Lolly Daskal's Blog, page 47
May 3, 2023
This One Tiny Leadership Skill That Cause Massive Failure
There are many skills that are necessary for sustained leadership success, but it ultimately comes down to one key factor – character.
Character fundamentally shapes how we engage with the world around us, what we notice, what we reinforce, who we engage in conversation, what we value, and what we choose to act on. Without strong character, it’s easy for a leader to fall into some common pitfalls that can lead to failure.
As an executive leadership coach, I often talk to my clients about the importance of character in leadership. Here are some specific character traits that I encourage my clients to embody as leaders:
Integrity: As a leader, this means being honest and truthful, even when it’s difficult. It’s essential for building trust and credibility with your team.
Honesty: As a leader, this means being open, transparent, and truthful in your interactions with others. Without honesty, it’s difficult for your team to trust you, and your relationships may suffer as a result.
Empathy: As a leader, this refers to the ability to understand and connect with others’ emotions. Without empathy, it’s difficult to build strong relationships and create a positive and supportive work environment.
Compassion: As a leader, this means showing concern and care for others and treating them with kindness and understanding. Without compassion, it’s difficult to create a positive and supportive work environment and to inspire and motivate others.
Accountability: As a leader, this means being responsible for your actions and decisions, and being willing to take ownership of the outcomes. Without accountability, it’s difficult to earn the trust and respect of others and to inspire and motivate your team.
To prevent massive failures in your organization, it’s essential for leaders to embody strong character traits. By striving to embody these traits, such as integrity, honesty, empathy, and compassion, leaders can set an example for their team and create a positive and productive work environment.
Lead From Within: Character is not just a word; it’s a process of building the habits that shape not only our lives but our leadership.
#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 This One Tiny Leadership Skill That Cause Massive Failure appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
May 2, 2023
7 Beliefs You Must Embrace to Be a Successful Leader
As a leader, it’s important to have a set of beliefs that guide your actions and decisions. These beliefs shape the way you approach challenges and opportunities, and they ultimately determine your success as a leader. Here are 7 beliefs that every successful leader must embrace:
Believe they can do anything, but they can’t do everything. Successful leaders understand that they have limitations, and they don’t try to take on more than they can handle. They prioritize their tasks and delegate what they can to their team, recognizing that they are stronger when they work together.
Believe progress trumps perfection. Successful leaders know that it’s more important to move forward and make progress than to worry about getting everything perfect. They understand that perfection is often unattainable and that the pursuit of it can hold them back.
Believe that change is growth, not pain. Successful leaders embrace change and see it as an opportunity for growth. They understand that change can be difficult, but they don’t let fear hold them back. Instead, they embrace change as a way to improve and move forward.
Believe on focusing on execution, rather than dwelling on strategy: Successful leaders understand that having a clear strategy is important, but they also know that it’s not enough. They focus on taking action and executing their plan, rather than getting bogged down in the details of strategy.
Believe in service, not self-service. Successful leaders understand that their role is to serve others, not just themselves. They put the needs of their team and their organization first, and they work tirelessly to help others achieve their goals.
Believe in building connections, not networks. Successful leaders understand its important to build strong deep connections, and not networks. It’s important to remember that leadership is about building genuine connections with others.
Believe in motivating from care, not fear: Successful leaders know that motivation comes from care, not fear. This means they understand that the best way to inspire and drive their team towards success is by showing them care and compassion, rather than resorting to fear-based tactics such as threats or intimidation. By showing care they are able to build trust and foster a sense of loyalty and commitment.
To be a successful leader, it is important to embrace certain beliefs that will guide your actions and decisions. By embracing these beliefs and incorporating them into your leadership style, you will be able to effectively lead and guide your team towards success.
Lead From Within: A leader’s beliefs are the are the cornerstone of their character and the driving force behind their actions.
#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 Beliefs You Must Embrace to Be a Successful Leader appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
May 1, 2023
How the Best Leaders Handle Employee Turnover
As a leader, one of the most challenging situations you may face is employee turnover. Losing valued team members can disrupt your team’s productivity and morale. Finding and training replacements can be time-consuming and costly. However, by taking proactive steps, you can minimize employee turnover and create a positive work environment that keeps your best employees around.
Here are six strategies for handling employee turnover effectively:
Make your employees feel valued: The most common reasons employees leave is because they don’t feel appreciated or valued in their current role. As a leader, it’s important to regularly show your appreciation for your team and make them feel like an integral part of your organization. This can be as simple as thanking them for their hard work or recognizing their contributions in team meetings.
Offer a competitive salary and benefits package: Money is often a major factor in employee turnover. To keep your best employees around, it’s important to offer a salary and benefits package that is competitive in your industry. This may include things like health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.
Reward and recognize your employees: Competitive salary and benefits packages are important to regularly recognize and reward your employees for their hard work. This can be through things like bonuses, promotions, or other forms of recognition. By showing your appreciation for your team, you can create a positive work environment that keeps your employees motivated and engaged.
Prioritize work-life balance: A reason for employee turnover is a lack of work-life balance. As a leader, it’s important to create a culture that values work-life balance and encourages employees to take time off when needed. This can help prevent burnout and ensure that your team is well-rested and productive.
Hire the right people for the right job: One of the best ways to minimize employee turnover is to make sure you are hiring the right people in the first place. This means taking the time to carefully evaluate candidates and ensure that they are a good fit for the role and the team. By hiring the right people, you can create a more cohesive and productive team, which can help reduce turnover.
In conclusion, handling employee turnover effectively requires a combination of strategies. By taking these steps, you can create a positive work environment that keeps your best employees around and helps your organization thrive.
Lead From Within: Leaders can prevent employee turnover by hiring the right people for the job and creating a positive work environment to retain them.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post How the Best Leaders Handle Employee Turnover appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
April 28, 2023
In 4 Simple Steps the Best Leaders Improve their Culture
As a leader, it’s important to prioritize the culture of your organization. A positive and supportive culture can lead to increased productivity, collaboration, and overall satisfaction among your employees.
But a negative culture can have serious consequences for both the team and the overall success of the business. So, it’s important that leaders, especially the best ones, take the time to improve their culture.
Here are four simple steps that leaders do to improve their organization’s culture:
They care deeply: The best leaders show a genuine interest in their team members and their well-being. This means actively listening to their concerns, offering support, and being there for them when they need it. By demonstrating care for your employees and their contributions, you set a benchmark for other managers to do the same and help foster a culture of gratitude.
They unite strongly: Strong leaders bring their team together and create a sense of unity. Unity is important because it builds connections and fosters collaboration. This can be achieved through regular team-building activities, clear communication, and a focus on collaboration.
They foster fairness: Fairness is a key component of a healthy organizational culture. Leaders can encourage fairness by treating all team members equally and with respect. It’s important to communicate and set clear expectations and guidelines for behavior, actions, and performance.
They build trust: Trust is crucial for any organization to thrive. As a leader, you can build trust by communicating openly and following through on your commitments. Communication is a two-way street, so seek to understand and be understood.
By following these four steps, all leaders can help to create a positive and supportive culture that will benefit both the team members and the organization as a whole.
Lead From Within: When leaders act as champions for engaging their employees, it’s far easier for the employees to support and sustain the culture.
#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 In 4 Simple Steps the Best Leaders Improve their Culture appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
April 27, 2023
Here’s One Thing All Great Leaders Must Make Time For
Leader are often pulled in many directions and it can be difficult to find the time for everything that needs to be done. However, great leaders understand that there is one thing that they must make time for: prioritizing the value of their time. These leaders understand that their time is precious and they make an effort to utilize it in meaningful ways.
Here are a few ways in which they make the most of their time:
Time for people: Great leaders understand the importance of building relationships with their team members. They make time to listen to their concerns, offer support, and help them develop their skills. By taking the time to invest in their people, leaders create a positive and productive work environment.Time for being available: Great leaders are always available to their team members. They make time to be there for them, whether it’s to answer questions, offer support, or simply lend an ear. By being available, leaders show their team members that they are there to help and support them.
Time for showing care: Great leaders show genuine care for their team members and are willing to go above and beyond to help them succeed. They make time to check in with their team members, offer guidance and support, and be there for them when they need it most.
Time for being positive: Great leaders are able to maintain a positive attitude, even in difficult situations. They make time to focus on the good things in their lives and the lives of their team members, and they encourage others to do the same. By being positive, leaders help create a positive work environment that is conducive to productivity and success.
Time for being inspirational: Great leaders are able to inspire and motivate their team members to achieve greatness. They make time to share their vision, set clear goals, and provide the support and guidance needed to help their team members succeed. By being inspirational, leaders help create a culture of excellence and drive their team to achieve great things.
Time is precious, and the best leaders know that making time for things they care about means they will be able to lead more effectively and inspire their team to achieve great things.
Lead From Within: By prioritizing their time, great leaders are able to create a positive and productive work environment that fosters 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 Here’s One Thing All Great Leaders Must Make Time For appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
April 26, 2023
7 Habits of Highly Successful Busy Leaders
As an executive leadership coach, I’ve worked with many busy professionals who are looking to improve their leadership skills. Through my experience, I’ve identified seven habits that are common among highly successful busy leaders.
If you’re a busy professional looking to improve your leadership abilities, consider incorporating these habits into your daily routine:
Prioritize: Successful busy leaders know how to prioritize their tasks and responsibilities. They understand that not everything is equally important. Therefore, they are able to focus on what needs to be done first. As a result, by prioritizing, busy leaders are able to be more efficient and get more done in less time.
Set clear goals: Successful busy leaders have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and how they want to get there. Consequently, they set clear goals and work towards them consistently, even when they’re busy. As a result, busy leaders are able to stay focused and on track.
Communicate effectively: Successful busy leaders are excellent communicators. They understand the importance of clear, concise communication and make it a priority to keep their team informed and up-to-date. Therefore, by communicating effectively, busy leaders are able to foster a sense of collaboration and teamwork among their team.
Manage time wisely: Successful busy leaders are masters of time management. They know how to use their time wisely and make the most of every minute. By managing their time effectively, busy leaders are able to balance their work and personal commitments and still get everything done.
Stay organized: Successful busy leaders are highly organized. They have systems in place to keep track of their tasks and responsibilities and they stick to them. Therefore, by staying organized, busy leaders are able to stay on top of their workload and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Delegate wisely: Successful busy leaders understand that they can’t do everything themselves. They are willing to delegate tasks to their team members and trust them to get the job done. Therefore, by delegating wisely, busy leaders are able to focus on their own responsibilities and allow their team members to grow and develop their skills.
Seek support: Successful busy leaders know that they can’t do it all alone. They seek support from their team, colleagues, and mentors in order to be successful. Therefore, by seeking support, busy leaders are able to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
By incorporating these seven habits into your daily routine, you can develop your leadership skills and be a highly successful busy leader.
Lead From Within: Busy leaders prioritize their tasks, stay organized, and stay focused to 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 7 Habits of Highly Successful Busy Leaders appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
April 25, 2023
6 Frustrating Reasons You Aren’t Becoming a Better Leader
As a leader, it’s important to continuously strive for improvement and growth. However, sometimes it can feel like you’re stuck in a rut and aren’t making the progress you’d like.
Here are six frustrating reasons you may not be becoming a better leader:
You have an enlarged ego: A frustrating reason you may not be improving as a leader is that you have an enlarged ego. Ego can be a powerful force, but it can also hold you back as a leader. To become a better leader, it’s important to check your ego at the door and be open to learning from others.
You have poor delegation skills: Another frustrating reason you may not be improving as a leader is that you have poor delegation skills. By failing to delegate, you may be taking on too much and not allowing your team to grow and develop. To become a better leader, it’s important to learn how to delegate effectively and empower your team to take ownership of their work.
You are unwilling to listen: Another frustrating reason you may not be improving as a leader is that you are unwilling to listen to your employees. By failing to listen, you may be missing out on valuable insights and suggestions that could help your team and organization thrive. To become a better leader, it’s important to be open to hearing what your employees have to say.
You lack trust: Another frustrating reason you may not be improving as a leader is that you lack trust. By failing to build trust, you may be hindering your ability to lead effectively. To become a better leader, it’s important to focus on building trust through consistent actions, open communication, and transparency.
You are not consistent: Another frustrating reason you may not be improving as a leader is that you’re not being consistent. As a leader, it’s important to be reliable and consistent in your actions and decisions. By being consistent, you can earn the trust and respect of your team and create a cohesive and productive work environment.
You lack transparency: Finally, a frustrating reason you may not be improving as a leader is that you lack transparency. To become a better leader, it’s important to focus on being transparent and open with your team, and to be willing to share important information and decisions. By being transparent, you can foster a sense of trust and collaboration within your team, which can lead to increased productivity and success.
By addressing these common frustrations, you can start making progress and becoming a better leader. Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination, and it’s important to continuously strive for growth and improvement.
Lead From Within: It’s frustrating to see a leader fail their organization but it’s just as frustrating to the leader when they fail themselves.
#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 Frustrating Reasons You Aren’t Becoming a Better Leader appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
April 24, 2023
Why So Many Successful Managers Fail to Become Great Leaders
There are many successful managers who have the skills and expertise to drive results and achieve success in their roles. However, not all of these managers are able to transition from successful managers to great leaders.
Here are five reasons why so many successful managers fail to become great leaders:
Lack of vision: Great leaders are able to set a clear direction and inspire others to follow. On the other hand, successful managers provide the details for direction. If you get stuck as a manager and don’t rise above the details to have a clear vision, you will fail to become a great leader.
Ineffective coaching: Great leaders are able to help their team members solve problems. However, successful managers tend to give answers rather than help their team find solutions. If you are unable to coach others as a manager, you will fail to become a great leader.
Lack of people development: Great leaders understand the importance of investing in their team’s development and providing opportunities for growth and advancement. On the other hand, successful managers prioritize projects over people. If you get stuck on concentrating only on project and forgo developing your people, you will fail to become a great leader.
Relying too much on giving answers: Great leaders value asking questions, seek input and foster collaboration. However, successful managers pride themselves on having answers. To become a great leader, you must be willing to ask questions and seek input from your team, otherwise you will fail to become a great leader.
Inability to inspire: Great leaders are able to inspire their team to achieve greatness. On the other hand, successful managers are more comfortable with comforting rather than inspiring. To become a great leader, you must be able to inspire and motivate your team, otherwise you fail to become a great leader.
Successful managers who fail to become great leaders may struggle to pivot their mindset and develop the skills necessary for leadership. To succeed in becoming a great leader, it’s important to address areas such as vision, coaching, people development, asking questions, and inspiring. By developing these traits, managers can make the transition to becoming great leaders.
Lead From Within: Great leadership is not about achieving individual success, but rather about empowering and inspiring others to achieve success as a team.
#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 So Many Successful Managers Fail to Become Great Leaders appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
April 21, 2023
How to Lead Effectively Across Different Generations
Leading effectively across different generations can be a challenge, as each generation brings its own unique set of values, experiences, and expectations to the workplace. However, by understanding the key characteristics of each generation and adapting your leadership style accordingly, you can create a harmonious and productive team.
Before you begin to lead, it’s important to understand the different generations currently present in the workplace:
The Veterans (also called the Traditionals), born between 1922 and 1946The Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964Generation X, born between 1964 and 1980The Millennials (also called Generation Y or the Nexters), born between 1980 and 2000Now that we’ve identified them, let’s learn how to unite them. Here are some tips for leading effectively across different generations
Respect diversity: Great leaders understand the value of diversity and seek to create a workplace that is inclusive and respectful of all team members. This includes respecting differences in age, background, and perspective, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Draw on their strengths: Each generation brings its own unique strengths and skills to the table. As a leader, it’s important to identify and leverage these strengths in order to create a harmonious and productive team. For example, Veterans may bring a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge to the table, while Millennials may be more adept at using technology and social media. By drawing on the strengths of each generation, you can create a team that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Communicate effectively: One of the keys to effective leadership is effective communication. This means taking the time to listen to your team and understand their perspectives, as well as clearly communicating your expectations and goals. It’s important to recognize that different generations may have different communication preferences and styles, so be open to adapting your approach to meet the needs of your team.
Foster collaboration and teamwork: Great leaders create a culture of collaboration and teamwork, regardless of the age or background of their team. Encourage your team members to work together and share ideas, and create an open and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Offer training and development opportunities: All team members, regardless of their age, can benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities. Invest in your team’s professional growth by providing access to learning resources and opportunities for advancement.
Remain agile and adaptable: The world of work is constantly changing, and great leaders are able to adapt and remain agile in the face of these changes. This means being open to new ideas and approaches, and being willing to learn and adapt as needed. By remaining agile and adaptable, you can better meet the needs and expectations of your team, regardless of their generation.
By following these tips, you can lead effectively across different generations and create a harmonious and productive team. Remember, leadership is not about age or background, it’s about your ability to inspire and empower others to achieve success.
Lead From Within: Great leaders are able to draw on the strengths of each generation and create a harmonious culture, despite the generational differences.
#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 Across Different Generations appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
April 20, 2023
7 Simple But Important Habits All Great Leaders Master
Great leaders are not born, they are made through a dedication to improving themselves by changing basic habits. These habits may seem simple, but they are important because they become a part of who we are through repetition. That is why they are crucial for the success and effectiveness of a leader and the team they are leading.
Here are seven simple habits that are very important for leaders to master if they want to be succeed:
Be a person of character: A prerson of character consistently demonstrates honesty, integrity, and respect for others. Great leaders embody these values in all that they do and inspire others to do the same. Leadership is not rank, privilege, or power. It is responsibility, character, and service,
Learn to listen: Great leaders take the time to listen and seek to understand before reacting or making decisions. They are great listeners and understand that listening is not just about hearing words, but about understanding the needs, concerns, and perspectives of others. Leadership is all about listening, learning, and then leading.
Be considerate: Great leaders are considerate of others and seek to create a supportive work environment. They understand that by valuing and supporting their employees, they can create a culture of collaboration and teamwork that leads to success. Leadership is not about having all the answers, it’s about being considerate of those who do.
Embrace drive: Great leaders are driven and determined about their work and inspire others to be the same. They are always looking for ways to improve and innovate and have a strong sense of purpose and mission. Leadership is not about getting things done, it’s about having the drive to get things done right.
Maintain positive attitude: Great leaders understand the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, even in the face of challenges or setbacks. They know that a positive attitude is contagious and can inspire and motivate others to achieve great things. Leadership is not about having the most power, it’s about having a positive attitude and leading by example.
Empower and support: Great leaders empower their team to take ownership of their work and make decisions. They also provide support and resources to help them succeed. Leadership is not about controlling or dominating, it’s about empowering and supporting people to achieve greatness.
Trust and respect: Great leaders understand that trust and respect are essential for building strong relationships and creating a positive work environment. When a leader demonstrates trust and respect for their team, it fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork, which can lead to increased productivity and success. Leadership is not a position or title, it’s about earning the trust and respect of those you lead
By mastering these simple habits, leaders can inspire and empower their teams to achieve success and create a positive and productive work environment.
Lead From Within: Leadership is not about having all the answers, it’s about developing simple habits and mastering so they can find greatness within.
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 Simple But Important Habits All Great Leaders Master appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
