One of my greatest fears as a leader is that of becoming obsolete and not being aware of it. I think it stems, in part, from the base insecurities that most of us possess. It also occasionally comes from working with the incredibly talented group of professionals who...
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 26
As a leader, I believe one of my most important duties is to create a safe environment where employees can thrive. If people don't feel safe they will not push the envelope, be vulnerable, take risks, get edgy, engage in critical conversations, be creative, have FUN,...
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 25
For years, I played “not to lose” when running our company instead of “playing to win”. I wanted to believe my employees did not see the difference. In fact, I thought I could offset my tendencies by encouraging them to swing for the fences in their respective roles....
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 24
I stink at receiving constructive feedback from people I value most in my organization. It is my Achilles heel. To become a better leader, I know I must overcome this flaw, so I continue to try new methods and techniques. People see me trying to get better, so I get...
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 23
The “Art of Leadership” requires a continuous balancing of head, heart, and gut. Each situation a person encounters calls for a combination of analysis, empathy, and instinct to be used in different proportions. Effective leaders learn to trust each component. They...
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 22
Hire people better than you, then display the courage to let them prove it. Few actions define the character of a leader more than selecting, empowering and celebrating the achievements of people who are capable of taking the organization farther than the leader...
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 21
- Always put the professional and emotional needs of your people before your own. - Get to know someone first as an employee, then as a person, then as an employee. - Never take credit for something if you can give credit to someone else. - Defend your people from...
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 20
Culture is not the dye color used in a garment. It is not the style of cut or choice of accents. Culture is the "fabric" you choose to make that garment including the combination of yarns and type of weave. The right fabric allows your people to move freely, feel...
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 19
With every new job comes an opportunity to reinvent yourself as a leader. What strengths do you want to leverage? What behaviors do you want to change or stop altogether? Define the kind of leader you want to be going forward. Identify the ways you can improve your...
Mike’s #BeIntentional –18
You cannot offer too many compliments or words of appreciation. Some leaders feel the need to use them sparingly less their comments sound too routine or their people begin to feel a sense of entitlement. Employees who understand what they are doing well, and that...