It’s natural to compare yourself to others, but it’s important to remember that everyone has their own journey and pace. Don’t let your lack of experience hold you back; instead, use it as motivation to work harder and learn more.
You don’t have all the answers: As a leader, it’s natural to feel pressure to have all the answers. However, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to not know everything and to ask for help when you need it.
You’re not as confident as you’d like to be: Confidence is an important quality in a leader, but it’s important to recognize that it’s something that can be developed and improved upon. Don’t let a lack of confidence hold you back; instead, work on building your self-esteem and learning to trust in your abilities.
You’re afraid of failure: Everyone experiences failure at some point, and it’s important to recognize that it’s a natural part of the learning and growth process. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back; instead, use it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
You’re not sure if you belong: It’s easy to feel like an imposter if you don’t feel like you fit in or belong. However, it’s important to remember that everyone has their own unique strengths and abilities, and it’s okay to be different.
If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, it’s important to remember that these feelings are normal and common. The most important thing is to recognize these feelings and work on combating them.
Lead From Within: The best leaders work on overcoming the imposter within, so they can become the successful leaders they are meant to be.
#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 Ridiculous Reasons You Feel Like An Imposter At Work appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
August 24, 2023
4 Steps to Becoming a Leader People Will Follow
Many people follow their bosses only out of a sense of obligation or because they are being compensated. However, some exceptional leaders have the ability to inspire their team to go above and beyond, not just because they have to, but because they want to. This distinction can be the key to achieving exceptional results as a leader.
To become a leader that people want to follow, consider these strategies:
Become valuable: To be a valuable leader, you need to be an expert in your field and continually seek out opportunities to learn and grow. This will help you bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table and earn the respect of your team.
Become caring: Showing that you care about your team’s well-being and development can go a long way in building trust and loyalty. Take the time to get to know your team members and find out what motivates them. Offer support and resources when needed, and be available to listen and offer guidance.
Become authentic: People are naturally drawn to authenticity and transparency. As a leader, it’s essential to be genuine and honest in your communication and actions. This means being open and approachable, owning up to mistakes, and being consistent in your behavior.
Become protective: A good leader should always have the best interests of their team in mind. This means protecting them from unnecessary stress or pressure, advocating for them when needed, and creating a positive and supportive work environment.
Lead From Within: When it comes to becoming a better leader, it’s not just about the actions you take, but the way in which you take 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 4 Steps to Becoming a Leader People Will Follow appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
August 23, 2023
5 Harmful Habits Sabotaging Your Team’s Success
When it comes to your leadership, it’s important to be aware of the habits that may be hindering your team’s success. While we all have our own quirks and tendencies, some habits can be more harmful than others, particularly when it comes to leading a team.
Here are five harmful habits that may be sabotaging your team’s success and what you can do about them.
Infective communication: Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and lack of collaboration. To improve communication on your team, make an effort to be clear and concise when communicating expectations and goals, and encourage open and honest dialogue among team members.
Ambiguous goals: Procrastination can lead to missed deadlines, poor quality work, and increased stress. To combat procrastination on your team, set clear deadlines and expectations, and encourage team members to break large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.
Mistrust: When you mistrust others, you turn into a micromanager. Micromanaging can lead to a lack of autonomy and creativity among team members. To foster a culture of trust and responsibility, give team members the freedom to take ownership of their work and make decisions.
Poor delegation: Failing to delegate tasks can lead to overburdening and burnout among team members. To ensure that tasks are distributed evenly and efficiently, learn to delegate effectively and trust your team to handle responsibilities.”
Negative mindset: As a leader, having a negative mindset and behavior can be contagious and harmful to company morale. To maintain a positive and productive culture, encourage a growth mindset and focus on solutions rather than problems.
Bottom line, being aware of and addressing harmful habits, you can create a positive and productive culture that supports success.
Lead From Within: Leaders who engage in harmful habits risk sabotaging their team’s success and hindering their own growth and development as a 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 5 Harmful Habits Sabotaging Your Team’s Success appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
August 22, 2023
How To Use Adversity in Leadership to Improve Your Thinking
Adversity is a natural part of life, and as leaders, we will inevitably face challenges and setbacks. While it can be tempting to focus on the negative aspects of these challenges, it’s important to remember that adversity can also be a source of growth and development. By learning how to use adversity in leadership to improve your thinking, you can become a more resilient and effective leader.
Here are some ways to use adversity in your leadership to improve your thinking:
Discover your inner philosopher: Adversity often forces us to confront our beliefs and values. By taking the time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings during difficult times, you can gain a deeper understanding of who you are as a leader and what matters most to you.
Look for the opportunity: While it may not always be easy to see, adversity often brings with it new opportunities for growth and development. By looking for the silver lining and embracing change, you can turn adversity into an opportunity to learn and grow.
Embrace the evolution: Adversity often leads to change, and it’s important to be open to the evolution of your thinking, your actions, and your perspective. By embracing change and adapting to new circumstances, you can become a more flexible and agile leader, better equipped to navigate future challenges.
Seek out the good stuff: Research has shown that we tend to focus more on negative information than positive. According to a study by psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, the ratio of positive to negative thoughts is 5:1, meaning we need to actively seek out the good stuff in order to maintain a balanced perspective. So, while it’s important to prepare for challenges, it’s also important to take the time to appreciate the good things in your life.
Look beyond the immediate challenge: When facing adversity, it’s easy to get caught up in the immediate problem at hand. However, it’s important to take a step back and consider the bigger picture. By looking beyond the immediate challenge, you can gain a broader perspective and better understand the root cause of the problem.
Focus on lessons learned: Adversity often comes with valuable lessons, and it’s important to take the time to reflect on what you have learned. By focusing on the lessons learned from challenges, you can gain valuable insights and apply them to future situations.
Lead From Within: With the right mindset, adversity can be transformed into a source of growth and development for leaders.
#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 Use Adversity in Leadership to Improve Your Thinking appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
August 21, 2023
How The Best Leaders Resolve Conflicts Within Their Teams
One of the most important skills you can have as a leader, is the ability to effectively resolve conflicts within your team. When conflicts arise, they can disrupt productivity and create a negative work environment. That’s why it’s important to address conflicts as soon as possible and find a resolution that works for everyone.
Here are some tips on how the best leaders resolve conflicts within their teams:
Be proactive: As a leader, if you see something, say something. Don’t wait for conflicts to escalate before addressing them. If you notice tension between team members, don’t be afraid to bring it up and try to find a solution.
Pick up the cues: The best leaders know that signs of conflict can be subtle, but you can detect them by being aware of the interactions within your team. Conflict might be reflected in individuals’ body language, facial expressions, or tone of voice. Pay attention to these cues and take action if necessary.
Be fair and impartial: The most effective leaders understand when resolving conflicts, it’s important to be fair and impartial. Don’t take sides or show favoritism towards one team member. Treat everyone equally and listen to all perspectives before coming to a resolution.
Only step in when needed: While it’s important to address conflicts as they arise, as a leader, you also don’t want to micromanage your team. If team members are able to resolve a conflict on their own, allow them to do so. However, if the conflict is severe or if team members are unable to find a resolution, it’s important for you to step in and facilitate a resolution.
Work on bringing people together: As a leader, a key part of resolving conflicts is finding a solution that works for everyone. This may involve compromising, finding common ground, or finding a way to meet everyone’s needs. The goal is to bring people together and find a resolution that works for the team as a whole.
Have a plan: The best leaders always have a plan. So, when conflicts arises, they have a plan in place for how to address them. This could involve setting up a meeting with the team members in question, mediating the conflict, or coming up with a resolution that works for everyone. By having a plan in place, you’ll be better equipped to handle conflicts as they arise and find a resolution quickly.
Lead From Within: Be the kind of leader who can effectively resolve conflicts within your team and create a positive work environment where everyone is able to thrive.
#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 Resolve Conflicts Within Their Teams appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
August 17, 2023
How the Best Leaders Instill a Growth Mindset in Their Employees
The best leaders understand that it’s important to not only focus on the success of their organization, but also the development and growth of their employees. One way to do this is by instilling a growth mindset in their employees.
Encouraging a growth mindset in your employees can lead to increased creativity, innovation, and adaptability, all of which are important qualities for success in today’s fast-paced and constantly changing business environment.
So, how can you encourage a growth mindset in your team? Here are a few tips:
Tie performance evaluation to learning, not output: Rather than simply evaluating employees based on the output of their work, focus on their progress and development. This helps to shift the focus from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.
Classify both successes and failures as learning opportunities: Encourage employees to see both successes and failures as opportunities for growth and learning. This helps to create a culture of continuous learning and development.
Encourage employees to express themselves: Create an open and safe environment where employees feel comfortable voicing their ideas and concerns. This helps to foster a growth mindset and encourages employees to take risks and try new things.
Invest in employees’ upskilling and reskilling efforts: Offer opportunities for upskilling and reskilling. Upskilling involves teaching new skills or knowledge that are relevant to an employee’s current job or career, while reskilling involves teaching completely new skills, often in order to change careers or adapt to new technologies or job requirements. By providing training, mentorship, and other development opportunities, you demonstrate that you value your team’s growth and are committed to their success.
By adopting these practices, you can help your team cultivate a growth mindset and foster a culture of continuous learning and development. This not only benefits your employees, but also the overall success of your organization.
Lead From Within: The best leaders understand that a growth mindset is the belief in one’s ability to improve and learn continuously.
#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 Leaders Instill a Growth Mindset in Their Employees appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
August 16, 2023
7 Warning Signs Your Anger is Affecting Your Leadership
Anger is a normal emotion, but when it starts to affect your leadership style and behavior, it can be harmful to both your team and your own success.
Here are seven warning signs that your anger may be impacting your leadership and what you can do about it.
Chronic anxiety: Being anxious all the time can be a sign that your anger is taking a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. If you find yourself feeling anxious or stressed more often than not, it may be time to take a closer look at how your anger is affecting your leadership style.
Constant rumination: When you find yourself constantly replaying negative events or situations in your head, it can be a sign that your anger is getting the best of you. Rumination can lead to increased stress and anxiety, which can in turn affect your leadership ability.
Passive aggressive communication: If you find yourself communicating in a passive aggressive manner, it may be a sign that your anger is not being properly addressed. Instead of expressing your frustration or disappointment directly, you may resort to subtle or indirect forms of communication. This can lead to misunderstandings and damaged relationships with your team.
Persistent complaining: If you find yourself constantly complaining about everything, it may be a sign that your anger is getting the best of you. Complaining can be a way to vent your frustration, but it can also be damaging to your team’s morale and productivity.
Never ending venting: Similar to complaining, constantly venting your anger can be harmful to your team and your leadership. Venting can be a way to release pent-up emotions, but it’s important to find healthy and appropriate outlets for your frustration.
Hypercritical behavior: If you find yourself constantly criticizing others or picking apart their work, it may be a sign that your anger is affecting your leadership. Being hypercritical can damage relationships with your team and hinder productivity.
Judgmental behavior: When you find yourself judging others or their actions constantly, it may be a sign that your anger is clouding your judgment. This can lead to damaged relationships and a negative team dynamic.
Emotions are a natural part of the human experience, and anger is no exception. However, it’s up to us as leaders to decide how we will respond to and handle our emotions, including anger, in a way that positively impacts our leadership.
Lead From Within: By recognizing the warning signs and taking steps to manage your anger, you can become a more effective and respected 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 7 Warning Signs Your Anger is Affecting Your Leadership appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
7 Warning Signs Your Anger is Affecting Your Leadership
Anger is a normal emotion, but when it starts to affect your leadership style and behavior, it can be harmful to both your team and your own success.
Here are seven warning signs that your anger may be impacting your leadership and what you can do about it.
Chronic anxiety: Being anxious all the time can be a sign that your anger is taking a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. If you find yourself feeling anxious or stressed more often than not, it may be time to take a closer look at how your anger is affecting your leadership style.
Constant rumination: When you find yourself constantly replaying negative events or situations in your head, it can be a sign that your anger is getting the best of you. Rumination can lead to increased stress and anxiety, which can in turn affect your leadership ability.
Passive aggressive communication: If you find yourself communicating in a passive aggressive manner, it may be a sign that your anger is not being properly addressed. Instead of expressing your frustration or disappointment directly, you may resort to subtle or indirect forms of communication. This can lead to misunderstandings and damaged relationships with your team.
Persistent complaining: If you find yourself constantly complaining about everything, it may be a sign that your anger is getting the best of you. Complaining can be a way to vent your frustration, but it can also be damaging to your team’s morale and productivity.
Never ending venting: Similar to complaining, constantly venting your anger can be harmful to your team and your leadership. Venting can be a way to release pent-up emotions, but it’s important to find healthy and appropriate outlets for your frustration.
Hypercritical behavior: If you find yourself constantly criticizing others or picking apart their work, it may be a sign that your anger is affecting your leadership. Being hypercritical can damage relationships with your team and hinder productivity.
Judgmental behavior: When you find yourself judging others or their actions constantly, it may be a sign that your anger is clouding your judgment. This can lead to damaged relationships and a negative team dynamic.
Emotions are a natural part of the human experience, and anger is no exception. However, it’s up to us as leaders to decide how we will respond to and handle our emotions, including anger, in a way that positively impacts our leadership.
Lead From Within: By recognizing the warning signs and taking steps to manage your anger, you can become a more effective and respected 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 7 Warning Signs Your Anger is Affecting Your Leadership appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
August 15, 2023
Why Leadership Fails and How to Ensure It Succeeds
Leadership is a crucial aspect of any organization, as it sets the tone for how work is done and impacts the overall success of the team. However, leadership can also be a challenging role, and it’s not uncommon for leaders to struggle or even fail in their efforts.
Here are some common leadership fails you need to stop to ensure that you succeed as a leader.
Leading with arrogance Instead of confidence:
Confidence is essential for leadership, as it helps to inspire and motivate the team. However, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Arrogance can come across as condescending or dismissive, causing people to lose respect for the leader. To avoid this, it’s important to stay humble and open to feedback.
Leading by withholding instead of communicating:
Effective communication is crucial for leadership. When leaders fail to communicate clearly or consistently, it can lead to confusion, resentment, and a lack of trust among team members. To ensure success, leaders should make an effort to be transparent and regularly communicate expectations, updates, and any necessary changes.
Leading by indecision instead of decisiveness:
A leader who is unable to make decisions can be frustrating for team members and detrimental to the success of the organization. While it’s essential to gather input and consider all options, it’s also important to be able to make a clear and timely decision. If indecisiveness is a struggle, it can be helpful to set clear criteria for decision-making and practice active listening to better understand the perspectives of others.
Leading with ego instead of humility:
Ego can be a significant hindrance to leadership success. When leaders are more concerned with their own interests or status, it can create a toxic work environment and undermine the team’s trust and loyalty. To avoid this, leaders should strive to be humble and prioritize the needs of the team over their own ego.
Leading erratically instead of discipline:
Discipline is essential for leadership, as it helps to create stability and predictability within the team. If a leader is erratic or inconsistent in their behavior, it can be confusing and disruptive for the team. To ensure success, leaders should strive to be consistent and reliable in their actions and communication.
Lead From Within: Leadership is a challenging but rewarding role, and it’s essential to continuously strive for improvement in order to achieve great things.
#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 Why Leadership Fails and How to Ensure It Succeeds appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
