Lolly Daskal's Blog, page 51
March 9, 2023
The Future of Leadership Development: How to Prepare for What’s Next
Despite investing heavily in education for their executives, many companies don’t see a good return on their investment. This is because traditional educators and businesses don’t often teach the vital skills necessary for success. Even if individuals receive some training, they may not stay with the company that paid for it.
As an executive leadership coach, I have observed that most organizations’ leadership development programs are standardized and one-size-fits-all. This lack of personalized, impactful training is a significant contributor to the failure of these programs to yield positive results.
I always encourage my clients to try something new. Here are my four recommendations for leaders who want their leadership development programs to succeed:
Tailored learning: To prepare your leaders to lead successfully, you must tailor the content and format of learning experiences. You must make sure it’s specific to their needs, that it meets their goals, and learning styles. Hence, avoid using a cookie cutter approach, which is common in most organizations.
Interactive learning: To ensure you have the right kind of leaders, you must provide experiences that involve interacting with others and engaging in group activities. For instance, as collaborating with colleagues or participating in group brainstorming discussions. As a result, this type of learning benefits individuals by allowing them to learn from others and benefit from diverse perspectives.
Hands-on learning: To position your leaders for success, you must provide experiences that are grounded in real-world situations. Make sure the content and activities are relevant and applicable to the individual’s work life. As a result of this, it can be directly applied to their daily tasks or challenges for increased effectiveness and efficiency.
Measured learning: To ensure your leaders have the tools they need to thrive, you must provide them with experiences that involve setting goals and tracking progress over time. This helps individuals see their progress and make adjustments as needed. Consequently, they come to understand the importance of measuring their actions and making them happen in a timely manner.
Stop doing what every other organization is doing and start treating your people the way they deserve. Incorporating these elements into leadership development efforts will increase engagement and motivation and lead to greater success in achieving your company goals.
Lead From Within: Leadership development is crucial for any organization that wants to stay competitive and lead successfully into the future
#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 Future of Leadership Development: How to Prepare for What’s Next appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 8, 2023
The Letter Every Leader Must Write To Those They Lead
As a leader, it is important to not only focus on the task at hand, but also to take the time to connect with those you lead on a personal level. One way to do this is through the written word.
Here are some suggestions to express and that would make a difference to those you lead:
Make today count. People often forget that the activities they do today will impact their future. Therefore, it can be particularly important to emphasize the importance of their contributions. This can help motivate and inspire them to continue pushing forward.
Look for new experiences and challenges. People can get stuck in the status quo, so it is important to encourage them to seek out new experiences and challenges, and to continue learning and growing as individuals. This will ensure that your team as a whole remains competitive and capable of meeting any future challenges.
Find joy and fulfillment. Finding joy can be particularly difficult in a high-pressure environment. Therefore, by encouraging your team members to pursue their passions, you can help foster a sense of ownership and pride in the work they do.
Listen to your instincts. Trusting your gut is easy for some and harder for others. Therefore, by encouraging your team members to trust their own instincts, you can help to build their confidence. This will foster a sense of ownership and accountability within the team.
Quiet the negative voices. Some people are good at drowning out negative thoughts, while others are not. Therefore, it’s important to encourage your team to focus on the positive and to not let fear or self-doubt get in the way. This will help them overcome obstacles and continue pursuing their goals with confidence and determination.
Seek the extraordinary. In our personal and professional lives, it’s important to strive to achieve our fullest potential. Therefore, by encouraging your team members seek excellence, it will not only grow and develop your team, but also contribute to the success of the company.
Ultimately, your letter should remind those you lead that they are the creators of their own lives and that they have the power to choose their own path. As a leader, you want them to know that you believe in them, support them, and are here to encourage them.
Lead From Within: By taking the time to connect with your team on a personal level, you can foster a sense of trust and camaraderie that can help to drive success and productivity within everyone you lead.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post The Letter Every Leader Must Write To Those They Lead appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 7, 2023
The Power of Perspective: Why Your View as a Leader Matters
As an executive leadership coach, I often guide my clients on the importance of having the right perspective as a leader.
In my experience, a leader’s perspective is crucial because it is what people will follow. Therefore, it is essential for a leader to understand their perspectives, as their views truly matter.
There are four key perspectives that I believe a leader must have in order to make a meaningful impact on those they lead. These four will help leaders and their teams do their best work.
A leader must be able to shift perspective: This is especially important when it comes to making decisions. This helps leaders think more clearly, which can be crucial in times of uncertainty or high pressure.
A leader must expand their perspective: This is especially important when working with a team or managing people, as it allows the leader to expand their views; by incorporating the experience and expertise of others.
A leader must be able to see beyond their own perspective: This is especially important when it comes to seeing new possibilities for old problems, as this can be useful when dealing with complex or challenging situations.
A leader must be able to learn from their mistakes: This is especially important because when it comes to excelling in leadership. The most effective leaders learn from their mistakes, so they don’t repeat them in the future.
The right kind of leadership perspective that matters is the one that allows us to see things in a new light, a new angle, and a new view. This knowledge gives us hope and inspiration that what we see, we can always improve upon.
Lead From Within: Perspective is crucial for leaders. The best leaders are those who are constantly pivoting, expanding, and learning from their own views in order to excel.
#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 Perspective: Why Your View as a Leader Matters appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 4, 2023
The 10 Decisions That Can Change Your Leadership Life
We all make decisions every day. As an executive leadership coach, my clients make business decisions constantly. But it’s who they are as leaders that makes their other decisions more impactful.
Here are 10 decisions that I have encouraged my clients to make so that their leadership lives can change forever:
Choosing to find meaning in what they do: This decision can help leaders find meaning in what they do and can make work more meaningful and life more purposeful.
Focusing on others rather than just themselves: This decision can help leaders focus on the needs of others, making them the kind of leader who gives more than they receive.
Going where the demands are high: This decision allows leaders to push themselves to grow as individuals and stretch themselves as leaders.
Becoming a person of conviction: This decision allows leaders to stand up for what is right, even when it’s not always easy.
Insisting on not remaining the same: This decision helps leaders avoid becoming complacent and stuck in their ways, and instead encourages them to try new things and take bold risks.
Deciding to have the power to impact change: This decision allows leaders to find the strength in what they can actually impact, even when they feel there is not much they can influence.
Refusing to take the easy path: This decision helps leaders avoid settling for mediocrity, and instead it stretches them to strive for excellence and find their inner greatness.
Going where the expectations are high: This decision helps leaders develop new skills, abilities, growth, and development that far surpass their own assumptions.
Confronting the imposter syndrome: This decision helps leaders overcome their doubt about not feeling good enough and not being smart enough, giving them the confidence they need.
Being happy with what they have: This decision allows leaders to find contentment and fulfillment with what they have, instead of constantly looking over their shoulder for what they don’t have.
In conclusion, we make many decisions on a wide range of things all the time. But when we focus on the core of who we are, we build a foundation of decisions that give us greater satisfaction, fulfillment, and acceptance in ourselves and in our purpose.
Lead From Within: Become the kind of leader that you can proudly be and inspire others to truly follow your lead.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post The 10 Decisions That Can Change Your Leadership Life appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
The 10 Decision That Can Change Your Leadership Life
We all make decisions every day. As an executive leadership coach, my clients make business decisions constantly. But it’s who they are as leaders that makes their other decisions more impactful.
Here are 10 decisions that I have encouraged my clients to make so that their leadership lives can change forever:
Choosing to find meaning in what they do: This decision can help leaders find meaning in what they do and can make work more meaningful and life more purposeful.
Focusing on others rather than just themselves: This decision can help leaders focus on the needs of others, making them the kind of leader who gives more than they receive.
Going where the demands are high: This decision allows leaders to push themselves to grow as individuals and stretch themselves as leaders.
Becoming a person of conviction: This decision allows leaders to stand up for what is right, even when it’s not always easy.
Insisting on not remaining the same: This decision helps leaders avoid becoming complacent and stuck in their ways, and instead encourages them to try new things and take bold risks.
Deciding to have the power to impact change: This decision allows leaders to find the strength in what they can actually impact, even when they feel there is not much they can influence.
Refusing to take the easy path: This decision helps leaders avoid settling for mediocrity, and instead it stretches them to strive for excellence and find their inner greatness.
Going where the expectations are high: This decision helps leaders develop new skills, abilities, growth, and development that far surpass their own assumptions.
Confronting the imposter syndrome: This decision helps leaders overcome their doubt about not feeling good enough and not being smart enough, giving them the confidence they need.
Being happy with what they have: This decision allows leaders to find contentment and fulfillment with what they have, instead of constantly looking over their shoulder for what they don’t have.
In conclusion, we make many decisions on a wide range of things all the time. But when we focus on the core of who we are, we build a foundation of decisions that give us greater satisfaction, fulfillment, and acceptance in ourselves and in our purpose.
Lead From Within: Become the kind of leader that you can proudly be and inspire others to truly follow your lead.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post The 10 Decision That Can Change Your Leadership Life appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 3, 2023
5 Simple Ways to Show Your Appreciation to Your Employees
Showing appreciation to your employees is important for building a positive work culture and for retaining top talent. Additionally, when employees feel valued and recognized, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive.
Here are five simple ways to show your appreciation to your employees:
Offer verbal praise and encouragement: Demonstrate appreciation for your employees by offering verbal praise and encouragement. By recognizing their hard work and accomplishments, and making it clear and specific that their contributions are valued. When taking these actions, you can build a positive work culture and motivate your employees to become more engaged and productive.
Provide opportunities for growth and development: Invest in your employees’ growth and development by providing challenging opportunities. This will demonstrate appreciation for their expertise and talent and will show them that you believe in their potential.
Offer flexible work arrangements: Flexibility is becoming increasingly important for employees, and offering flexible work arrangements can be a simple yet meaningful way to show appreciation. By offering flexibility, you’re showing your employees that you value their work-life balance. Additionally, you trust them to get their work done on their own terms.
Provide employee benefits and perks: Offering benefits and perks to employees is a great way to show appreciation and to demonstrate your commitment to their well-being. Some examples of employee benefits and perks include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and employee discounts. These types of benefits not only help to attract and retain top talent. Additionally, they show your employees that you care about their well-being and are willing to invest in their overall health and happiness.
Recognize employee milestones and achievements: Recognizing employee milestones and achievements is another simple way to show appreciation. Taking the time to celebrate big milestones and small achievements helps to foster a sense of community. Additionally, it acknowledges the hard work and dedication of your employees.
In conclusion, showing appreciation to your employees doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. It can be as simple, as offering verbal praise, providing opportunities for growth and development, offering flexible work arrangements, providing employee benefits and perks, and recognizing employee milestones and achievements, you can create a positive work culture. In return, show your employees that they are valued and appreciated.
Lead From Within: There are simple ways to show appreciation to your employees, but they have a profound impact on their personal and professional lives that make it all matter.
#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 Simple Ways to Show Your Appreciation to Your Employees appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 2, 2023
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Why It Matters
Emotional intelligence, also known as EQ, is the ability to understand and manage emotions of self and others. It is an important trait for leaders, as it enables them to effectively interact with and manage others.
Here are some reasons why emotional intelligence matters in leadership:
Emotional intelligence enables leaders to build strong relationships with their team. By understanding and managing their own emotions, and by understanding and empathizing with the emotions of others, leaders can build trust, respect, and rapport with their others and cultivate stronger, deeper relationships with others.
Emotional intelligence enables leaders to handle conflicts effectively. By understanding and managing their own emotional awareness, leaders can effectively navigate conflicts. As a result, this can prevent conflicts from escalating and damaging relationships, and it can enable leaders to resolve conflicts and disagreements in a constructive and collaborative manner.
Emotional intelligence enables leaders to adapt and respond to changing circumstances. By understanding and managing their emotional competence. Leaders can respond to changing circumstances and challenges in a flexible and adaptable manner. This can enable leaders to adapt to and overcome challenges. As a result, this it can enable leaders to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
Emotional intelligence helps leaders to create a positive work environment and culture. By understanding their emotional maturity. Leaders can increase morale, motivation, and productivity among team members. While leading a culture of inclusion and collaboration.
Emotional intelligence can also improve a leader’s decision-making skills. By being aware of their own emotional agility, leaders can make more thoughtful and considered decisions. Additionally, being aware of the power and influence that comes with leadership. Consequently, it can help leaders to use their decision-making skills in a responsible and decisive manner.
Overall, emotional intelligence is an important trait for leaders, and it enables them to be effective, successful, and impactful in their roles. By developing their emotional intelligence, leaders can improve their leadership skills and abilities, and they can be more effective in leading their team and achieving their goals.
Lead From Within: Emotional intelligence is a game changer. It’s about managing the emotions of oneself and understanding the emotions of others.
#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 Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Why It Matters appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
March 1, 2023
10 Reasons to Give Employees Recognition (Other Than to Say Good Job)
Recognizing employees for their hard work and contributions to the company is important for several reason, and recognizing employee for their specific contributions to the company is even more important.
Saying “good job” doesn’t cover the details of which people put in effort and perseverance, so it’s important to go beyond that when giving recognition. Instead, speak in terms of what they did that made a difference and had an impact on the team and the company.
Here are 10 reasons to give employees recognition that go beyond just saying “good job”:
Recognition specified. Employees generic statements of praise do not convey the same level of appreciation and can be less motivating. By recognizing employees in a specific and sincere manner, you can show them that their contributions are valued.
Recognition boosts morale and motivation. Employees who feel valued and appreciated for specific tasks. As a result, are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their work.
Recognition improves retention. When employees feel recognized for their efforts they are more likely to stay with the company. As a result, they are less likely to look for opportunities elsewhere.
Recognition fosters a positive work culture. When employees are recognized for their contributions, it creates a positive and supportive work environment. As a result, it promotes collaboration and teamwork.
Recognition leads to better performance. Employees who feel recognized for the job they do and how they did it, are more likely to go above and beyond in their work. As a result, leading to improved performance and productivity.
Recognition promotes innovation. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to feel comfortable sharing new ideas and taking risks. Thus, leading to increased innovation within the company.
Recognition enhances customer satisfaction. When employees feel recognized and valued, they are more likely to provide high-quality service to customers. Consequently, it leads to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Recognition can lead to career advancement. Employees who are recognized for their contributions are more likely to be considered for promotions and other opportunities for career advancement.
Recognition helps to build a positive reputation. When employees feel recognized and valued, they are more likely to speak positively about the company to others. Therefore, leading to a better reputation in the industry.
Recognition increases job satisfaction. Employees who feel recognized are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. As a result of this, they feel a sense of accomplishment in their work.
Recognition is good for the bottom line. Companies that recognize their employees tend to have lower turnover rates and higher levels of productivity. As a result, leading to improved financial performance.
Lead From Within: By recognizing employees specifically beyond the “good job”, you can boost morale and motivation, improve retention and performance, and foster a positive work culture.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post 10 Reasons to Give Employees Recognition (Other Than to Say Good Job) appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
February 28, 2023
The Two Biggest Communication Mistakes A Leader Can Make
Good communication is a core principle of leadership. In my work as an executive coach, I stress communication to my clients every day. Two problems in particular seem to have the worst consequences when it comes to communication:
Mistake No.1: Secrecy. Leadership requires transparency. That’s part of the reason that leaders who pride themselves on their authority often find themselves in trouble. They share information only with their inner circle, keeping everyone else in the dark. The results: rumors and leaks, both very damaging. Even leaders who are private by nature need to recognize that people talk, share and want to know.
Mistake No. 2: Making Decisions in Isolation. It’s a common situation. After being held back, a leader is finally is in a position to bring about change. So they jump right in. When people start to see things happen but never have a chance to give input or even learn what’s going on, they become suspicious—and, in time, disconnected. Meanwhile, the leader is so wrapped up in their own agenda that they’re entirely out of touch with their team.
If you’re in leadership and either of these situations sound familiar, you need to start making changes right now. Here’s how you turn things around:
Communicate more than you think is natural. Communicate with your team every day. Write emails. Give informal talks. Have one-on-one meetings. Communication should make up a large part of your day.
Don’t be afraid to repeat things. Don’t say something once and assume you’ve been understood. Different people respond to different messages and media. Repeat the same thing in different ways to make sure it gets through.
Treat people with respect. People feel respected when you trust them with communication that matters to them. Show them respect by keeping them in the loop.
Tell what’s happening—and why. When people understand a situation, even if it’s bad, they feel more empowered to be part of a solution. Communicate with candor and depth.
Have a strong system for tracking and feedback. It’s important to track what information goes out when and what feedback follows. Follow President Reagan’s maxim: Trust but verify. Make sure people know everything they need to know and that they have opportunities to share their responses.
Communication is key to your success as a leader. Don’t let preventable mistakes get in your way.
Lead from within: Effective communication is perhaps the most important of all leadership skills. It connects teams and information, and it builds morale.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post The Two Biggest Communication Mistakes A Leader Can Make appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
February 27, 2023
The Top 10 Habits of Successful CEOs
As a CEO, success isn’t just about achieving your own personal goals. It’s also about driving the success of your organization and its employees.
Here are the top ten habits of successful CEOs that get results:
Prioritizing time: Successful CEOs focus on the most important tasks and responsibilities. They use their time and resources efficiently. As a result, they increase their productivity and efficiency, and they can ensure that they are making progress.
Setting clear goals and expectations: Successful CEOs are clear about what they want to achieve. They set clear goals and expectations for themselves and their employees, and they communicate these goals and expectations regularly. In addition, this ensures that everyone is working towards the same objectives.
Taking the initiative. Successful CEOs can’t afford to sit back and wait for things to happen. They are proactive and take the initiative to drive their business forward. They identify opportunities and take action to capitalize on them. As a result, they stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in today’s rapidly-changing business environment.
Focusing on results: Successful CEOs are results-oriented. They focus on what needs to be done to achieve their goals. They take action to make sure that their efforts are producing the desired results. As a result, they don’t get sidetracked by distractions or setbacks. As a result, they stay focused on achieving their goals.
Building strong relationships. Building strong relationships is crucial for successful CEOs. They know that strong, positive relationships with their team, stakeholders, and customers or clients are essential for creating a supportive environment. As a result, fostering good relationships can set the foundation for success.
Staying organized: Successful CEOs are organized and disciplined. They manage their time effectively, and they prioritize their tasks and responsibilities. Additionally, they keep their teams organized and focused. As a result, they make sure that everyone is working towards the same goals.
Being adaptable: Successful CEOs are adaptable and flexible. They are willing to change their plans and strategies. As a result, they are open to new ideas and perspectives. Moreover, they are always looking for ways to improve and innovate.
Lifelong learner. Successful CEOs need to be constantly looking for new ways to improve themselves and their organization. Therefore, they must be open to new ideas and approaches. As a result, they seek out learning opportunities, attending conferences and workshops, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in their industry.
Communicating effectively: Successful CEOs are effective communicators. They are clear and concise in their communications. They make sure that their messages are understood by their employees and other stakeholders. Additionally, they listen actively and carefully to the perspectives and concerns of others. As a result, they respond to feedback and questions in a timely and respectful manner.
Leading by example: Successful CEOs lead by example. They embody the values and principles that they want their employees and organizations to adopt. They set a high standard for performance and integrity. Additionally, they take responsibility for their own actions and decisions. As a result, they are accountable for the success and failure of their organizations.
Successful CEOs are known for adopting key habits that drive their own success as well as the success of their organizations and employees. These habits include setting clear goals and expectations, focusing on results, building strong relationships, staying organized, being adaptable, communicating effectively, and leading by example. As a result, implementing these habits, CEOs can inspire their teams, foster collaboration and drive their organizations towards success.
Lead From Within: Habits of successful CEOs drive success of organizations and employees.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E RThe Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
The post The Top 10 Habits of Successful CEOs appeared first on Lolly Daskal.
