Lolly Daskal's Blog, page 42
July 14, 2023
Navigating the Top 3 Failures Every Leader Will Experience
Every leader will inevitably encounter failures along the way. These setbacks can be tough to navigate, but by learning from them, you can become a stronger and more resilient leader.
Here are the top three failures that every leader will likely experience at some point:
Bad Hiring: Even if you have an intensive process in place for vetting potential hires, there’s always a chance that someone may not live up to your expectations. No matter how good you think you are at judging a person’s potential, you will likely make a bad hire at some point. It’s important to learn from this failure and adjust your hiring process as needed to ensure that you are bringing on the best possible candidates for your team.
Dealing Badly with People: As a leader, you will have to manage and work with a diverse group of people. This can be challenging, and it’s easy to make mistakes when it comes to handling conflicts or difficult personalities. It’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s up to you as a leader to learn from them and do better in the future.
Unrealistic expectations: All leaders have expectations, but sometimes those expectations are just unworkable or impractical. To avoid setting goals that are unrealistic, consider reviewing industry standards and past productivity levels, scheduling regular conversations to discuss workload, and providing professional development resources and mentorship to improve efficiency. By setting realistic goals you can avoid this common failure.
Leadership failures are inevitable, but how a leader navigates these failures is crucial. Every time a leader is able to bounce back from a failure, it presents an opportunity to learn and plan for a more effective response in the future.
Lead From Within: Those who are open to acknowledging and learning from their failures often have more success in the long run.
#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 Navigating the Top 3 Failures Every Leader Will Experience appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 13, 2023
Why Leadership Success Depends on Leading with Ease
As an executive leadership coach, I have worked with many leaders on a variety of skills. However, there is one skill that always stands out as very important: the ability to lead others effectively.
Leading others is not necessarily difficult to do or learn, but leading well is crucial for achieving dynamic results. So, how can leaders lead with ease?
Here are seven key strategies:
Listen to those who want to speak: By listening to those who want to speak and promoting open communication, you can help prevent disruptions and damage to working relationships. Ignoring the thoughts and ideas of your colleagues can make them feel undervalued and under-appreciated.
Lead with character: Strong character is essential for effective leadership. This means being honest, ethical, and transparent in your actions and decisions. Leading with character helps build trust and respect among your team and sets a positive example for others to follow.
Develop critical thinking skills: Encourage your team to think critically and creatively by posing open-ended questions and challenging them to consider different perspectives. This helps build problem-solving skills and promotes innovation.
Encourage team building: Strong team dynamics are essential for success. Encourage team building activities and create an environment that fosters collaboration and trust.
Make your company culture inclusive: A diverse and inclusive company culture promotes a sense of belonging and can lead to greater productivity and innovation. Make sure to celebrate diversity and actively work to create an inclusive environment.
Guide others to resolve conflicts: Conflicts are inevitable, but they can be resolved through effective communication and problem-solving. As a leader, it’s important to guide your team in resolving conflicts and finding mutually beneficial solutions.
Be a great coach: Leading with ease means investing in your team and showing them that you care. This means being a coach and mentor who encourages growth and development.
Effective leadership is all about investing in others and showing that you care. The most successful leaders are those who lead with ease, building trust, respect, and a positive company culture. By following these strategies, you can become the leader you are most proud of.
Lead From Within: Leadership skills come with practice and patience, but once you understand that it’s your people that matter, you learn to lead with ease.
#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 Success Depends on Leading with Ease appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 12, 2023
5 Successful Strategies on Working with an Incompetent Leader
Working with an incompetent leader can be challenging and frustrating, but it is possible to find success and maintain your productivity despite this obstacle.
Here are five strategies that may help you navigate this difficult situation:
Practice diplomacy: It’s important to remember that your leader is still your boss and deserves respect. While you may not agree with their actions or decisions, try to communicate your concerns and needs in a diplomatic and respectful manner. This can help you maintain a positive working relationship and prevent unnecessary conflicts.
Do it their way (for now): Your leader may be resistant to change or have a particular way of doing things. To gain their trust and establish yourself as a team player, try to do things their way the first time. Then, you can offer one suggestion for improvement in the future. This can show that you are willing to listen and work with them, while also demonstrating your value as a team member.
Set clear boundaries and expectations: Incompetent leaders may not have a clear sense of their own limitations or may try to take on more than they can handle. Set clear boundaries and expectations for your own work and make sure to communicate these to your leader. This can help you stay focused and prevent unnecessary conflicts.
Look for opportunities to learn and grow: Even in a difficult work environment, there are always opportunities to learn and grow. Look for ways to take on new challenges and responsibilities, and seek out learning opportunities that can help you build new skills and advance your career.
Bring in a respected third party: If your leader is becoming unbearable to work with. It may be helpful to bring in a respected third party to mediate the situation. Speak to HR and have them offer an objective perspective and help find a resolution for this challenging situation.
Dealing with an incompetent leader can be a difficult and stressful experience, but by following these strategies, you can find success and maintain your productivity despite the challenges. Remember to stay focused on your own goals and priorities, and don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it.
Lead From Within: There are many incompetent leaders, and it is what you do when you encounter them that will make a big difference in your career.
#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 Successful Strategies on Working with an Incompetent Leader appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 11, 2023
7 Mistakes Leaders Make That Will Destroy Trust
Trust is a crucial component of any relationship, but it is especially important in leadership. When trust is present, leadership is strong and effective. But when trust is broken, it can be difficult to regain and can have serious consequences. Many leaders struggle with building and maintaining trust, and they often make mistakes that can destroy trust and hinder their team’s success.
Here are seven common mistakes leaders make that will destroy trust:
Unclear communication: One of the most common mistakes leaders make is failing to communicate clearly and effectively. When leaders are unclear in their communication, it can create confusion and mistrust among team members.
Disrespecting others: Disrespecting team members, whether it’s through negative comments or actions, can erode trust and damage team morale.
Taking credit for other people’s work: It’s important to give credit where credit is due, and taking credit for the work of others can damage trust and lead to resentment among team members.
Always being vague: Another mistake leaders make is not providing their team with the full information needed to do their jobs effectively. This can lead to frustration and a lack of confidence in the leader’s ability to guide the team.
Throwing people under the bus: Blaming others for mistakes or problems instead of taking responsibility can damage trust and create a negative work environment.
Saying one thing but doing something else: Inconsistency in words and actions can erode trust and create confusion among team members.
Micromanaging: Trusting your team members to do their jobs and giving them the autonomy to make decisions is crucial to building trust. Micromanaging can damage trust and lead to a lack of motivation and engagement.
The most trusted leaders know to avoid these common mistakes in order to build and maintain trust so they create a positive and supportive work environment.
Lead From Within: Trust is the foundation of all relationships and the most effective leadership.
#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 Mistakes Leaders Make That Will Destroy Trust appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 10, 2023
12 Questions Leaders Should Never Ask Their Employees
As an executive leadership coach who works with leaders around the world, I often hear leaders asking their employees a wide range of questions on a regular basis. However, some of these questions can be inappropriate or harmful to the work environment. To help leaders create a positive and supportive work environment for their teams, and establish healthy boundaries, I have compiled a list of questions that leaders should never ask of their employees.
Here are the top twelve questions:
Don’t ask employees to lie for the company: Lying is never acceptable, and asking your employees to do so can damage their trust in you and the company.
Don’t ask employees to reveal personal information: Your employees have the right to privacy, and it’s important to respect that.
Don’t ask employees to continuously work long hours: It’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and asking employees to work excessively long hours can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
Don’t ask employees to donate money: It’s not appropriate to ask employees to financially contribute to the company or to charitable causes.
Don’t ask employees to compromise their values or beliefs: It’s important to respect and value diversity within the workplace, and it’s not appropriate to ask employees to go against their personal values or beliefs.
Don’t ask your employees, “Can we speak later?” If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, it can create anxiety and stress for your employees.
Don’t ask employees to cover up or ignore unethical or illegal behavior: It’s important to maintain a culture of integrity and transparency within the workplace, and asking employees to cover up or ignore unethical or illegal behavior can damage trust and lead to serious consequences.
Don’t ask employees to evaluate their coworkers: It’s important to maintain a positive and supportive work environment, and asking employees to evaluate their coworkers can create tension and conflict.
Don’t ask employees to attend optional events: While it’s important to foster a sense of community within the workplace, it’s not fair to pressure employees to attend events that are not mandatory.
Don’t ask employees to do work without proper compensation or recognition: It’s important to fairly compensate and recognize employees for the work they do, and asking them to take on additional tasks without proper compensation or recognition can lead to resentment and a lack of motivation.
Don’t ask employees to come into work on weekends: Unless it’s absolutely necessary, it’s important to give employees time off on the weekends to rest and recharge.
Don’t ask employees to do tasks outside of their skillset without proper support: It’s important to give employees the tools and resources they need to succeed in their role.
In summary, as a leader, it’s important to treat your employees with respect and consideration. By avoiding these twelve questions you can create a positive and supportive work environment for your team.
Lead From Within: Never ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. As a leader, lead by example.
#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 12 Questions Leaders Should Never Ask Their Employees appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 7, 2023
Why It’s More Important Than Ever to Be Coachable
As a leader, it is important to continuously learn and grow in order to effectively lead and make informed decisions. While some leaders may believe that they can simply read a book or listen to a lecture and immediately apply the information. The reality is that lasting change and personal growth often require a more structured and personalized approach. This is where coaching can be a valuable tool for leaders to be more effective.
Here are six reasons why it’s more important than ever to be coachable as a leader:
Develop new skills and perspectives: Coaching can help leaders to develop new skills and perspectives that are relevant to their specific goals and challenges. This can include things like communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management.
Enhance self-awareness: Coaching can also help leaders to increase self-awareness and better understand their own strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This can be especially useful for leaders who may be stuck in their own ways or who are unaware of their own biases or limitations.
Generate long-term thinking: Coaching can provide support and encouragement as leaders work towards their long-term goals, which can help them stay motivated and focused.
Increase accountability: Coaching provides a structured and accountable environment in which leaders can set and work towards specific goals. This can help leaders to stay motivated and on track, and to make real progress towards their objectives.
Improve communication: Coaching can also help leaders to improve communication within their team or organization. This can involve things like improving listening skills, managing conflict, and building trust.
Increase resilience: Finally, coaching can help leaders to increase resilience and develop strategies for handling stress and setbacks. This can be especially important in today’s fast-paced and uncertain world, where the ability to adapt and bounce back is more important than ever.
Overall, being coachable is crucial to success because it demonstrates a willingness to put ego and pride aside in order to learn and grow. This willingness to put in the work and effort to improve is what sets apart those who succeed from those who don’t.
Lead From Within: The best leaders are coachable because they are the willingness to listen, learn, and grow from others’ experiences and insights.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post Why It’s More Important Than Ever to Be Coachable appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 6, 2023
3 Simple Habits to Improve Your Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is an essential skill for leaders and decision-makers. It involves analyzing and evaluating information, questioning assumptions, and considering multiple perspectives. This helps to make informed and well-reasoned decisions.
While some people may be naturally inclined to think critically, it is a skill that can be developed and improved upon through practice and intentional effort.
Here three simple habits that can help you to improve your critical thinking skills.
Question assumptions: One key aspect of critical thinking is the ability to question assumptions and examine the evidence behind them. This involves looking at a problem or issue from multiple angles and considering all the available information before making a decision. As a leader, it is important to be open to new ideas and to challenge your own assumptions in order to make informed and well-reasoned decisions.
Reason through logic: Another key aspect of critical thinking is the ability to reason through logic and draw logical conclusions based on the evidence at hand. This involves using sound reasoning and problem-solving skills to evaluate options and make decisions. As a leader, it is important to be able to think critically and use logic to make decisions that are in the best interest of your team or organization.
Diversity of thought: Another important aspect of critical thinking is the ability to consider multiple perspectives and embrace diversity of thought. This involves being open to different viewpoints and considering all sides of an issue before making a decision. As a leader, it is important to be inclusive and open-minded, and to value diversity of thought in order to make the best possible decisions.
Bottom line, being open to new ideas, using sound reasoning and problem-solving skills, and valuing diversity of thought are all important aspects of critical thinking for leaders.
Lead From Within: Critical thinking is not about being critical of others, it is about being critical of ourselves and our own thinking to expand our ideas.
#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 Simple Habits to Improve Your Critical Thinking appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 5, 2023
How to Lead When You Don’t Feel Like a Leader
Leadership is not always about feeling confident and in control. Even the most seasoned leaders can experience moments of self-doubt and insecurity. However, it is during these times that effective leadership is needed the most.
Here are some strategies for leading when you don’t feel like a leader and how to tap into your own inner strength and resilience:
Leadership is not about perfection. It is about continuously learning and growing. Embrace your imperfections and use them as opportunities for growth.
Seek guidance from others. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and can offer guidance and encouragement.
Focus on your strengths: Remember that everyone has something unique to offer, and you have the skills and abilities to contribute in your own way.
Practice self-care: Being a leader can be demanding and overwhelming, so it is important to take care of yourself in order to be able to effectively lead others.
Keep perspective: Remember that leadership is about making a positive impact and serving others, not about ego or personal gain.
Stay grounded: Stay grounded by staying connected to your own values and priorities. This can help you to stay authentic and true to yourself, even when facing challenges or difficult decisions.
Leading when you don’t feel like a leader can be challenging, but it is possible to tap into your inner strength and resilience. It is through facing these challenges and difficult times that we grow and develop as leaders.
Lead From Within: Remember that leadership is a journey, and it is through the challenges and difficult times that we grow and develop as 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 Lead When You Don’t Feel Like a Leader appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 4, 2023
8 Tips to Improve Your Leadership Listening Skills
Most people believe they are good listeners, but the reality is that many of us struggle with effective listening. Poor listening skills are one of the main causes of poor communication in leadership, and it can have negative impacts on teamwork, idea generation and trust.
Here are 8 tips to improve your leadership listening:
Stop the internal chatter. Your internal monologue can be a distraction when trying to listen to others. Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation to help quiet the mental chatter and focus on the present moment.
Listen to understand. Don’t just listen to surface level information, but ask clarifying questions and engage in critical thinking to fully understand the conversation.
Set aside your point of view. It’s easy to let preconceived notions or biases get in the way of truly listening to others. Instead, approach conversations with an open mind and be willing to listen to different perspectives.
Be present. Pay full attention to the person speaking and focus on the conversation at hand. This will help you build stronger relationships and create more authentic and meaningful interactions.
Stay interested. Maintain an open and curious mindset while listening, and strive to understand the speaker’s perspective and needs.
Stop multitasking. It’s easy to get caught up in multitasking, but it can be a major distraction when trying to listen to others. Instead, focus on the task at hand and give your full attention to the conversation.
Don’t shoot the messenger. Don’t dismiss or blame the person sharing information, even if it’s something you don’t want to hear. This will help you build trust and respect with your team.
Ask clarifying questions. If you’re not clear on something, don’t be afraid to ask for more information or clarification. This will help ensure understanding and prevent misunderstandings.
In closing, the consequences of not listening are numerous, including a loss of teamwork and camaraderie, missed opportunities and ideas, overlooked logical discernment and cost-saving processes, and a breakdown of trust and respect. Therefore, it’s so important that leaders improve their listening skills.
Lead From Within: Effective listening is a crucial leadership skill that is essential for building strong relationships, fostering collaboration and teamwork.
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 8 Tips to Improve Your Leadership Listening Skills appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
July 3, 2023
What Makes A Great Leader? 7 Essential Qualities To Emulate
What makes a great leader?
It’s a question that has been asked by many, and there are countless definitions and qualities that have been proposed.
As an executive leadership coach, I have observed that the most successful leaders possess a combination of key qualities that enable them to effectively guide and motivate their team towards success.
Here are seven key characteristics that all great leaders should strive to emulate:
Character: Great leaders have strong character and integrity, and they consistently act in accordance with their values and beliefs. They are transparent, honest, and accountable, and they set an example for their team to follow.
Confidence: Great leaders exude confidence and assertiveness, and they inspire others to believe in themselves and their abilities. They are decisive and take charge when necessary, but they also listen to others and consider different viewpoints.
Certainty: Great leaders have a clear vision and purpose, and they communicate it effectively to their team. They inspire confidence and commitment by being clear and consistent in their messaging and actions.
Communication: Great leaders are excellent communicators, and they are able to effectively convey their thoughts and ideas to their team. They listen actively and are open to feedback, and they adapt their communication style to the needs of their audience.
Conviction: Great leaders stand firm in their beliefs and values, and they inspire others to do the same. They lead with conviction and passion, and they are able to inspire and motivate their team to achieve their goals.
Collaboration: Great leaders understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration, and they encourage open communication and collaboration within their team. They are able to bring people together and foster a sense of unity and unity towards a common goal.
Capabilities: Great leaders have a strong set of skills and abilities, and they are constantly seeking out opportunities to learn and grow. They are competent and capable, and they inspire their team to be the same.
In conclusion, great leadership requires a mix of all of these key qualities, and rest assured no one can possess all of these qualities perfectly, but it’s through consistent effort and coaching support that leaders can pave the way for sustainable success.
Lead From Within: Great leaders are those who possess a combination of key qualities that enable them to effectively guide and motivate their team towards success.
#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 Makes A Great Leader? 7 Essential Qualities To Emulate appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
