Lolly Daskal's Blog, page 41
July 31, 2023
How to Tell if Your Leadership is Going Off the Rails
Leadership is a crucial aspect of any organization, and it’s important for leaders to constantly evaluate their own behavior and practices to ensure they are leading in the right direction.
Here are seven signs that your leadership may be going off the rails, and what you can do to get back on track:
Are you inconsistent in your leadership style? Leaders become great leaders because they are consistent. So even during times of uncertainty and volatility, staying consistent in your leadership and being intentional about practicing the traits outlined above will keep you on track.
Are you leading with ego? One of the most important qualities of a good leader is the ability to be humble. This means acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers and being open to feedback and suggestions from your team. If you find yourself becoming arrogant or dismissive of others’ ideas, it’s time to take a step back and refocus on leading with humility.
Are you resistant to change? Reacting to change is different from bringing about change. While some people live by the mantra “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” leaders can’t afford to have this mindset if they want to stay viable and competitive. Innovation is key, especially when operating environments are changing quickly. Do you want to retain your competitive advantage? Embrace the need for change and adapt accordingly.
Are you falling behind your competition? A strong leader will regularly assess their business model to determine if their products and services are still meeting the evolving needs of their customers. If not, it’s essential to embrace the need for change and make necessary adjustments in order to remain competitive.
Are you communicating ineffectively? Effective communication is crucial for good leadership. If a leader is not effectively communicating successful and not fostering a sense of collaboration and participation, it can lead to misunderstandings, low morale, and a lack of trust and respect. Therefore, regularly evaluating your communication strategies and ensuring that you are effectively connecting with your team is important for maintaining strong leadership.
Are you compromising your character? Good leaders are known for their integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior. If you find yourself compromising your values or making decisions that go against your personal code of conduct, it’s time to reassess your leadership style.
Are you neglecting your professional growth? Great leaders are constantly looking for ways to improve themselves and their team. If you’re not actively seeking out opportunities for personal and professional growth, it’s time to start. This could involve taking on new challenges, seeking out mentors, or investing in professional development opportunities.
Lead From Within: It’s important for leaders to constantly evaluate their own behavior and practices to ensure they are leading in the right direction.
#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 Tell if Your Leadership is Going Off the Rails appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 27, 2023
7 Effective Ways To Communicate like a Successful Leader
Effective communication is a key component of successful leadership. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it and how you listen to others that makes the biggest difference.
Here are seven ways to communicate like a successful leader:
Be authentic: One of the most important aspects of effective communication as a leader is authenticity. This means being genuine and transparent, and speaking from the heart. When you are authentic, people are more likely to trust you and follow your lead.
Be consistent: As a leader, it is important to keep the lines of communication open and stay in touch with your team. This could mean having regular check-ins or team meetings, or simply making an effort to be available when your team members have questions or concerns.
Be visible: Another key to effective communication as a leader is being visible and accessible. This means making an effort to get out of your office and spend time with your team, whether that be at team meetings, in the field, or just stopping by their desks to say hello.
Be a storyteller: People often respond better to stories and examples than to dry statistics or facts. As a leader, sharing stories and anecdotes can help to engage your team and make your message more memorable.
Be the example: As a leader, it is important to walk the talk and practice what you preach. If you are asking your team to do something, it is important to lead by example and do it yourself as well.
Be adaptable: Different people respond to different styles of communication. As a leader, it is important to be aware of this and to adapt your communication style to meet the needs of your team. This could mean using different methods of communication, such as email, phone, or in-person meetings, or using different language or tone depending on the audience.
Be open: Encourage open and honest communication within your team. This means being open to hearing and considering different viewpoints, even if they differ from your own. By creating a culture of open communication, you’ll foster a more collaborative and innovative team.
Lead From Within: Effective communication is the key to successful leadership; it’s a skill that takes 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 7 Effective Ways To Communicate like a Successful Leader appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 26, 2023
How Your Leadership Influence Has Make A Big Impact
The influence of a leader should not be underestimated. As a leader, you have the power to influence those around you in a variety of ways. From shaping the culture and vision of your organization, to motivating and inspiring your team, your leadership has the potential to make a big impact.
Here are seven ways your leadership has influence and creates a big impact:
Shaping the culture and vision: As a leader, you have the ability to set the tone for the culture of your organization and to shape its vision for the future.
Motivating and inspiring others: Your leadership can help your team members feel valued, motivated, and inspired to do their best work.
Providing guidance and resources: By setting clear goals and providing the resources and support your team needs to succeed, you can help guide your organization towards success.
Leading by example: Your actions as a leader speak louder than words. By modeling the behaviors and values you want to see in your team, you can inspire and influence others to follow suit.
Empowering your team: By giving your team the autonomy and trust they need to thrive, you can help them feel empowered and motivated to take on new challenges and responsibilities.
Fostering collaboration and innovation: By creating an inclusive and open-minded culture, you can encourage your team to work together and think creatively to solve problems and develop new ideas.
Building trust and loyalty: By being transparent, approachable, and consistent in your actions, you can build trust and loyalty among your team and strengthen your leadership influence.
Lead From Within: Leadership is not about title or position, it’s about influence and the impact they make.
#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 Your Leadership Influence Has Make A Big Impact appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 25, 2023
How The Best Leaders Learn To Lead Successfully
One of the most effective ways for leaders to learn and grow is to look to those who have come before them. Whether it’s through admiration, imitation, or even learning from negative role models, the best leaders know that there is always something new to learn and ways to improve.
Here are six key ways that the best leaders learn to lead successfully:
Admiration: You become the people you admire. By looking up to and emulating those who have had a positive impact on your life and career, you can learn valuable lessons and develop your own leadership style.
Imitation: You can learn by imitating the behaviors and strategies of those who have achieved success. This can help you to understand what works and what doesn’t in different situations, and can also give you a starting point as you continue to grow and develop as a leader.
Feedback: By actively seeking feedback and engaging in self-reflection, leaders can gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement, and can continually work on developing their skills.
Coaching: Working with a coach or mentor can provide valuable guidance and support as you develop your leadership skills. A coach can help you to identify your goals, challenge your assumptions, and provide a sounding board as you navigate challenges and make important decisions.
Continuous learning: The best leaders never stop learning. Whether it’s through formal education, networking with other leaders, or simply staying up-to-date on industry trends, they understand the importance of continuous learning in order to stay relevant and effective in their roles.
Negative role models: While it’s important to look up to and learn from those who have had a positive impact, it’s also valuable to learn from those who have made mistakes or who have not been effective leaders. By understanding what not to do, you can avoid common pitfalls and become a more effective leader.
Lead From Within: As leaders, we learn and grow in many ways, but it’s important to be mindful of how we choose to learn and who we choose to learn from.
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 Learn To Lead Successfully appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 24, 2023
7 Ways Great Leaders Can Positively Influence Their Team
As a leader, you have the ability to shape the culture and atmosphere within your organization through your actions, behaviors, and decisions. When you lead with a positive and proactive approach, you inspire your team to do the same, and this can create a strong, positive culture within your organization.
Here are seven ways great leaders influence their team:
They recognize team members strengths: Every team member has unique strengths and talents, and it is important for leaders to recognize and acknowledge these. By focusing on the strengths of your team members and finding ways to utilize them, you can create a more positive and productive work environment.
They support and protect team members: A great leader stands behind their team and supports them, no matter what challenges they may be facing. They also work to protect their team from external threats or challenges that could hinder their success. By being a supportive and protective leader, you can create a sense of trust and loyalty within your team.
They invest in the growth and development of team members: A great leader is always looking for ways to invest in the development and growth of their team. This could be through training, coaching, or providing opportunities for them to take on new challenges. By investing in your team, you show that you value their growth and success.
They treat team members with respect: A great leader treats their team members with respect and consideration, and they set the tone for how they expect to be treated in return. By treating your team with respect, you create a positive and respectful work culture.
They encourage team members to take the lead: A good leader empowers their team members to take the lead on projects and initiatives, and they provide the support and resources they need to succeed. By giving your team the opportunity to lead, you foster a sense of ownership and accountability.
They create a meaningful purpose: A good leader helps their team to see the bigger purpose behind their work, and they inspire them to work towards a shared vision. By creating a sense of purpose and meaning, you can motivate your team to work harder and more effectively.
They lead by example: A good leader leads by example and sets the standard for how they expect their team to behave. By modeling the values and behaviors you wish to see in your team, you create a positive and productive work culture.
Lead From Within: Great leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge, and creating a culture in which they can thrive.
#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 Ways Great Leaders Can Positively Influence Their Team appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 21, 2023
The One Simple Question That Makes a Big Difference for Leaders
As an executive leadership coach, I have been using a daily ritual with my clients for many years that has been effective in improving their leadership skills. This is something I have personally been doing for a long time and it has had a significant impact on my personal and professional journey. The ritual is simple: before any coaching meeting, intake call, social gathering, or personal interaction, I ask myself “How can I leave this person or situation better than I found it?”
I have been doing this with everything and everyone I encounter for decades, and my clients who are serious about their leadership and making a positive impact have also adopted this practice and ask themselves the same question.
Here are a few ways that this simple, but important question changes the perspective of leadership:
Staying fully present and focused: This daily ritual encourages leaders to be fully present in each interaction, rather than letting their minds wander or becoming distracted by other tasks. By staying present, leaders are better able to listen to understand and pick up on subtle cues that may be important for their work.
Promoting humility: Asking oneself “How can I leave this person or situation better than I found it?” requires a certain level of self-reflection and introspection. It encourages leaders to be open to feedback and willing to learn from others, rather than being closed off or defensive. This humility can help to create a positive, collaborative culture within an organization.
Caring about others: Asking this question helps leaders to take the time to listen and understand the needs and concerns of those around them, and make an effort to connect on a deeper level. By demonstrating a genuine interest in others, leaders can build trust and strengthen relationships within their organization.
Cultivating a learning mindset: By continually asking themselves how they can improve and make a positive impact, leaders are more likely to be open to new ideas and approaches. This learning mindset can help them to stay up-to-date with industry trends and better serve their organization.
Leaving a positive impact: Focusing on others and striving to leave them better off has the power to create an impact and strengthen an organization. By prioritizing the needs of others and working to improve their experiences, leaders can build a strong, positive culture that will benefit both the organization and those who serve it.
In the end, this daily ritual of asking oneself “How can I leave this person or situation better than I found it?” has the power to help leaders make a lasting difference.
Lead From Within: This important question can help leaders not only improve themselves but it can also create a lasting impression on the organization 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 The One Simple Question That Makes a Big Difference for Leaders appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 20, 2023
How Empathy is The Foundation of Strong Leadership
As a leader, it’s important to not only have a clear vision and strategy for your organization, but also to be able to connect with and understand your team members on a deeper level.
Empathy is the foundation of strong leadership and can be demonstrated in two ways: cognitive empathy, or asking yourself “If I were in their position, what would I be thinking right now?”, and emotional empathy, or “Being in their position would make me feel…”.
By using these techniques to step into the shoes of your team members, you can gain a deeper understanding of their needs and challenges, and better support them in their work. But the benefits of empathy go beyond just improving individual relationships.
Here are four ways that demonstrating empathy can benefit your organization as a whole:
Empathy helps engagement: When team members feel understood and valued by their leader, they are more likely to be engaged and invested in their work.
Empathy helps conflict resolution: When leaders are able to understand and appreciate different viewpoints, they are better equipped to resolve conflicts and find mutually beneficial solutions.
Empathy helps innovation: A culture of empathy and understanding encourages open communication and allows team members to bring new ideas to the table without fear of judgment.
Empathy helps work-life balance: By showing empathy towards the challenges and commitments that team members may be facing outside of work, leaders can help create a more balanced and supportive work environment.
Empathy helps inclusivity: Demonstrating empathy towards diverse perspectives and experiences helps create a more inclusive and welcoming culture within the organization.
Lead From Within: Great leaders cultivate empathy to lead with compassion and success, understanding its impact on the people they lead.
#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 Empathy is The Foundation of Strong Leadership appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 19, 2023
10 Things Leaders Should Stop Doing Immediately
As a leadership coach, I often work with clients who are struggling to effectively lead their teams. While every situation is unique, there are certain habits and behaviors that I consistently see getting in the way of effective leadership.
Here are 10 things that leaders should stop doing immediately in order to become more effective:
Stop not setting goals: Clearly defined goals help to focus effort and provide a sense of purpose and direction.
Stop setting unclear expectations: Make sure that your employees understand exactly what is expected of them and how their work fits into the larger goals of the organization.
Stop relying on open door policy to facilitate communication: Don’t assume that an open-door policy alone will encourage your employees to share ideas or address problems. Instead, make an effort to actively listen to and communicate.
Stop micromanaging: Trust your employees to do their jobs and give them the autonomy they need to thrive.
Stop having unnecessary rules: Don’t create unnecessary rules or processes that don’t add value.
Stop failing to communicate clearly: Make sure that your employees understand your vision and goals, and provide regular feedback to help them grow.
Stop having unproductive meetings: Make sure that your meetings have a clear purpose and agenda, and only invite the necessary people.
Stop focusing on the wrong things: Make sure that you’re prioritizing the most important tasks and not getting bogged down in the details.
Stop being inflexible: Be open to new ideas and approaches, and be willing to pivot when necessary.
Stop refusing to delegate: Delegating tasks allows you to focus on what you do best, and it also gives employees the opportunity to grow and develop their skills.
Lead From Within: Leaders must stop doing the things that sabotage their employees’ success and start doing the things that support and enable it.
#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 10 Things Leaders Should Stop Doing Immediately appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 18, 2023
Authentic Leaders Do These 4 Things Well
Authentic leaders are a rare and valuable commodity in the business world. They are genuine, transparent, and consistent, and they have the ability to inspire and motivate others to be their best selves. But what sets authentic leaders apart from the rest? What qualities and characteristics do they possess that allow them to be so effective?
Here are four things that authentic leaders do well:
Honor their commitments: Authentic leaders understand the importance of keeping their word and following through on their commitments. They are reliable and trustworthy, and they do everything in their power to fulfill their promises. By honoring their commitments, they build credibility and trust with their team and colleagues.
Don’t seek approval or validation through popularity: Authentic leaders have the courage to do what is right, even if it is not the easiest or most popular choice. They are not swayed by external pressures or the opinions of others, and they stand firm in their values and beliefs. By standing up for what they believe in, they inspire others to do the same.
Admit mistakes: Authentic leaders are not afraid to admit when they have made a mistake. They understand that nobody is perfect and that it is important to learn from our mistakes. By admitting their mistakes and taking responsibility for them, they demonstrate their authenticity and integrity.
Live by their values: Authentic leaders are true to themselves and live in accordance with their own values. They do not compromise their beliefs or values for the sake of convenience or popularity, and they inspire others to do the same. By living according to their own values, they create a positive, authentic culture within their organization.
As a leader, right now your team (and career) need your authenticity more than ever. But to be successful, you must also develop a strong self-awareness so that your authenticity creates a positive difference for yourself and others.
Lead From Within: The Authentic leader inspires trust by being genuine and by living in accordance with their values.
#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 Authentic Leaders Do These 4 Things Well appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 17, 2023
The Top 10 Leadership Habits to Avoid at All Cost
Effective leadership requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and qualities that help to inspire, motivate, and guide a others towards a shared goal. However, even the most talented leaders can fall into bad habits that can hinder their success and impact their team in a negative way.
Here are the top ten leadership habits to avoid at all costs:
Blaming people: One of the worst leadership habits is to constantly blame others for mistakes or failures. This type of behavior not only undermines the confidence and morale of the team. It also creates a toxic work environment where people are afraid to speak up or take risks. Instead of pointing fingers, leaders should focus on finding solutions and helping their team learn from their mistakes.
Lack of transparency: Leaders who are selective about the information they share with a few. Risk creating an atmosphere of mistrust and secrecy. It’s important for leaders to be transparent and open with their team, as this helps to foster a sense of trust and collaboration.
Leading with control: Effective leadership involves striking a balance between being decisive and confident, while also being open and inclusive of others. Leadership is not about having all the answers or being the boss. It’s about listening to the ideas and concerns of others. It’s about working together as a team to achieve a common goal. Leaders who rely solely on their control risk alienating their team and stifling creativity and innovation.
Neglecting to listen to others: A key aspect of effective leadership is the ability to listen and consider the perspectives and ideas of others. Leaders who neglect to listen to others are alienating and demotivating. As leaders they are missing out on valuable insights and solutions.
Not being open to new ideas and approaches: Leaders who are resistant to change or new ideas risk stifling creativity and innovation within their team. It’s important for leaders to be open to new approaches and ideas, and to encourage their team to think outside the box.
Believing you are the only one that can do the job: While it’s important for leaders to have a strong sense of responsibility and ownership, it’s also crucial to recognize and value the skills and contributions of others. Leaders who believe they are the only ones who can do the job risk overloading themselves and neglecting the talents and potential of their team.
Lack of empathy: Leaders who lack empathy risk alienating and demotivating their team. It’s important for leaders to be understanding and compassionate, and to show consideration for the needs and concerns of their team.
Making all the decisions by yourself: One of the key roles of a leader is to make decisions that are in the best interest of the team. However, leaders who make all the decisions by themselves risk ignoring the perspectives and insights of others, which can lead to resentment and lack of buy-in. Instead, leaders should encourage open communication, collaboration, and shared decision-making within the team.
Failing to provide support and resources: Leaders who neglect to provide the support and resources their team needs to succeed risk hindering their team’s productivity and success. It’s important for leaders to ensure their team has the tools and resources they need to be successful.
Lack of delegation: While it’s important for leaders to be hands-on and involved in their work, they also need to know when to delegate tasks and responsibilities to their team. Leaders who struggle with delegation risk overwhelming themselves and their team, as well as missing out on the opportunity to empower and develop their team’s skills and capabilities.
Lead From Within: By being aware of and avoiding these pitfalls, leaders can cultivate a positive and effective team culture and achieve 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 The Top 10 Leadership Habits to Avoid at All Cost appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
