Lolly Daskal's Blog, page 50
March 23, 2023
4 Ways to Motivate Your Team Without Stressing Them Out
Motivating your team can be a difficult task, especially if you don’t want to add any extra stress to their already busy schedules. However, there are several ways you can motivate your team without stressing them out.
Here are five effective strategies:
Allow team members to be in the driver seat: One of the biggest motivators for employees is the ability to have control over their work. By giving them the freedom to take ownership of their tasks and decisions, you increase their motivation and engagement. As a result, the best way to alleviate stress is to allow your team to contribute their ideas and make decisions that impact their work.
Give them opportunities for growth: Everyone wants to feel like they are making progress and developing their skills. By providing your team with opportunities for learning and development, you not only increase their motivation but also improves their job performance. This could mean providing access to online courses or encouraging them to attend industry events.
Actively involve them: Involving your team in the decision-making process can go a long way in increasing their motivation. By seeking their input and listening to their ideas, you show that you value their contributions and want to collaborate with them. This will help reduce strains and foster a sense of ownership and accountability among your team members.
Recognize accomplishments: Recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of your team can be a powerful motivator. This doesn’t have to be a big production. Whether it’s a public shout-out in a team meeting or a personal note of appreciation can go a long way. Taking the time to recognize your team’s successes can help increase their motivation and engagement and keep them from feeling anxious or pressured.
As a leader, you never want to see your team stressed out. You do however, want to be good at motivating them. If you care about your team, you should put them in the driver’s seat, give them opportunities for growth, and actively involve them in the decision-making process. Additionally, it’s important to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments. As a result, this will ensure that you keep empowered, engaged and motivated.
Lead From Within: Stress is a common part of our work lives, but the best leaders know how to motivate their team members so they stay focused and determined.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post 4 Ways to Motivate Your Team Without Stressing Them Out appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 22, 2023
The Power of Delegation: How to Lead and Empower Your Team
As an executive leadership coach, I often see leaders struggle with how to effectively delegate tasks and projects to their team in a way that empowers and motivates them.
Many leaders worry that if they don’t do a job themselves, it won’t be done right. But there are ways to ensure that tasks and projects are completed successfully while also empowering and motivating your team.
The most effective leaders follow these four key points.
Choose the right person: To choose the best person for a task or project, consider their skills, experience, interests, and workload. By selecting the right person, you can ensure the task or project is completed well and the team member feels motivated. Additionally, taking into account their availability is crucial. Ultimately, choosing the right person can lead to better results and a more engaged team member.
Explain the objectives and desired results: Before delegating a task or project, clearly communicate the objectives and desired results to the team member. Explain what needs to be accomplished and why it matters. This helps team members understand their role and how their work fits into the bigger picture. In the end, setting clear expectations and goals ensures success.
Provide the necessary resources: To ensure success, provide team members with the necessary resources for a task or project. This may include access to equipment, software, or support from other team members. By giving your team the resources they need, you empower them to feel supported and equipped to complete their work effectively.
Stay connected. Be in touch with your team throughout the delegation process. This means providing feedback, answering questions, and offering guidance as needed. Therefore, by staying connected with your team, you can help them stay on track. Additionally, you can ensure they have the support they need to succeed.
In conclusion, effective delegation is a key aspect of strong leadership. By carefully choosing the right person for a task or project, clearly communicating the objectives and desired results, providing the necessary resources, and maintaining regular contact, you can empower and motivate your team to achieve success.
Lead From Within: The most effective leaders are those who have the wisdom to choose the right people for the job and the self-control to allow them to do it without interference.
#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 Power of Delegation: How to Lead and Empower Your Team appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 21, 2023
6 Ways to Encourage Your Employees to Reach Their Full Potential
You know you found the right leader for your career when they are eager to take an active interest in your growth and success. The best leaders know how to get the most out of people.
Here are six ways the most effective leaders encourage their employees to reach their full potential:
Promote individually: When promoting individually, this means giving specific goals and objectives to work towards. Additionally, provide the resources and support they need to achieve those goals. As a result, by promoting individual growth and development, you encourage your employees to feel more invested in their work and motivated to succeed.
Provide ongoing training: When providing ongoing training, this includes things like workshops, seminars, or even online courses. As a result, with constant learning and growing, your employees will have the knowledge and skills they need to take on new challenges and responsibilities.
Discover their motivations: When discovering their motivation, it’s important to realize, it will be different for each employee. For example, it could be anything from a desire for career advancement to a passion for solving problems. Additionally, by identifying their motivations, you can help your employees feel more engaged and motivated to succeed.
Show an interest in who they are: When showing an interest, it’s important to get to know them on a personal level. Try asking about their hobbies and interests outside of work. As a result, by showing an interest in who they are, you can help your employees feel valued and appreciated. Additionally, it will encourage them to give their best effort.
Be available: This means being accessible to answer questions. Thus, providing guidance, and addressing any concerns they may have. As a result, of being available, you show your employees that you care about their success and are willing to support them in any way you can.
Turn their ideas into action: Turning their ideas into actions, means listening to their ideas and suggestions and working with them to turn those ideas into reality. Additionally, by empowering your employees to take ownership of their work and ideas, you help them feel more engaged and motivated to succeed.
Bottom line, the best leaders are able to appreciate the differences in experiences, values, cultural backgrounds, influences, and beliefs that each employee brings. Therefore, they take pride in helping each employee reach their fullest potential.
Lead From Within: When leaders encourage their employees, they tend to reach their full potential.
#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 6 Ways to Encourage Your Employees to Reach Their Full Potential appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 20, 2023
Stagnation in Leadership: How to Avoid Getting Stuck in the Weeds
As an executive leadership coach, I have firsthand seen the price that companies pay when their leaders become overwhelmed in the details or preoccupied with the specifics that they fail to see the bigger picture.
This stagnation not only affects the leader’s own leadership, but also the teams they lead and the entire organization. Some consequences of stagnation in leadership include:
Decreased employee morale: When a leader is buried in minutia, it leaves employees disengaged or frustrated. If a leader doesn’t allow their employees to do their work or express their opinions, morale decreases.
Lack of innovation: When a leader believes it is their job to do all the thinking when it comes to innovation, they cause stagnation. Additionally, their actions of being stuck in the nitty-gritty result in the company lacking in innovation.
Decreased productivity: When a leader is engrossed in the small stuff, it appears as though they don’t have the time or energy to focus on the bigger picture. As a result, decreased productivity and efficiencies occur throughout the company and things do not get done.
Poor decision-making: When a leader is consumed by the finer points, and struggles to make strategic decisions, they appear stagnant. As a result, their behavior of being bogged down by the finer details hinders the company’s progress and discourages people.
Loss of market share: When a leader is overwhelmed by the details, it will cost the company. Consequently, the company may struggle to compete in the marketplace and lose market share to competitors. Stagnation in leadership is real and costly.
Decreased profitability: When a leader is pre-occupied with the specifics, they end up costing the company in profitability. As a result, stagnant leadership not only leads to decreased profitability, but it also leads to the decline of the overall health of the company.
Stagnation in leadership is like a weed that, if left unchecked, can strangle the growth and success of an individual, team, or organization. Therefore, it’s essential for leaders to regularly assess and address their own behaviors that may be holding them back, in order to avoid getting stuck in the weeds and incurring costly consequences, to their team and organization.
Lead From Within: Leaders who are overwhelmed by details, buried in minutia, stuck in the nitty-gritty, and wrapped up in their own thinking risk causing stagnation in leadership, teams, and the company.
#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 Stagnation in Leadership: How to Avoid Getting Stuck in the Weeds appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 17, 2023
5 Obstacles that can Prevent Your Leadership from Reaching Success
Leadership is a critical factor in achieving success. Effective leaders are able to inspire and guide others towards a shared goal. Their ability to do this can greatly impact the success of the organization. Successful leaders are able to balance the many facets of leadership. As a result, they can drive the organization forward towards its goals.
However, there are several obstacles that can prevent leadership from reaching success. Some common obstacles that leaders may encounter include:
Lack of clarity and direction: A lack of clarity and direction can prevent leadership from achieving success. This can involve unclear goals and objectives, conflicting priorities, and a lack of alignment among leadership team members. As a result, without clarity and direction, leadership may struggle to make timely and effective decisions, and may be unable to achieve its goals and objectives.
Inadequate communication and collaboration: Inadequate communication and collaboration can prevent leadership from achieving success. This can involve poor communication and coordination among leadership team members, and a lack of collaboration and teamwork. Therefore, without effective communication and collaboration, leadership may struggle to align and engage its team members, and may be unable to achieve its goals and objectives.
Resistance to change and innovation: Resistance to change and innovation can prevent leadership from achieving success. This can involve a fear of change, a reluctance to try new ideas and approaches, and a lack of creativity and innovation. Consequently, without a willingness to adapt and innovate, leadership may struggle to respond to changing circumstances and challenges, and may be unable to achieve its goals and objectives.
Ineffective leadership skills and behaviors: Ineffective leadership skills and behaviors can prevent leadership from achieving success. This can involve poor decision-making, inadequate communication, and a lack of accountability and responsibility. As a result, without effective leadership skills and behaviors, leadership may struggle to inspire and motivate its team members, and may be unable to achieve its goals and objectives.
Poor team performance and morale: Poor team performance and morale can prevent leadership from achieving success. This can involve low productivity, high turnover, and a lack of engagement and motivation among team members. Therefore, without strong team performance and morale, leadership may struggle to achieve its goals and objectives, and may be unable to foster long-term success and growth for the organization.
Overall, these five obstacles can prevent leadership from reaching success, and can hinder the performance and effectiveness of leadership and the organization. By addressing and overcoming these obstacles, leadership can improve its performance and effectiveness, and can foster long-term success and growth for the organization.
Lead From Within: Success comes with obstacles, and how you overcome them determines your ultimate success or failure.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post 5 Obstacles that can Prevent Your Leadership from Reaching Success appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 16, 2023
The Duality of Leadership: Illuminating the Way While Casting Shadow
Leadership is a complex and multifaceted concept that involves both illuminating the way, while casting shadow along the way.
On the one hand, leaders are responsible for guiding others towards success. They inspire and motivate others to achieve great things, and they provide the light that illuminates the path forward.
However, leadership also involves casting shadows. As leaders, our actions and decisions can have a profound consequence on those around us. As a result, sometimes these consequences can make people unhappy or dislike our actions.
At the end of the day, leadership isn’t a popularity contest. It’s about doing what is best for the company and its people. As a result, leadership expectations comes with its dualities.
Here are four ways in which leadership has a duality:
Confident and humble. Leaders must be confident in their abilities and decisions, but they must also be humble enough to recognize and learn from their mistakes.
Strong and flexible. Leaders must be able to take a strong stance when necessary, but they must also be flexible and adaptable in order to respond to changing circumstances.
Strategic and tactical. Leaders must be able to think strategically and plan for the long term, but they must also be able to execute on the details and handle the tactical aspects of their job.
Individual and team. Leaders must be able to work independently and take ownership of their own work, but they must also be able to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team.
Control and delegation. Leaders must be able to maintain control and make important decisions, but they must also be willing to delegate and trust others to handle important tasks and responsibilities.
Leading and serving. Leaders must be able to take the lead and guide others towards success, but they must also be willing to serve and support their team members in order to help them achieve their goals.
Inspiring and challenging. Leaders must be able to inspire and motivate their team members, but they must also be willing to challenge them and push them out of their comfort zones.
In conclusion, the duality of leadership involves both illuminating the way and casting shadows. It is up to each individual leader to find the balance between these two aspects, and to use this balance to become the best leader they can be.
Lead From Within: By balancing the illuminating light and the casting shadows, the best leaders can inspire and guide others to greatness.
To learn more about leadership duality: Read my book: The Leadership Gap, it dives deep into the concepts of leadership dualities and how to leverage them to succeed.
#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 Duality of Leadership: Illuminating the Way While Casting Shadow appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 15, 2023
Why is Collaboration Difficult For Some Leaders and How to Make it Easier
Effective collaboration is essential for leaders in today’s fast-paced, competitive business environment. When leaders work together with their team, they can achieve greater productivity, creativity, and teamwork. However, some leaders still find it difficult to collaborate effectively.
Here are four common challenges leaders face and how they can overcome them:
Not wanting to give up control: Some leaders find it difficult to let go of control. They feel they are the only ones who can do a task or project correctly. Additionally, they are afraid that others will not do it to their standards. However, giving up control is essential to effective collaboration. One way to address this challenge is to focus on the outcomes and goals of the task or project, rather than the specific steps and processes. As a result, by setting clear expectations and trust in team members, leaders can let go of control while still achieving the desired results.
Not wanting to share the spotlight: Some leaders are hesitant to collaborate because they fear that they will not get the credit they deserve. However, leadership is not about getting credit. Being an effective leader goes beyond individual recognition. By focusing on the success of the team and the larger goals, leaders can let go of the need to be in the spotlight and instead create a culture of teamwork and shared success.
Not trusting others: Some leaders struggle with collaboration is a lack of trust in their team. They hesitate to delegate tasks or share information. However, trust is essential for a positive and productive work environment. To build trust, focus on open and honest communication, set clear expectations and goals, and provide support and resources. By fostering trust, leaders create a culture of collaboration and teamwork within their team.
Not focused on the right result: Some leaders prioritize results over relationships, but strong relationships are crucial for effective collaboration. Instead of focusing solely on achieving results at any cost, the best leaders prioritize both results and relationships. To create a positive and supportive work environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork, it’s important to prioritize both results and relationships. Remember, strong relationships are essential for success.
In conclusion, collaboration can be challenging for some leaders, but it is an essential skill for effective leadership. By addressing common challenges such as a reluctance to give up control, a desire to be in the spotlight, a tendency not to trust people and a focus on results over relationships, leaders can learn to collaborate effectively and create a culture of teamwork and shared success.
Lead From Within: No individual leader can win a game by themselves – to succeed, they must work with others and learn to collaborate.
#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 is Collaboration Difficult For Some Leaders and How to Make it Easier appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 14, 2023
How to Tell When It’s Time to Resign From Your Leadership Position
Leaders are passionate about what they do and take pride in their ability to guide and inspire others to achieve great things. However, effective leadership also involves knowing when it is time to step down and make room for new leadership.
While it can be difficult to let go of a leadership position, it’s sometimes necessary in order to allow the organization to evolve and grow. It’s important for leaders to recognize when their leadership is no longer aligned with the values and mission of the company. As a result, they should be willing to step down in order to allow the organization to move forward. Effective leaders are able to recognize when it’s time to step down.
Here are a few signs that can indicate that it may be time to resign from your leadership position. These may include:
Your leadership has become outdated: If you have had your leadership position for a long time, it may be time to sacrifice your own desires for the greater good. It can be easy to become set in your ways and resistant to change when you have been in a leadership position for a long time. It may be necessary to step down in order to allow the organization to evolve and grow.
You no longer commitment to the organization: If you have lost interest or enthusiasm for the work you are doing, it may be time to consider stepping down.
Your leadership style is not effective: If you find that your leadership approach is not getting results or is not in line with the organization’s priorities, it may be time to consider a change.
Your relationship with organization has become strained or toxic. If you are having difficulty working with your team or if the overall culture of the organization has become negative or unhealthy, it may be time to move on.
You are not able to make the necessary changes to move the organization forward. If you feel that you are unable to implement the changes that are needed to move the organization forward, it may be time to consider stepping down and allowing someone else to take the lead.
Ultimately, deciding to resign from a leadership position is a very personal decision that will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. However, it should also include consideration of what is good for others. Sometimes, a leader must be willing to let go of their own wants and needs in order to do what is best for the organization. If you are feeling uncertain or unsure, it may be helpful to discuss your concerns with a mentor or trusted colleague.
Lead From Within: When a leader resigns, it must come with the understanding that sometimes we must sacrifice our own desires for the greater good.
#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 Tell When It’s Time to Resign From Your Leadership Position appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 11, 2023
How to Support and Encourage Employees Who Outshine Their Leader
As a leader, it’s important to support and encourage your team members, even when they start to outshine you. This can be challenging, as it can bring up feelings of insecurity or competitiveness. However, by embracing their success and using it as an opportunity to learn and grow. As a result, you can create a positive and supportive work environment that benefits everyone.
Here are some tips on how to support and encourage employees who outshine you:
Celebrate their success: As a leader, when an employee excels in their role, it’s important to recognize and celebrate their achievements. For example, it could be as simple as sending them a congratulatory email or publicly acknowledging their accomplishments in a team meeting.
Provide opportunities for growth: As a leader, encourage your employees to continue learning and growing in their roles by offering opportunities for professional development. This in turn, could include training programs, mentorship, or the chance to take on new responsibilities or projects.
Show appreciation: As a leader, make sure to regularly express your appreciation for your team members and their contributions to the company. This can be through small gestures, such as thanking them for their hard work or providing them with praise or feedback.
Offer support: As a leader, when an employee is excelling in their role, it’s important to offer them the support they need to continue doing their best work. This could include providing them with the resources and tools they need, or simply being there to offer guidance and mentorship.
Encourage collaboration: As a leader, it’s important to set the example by embracing collaboration. By fostering an atmosphere of collaboration, you can build stronger relationships, improve communication and productivity, and ultimately drive better business results.
While it may be tempting for a leader to try to outdo their employees, the most effective leaders recognize that supporting and encouraging their employees is the key to success. By fostering a culture of acceptance and humility, leaders can help all their employees thrive and reach their full potential.
Lead From Within: The best leaders understand it is not about one person outshining another, but rather about the team working together to achieve shared goals and make a positive impact.
#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 Support and Encourage Employees Who Outshine Their Leader appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 10, 2023
Here’s the Proof That Positive Work Cultures Are More Productive
There is growing evidence to suggest that positive work cultures are more productive than negative ones. In fact, research shows that employees who feel positive about their work environment are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. On the other hand, employees who work in negative or toxic cultures are more likely to be disengaged and less productive. Therefore, it is important to include happiness in any business culture.
To establish a positive workplace culture that is proven to lead to more productivity, here’s what you can do:
Show care for your employees: You can demonstrate care for your employees by offering various opportunities for growth and development. As an example, training programs, professional development workshops, and mentorship opportunities. Studies have shown that when employees feel that their well-being is a priority for the organization, they become more driven and focused.
Provide support for your employees: You can support your employees by offering resources and tools to help them succeed in their roles, such as guidance and coaching when needed. Studies have shown that when employees feel that they have the support they need to succeed, they become more productive and committed.
Trust your employees: By entrusting your employees with the responsibility they need to succeed in their roles and allowing them to solve problems on their own, you demonstrate your belief in their ability to handle responsibility and trust in their ability to do their best work. Studies have proven that when employees feel trusted and valued by the organization, they become more inspired and passionate.
Treat employees with respect: You can show respect for your employees by valuing their contributions, listening to their ideas and concerns, and providing feedback in a constructive and respectful manner. Studies have confirmed that when employees feel treated with respect, they become more involved and interested.
Go the extra mile with your employees: You can go the extra mile with your employees by going out of your way to make their work experience more enjoyable and fulfilling. This involves taking the time to listen to their ideas and concerns, providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed, and recognizing and rewarding their efforts. Studies have validated that when employees feel that the organization values their contributions and is willing to go the extra mile for them, they become more energized and invested
Give your employees autonomy: By granting employees autonomy and allowing them to make decisions and take ownership of their work, you demonstrate trust in their abilities and create an environment in which they can thrive. Research has substantiated that when employees feel they have autonomy and responsibility for their work, they become more determined and committed.
Research and experimentation have proven that when employees feel cared for, supported, respected, trusted, and autonomous, they become more productive, motivated, and invested in their work. In fact, creating a positive work culture for your employees has been shown to lead to success. Therefore, it is vital for businesses to prioritize building a positive work culture for their employees
Lead From Within: The simple truth is that when your workplace is positive, your employees are happy, and when your employees are happy, the company succeeds.
#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 the Proof That Positive Work Cultures Are More Productive appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
