Posts tagged “authentic leadership” (Page 2)

Your integrity is an important part of your personal brand. Most leaders have the best of intentions when making commitments but may fail in the follow through due to unforeseen circumstances and or poor planning. In order to protect your reputation, it’s very important to be a person of your word, ensuring that others can count on you to do what you say you will. Here are three tips to help you make the right commitments and keep them.

Keep a calendar. People who consistently keep a calendar are much better at juggling their commitments, which helps ensure they don’t over commit. If your calendar is part of your everyday life, you will always know what you can commit to, and what you can’t.

Prioritize where you will donate your time. As a leader, you are likely asked frequently to give of your time. In order to avoid being spread too thin, it is important to know which organizations have highest priority on your list. This will make it easier for you to weed out the things you simply don’t have time for when life gets busy. If you have identified volunteering at your child’s school as a top priority, for example, you will know that during busy times of the school year, you are unable to take on additional volunteer activities. When things slow down, perhaps during summer vacation, you can take on volunteer work with another group.

Learn to say “no”. Many of us hate saying no, particularly to a good cause. But, it is better to say no upfront when you know your schedule doesn’t really allow the time to do what you’re asked than to back out at the last moment or do a poor job because you were out of time.

Communicate proactively. Let people know when you’ve run into an obstacle. For example, if you promised a customer an answer to his question today, but you still don’t have the answer, it’s critical to call him today anyway. Giving him the update that you are still waiting for an answer and giving him a new commitment for getting back to him will assure him that you are someone he can count on to do what you say.

Being a person others can count on is an important character trait. Your reputation and your personal brand depend upon your ability to keep your word consistently.

Leadership is stressful. It becomes even more so when work disasters happen or things don’t go as planned. However, it is particularly important to be careful how you behave during the worst of times. It is during these times that you create a lasting reputation for your leadership style.

Some people are naturally calm in the face of trouble. Most people, however, are known to overreact from time to time. For some people, it is certain circumstances that cause upset, while for others, the negative reaction is based more on their current mood at the time or how well other things are going.

Regardless of what sets you off, it’s important to know when you are getting angry, and to take action before you lose your cool. It is ok to show that you are human, but it undermines you as a leader when you lose control. Walk through these four steps when you feel a meltdown coming on.

Take a deep breath and think about the situation for a minute. Don’t speak immediately, particularly if you will be speaking in anger.

Determine if you must take action immediately. In many cases, it’s ok to wait until you’ve cooled off to decide how to handle the situation.

Formulate a plan. When you’re able to do so objectively, create a plan to fix the problem, as best you can.

Take steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again. One of the best ways to avoid losing your cool is to take any measures possible to prevent being in the negative situation in the first place. As part of this step, it’s important to make certain that people involved know that the situation is unacceptable to you. This allows them to help prevent it in the future as well.

When you can handle yourself calmly in any situation, you demonstrate exceptional leadership skill. This trait will help you to make the best decisions in the worst of situations. It will also help ensure that employees and others that deal with you feel comfortable with telling you the truth and respect you for your ability to handle whatever business throws at you.

In today’s business world, there are many buzzwords surrounding the idea of effective leadership and executive management. One of the most recent catchphrases is “authentic” leadership. The phrase has been coined, in part, out of a realization that many business people act more as “bosses” rather than “leaders” and may struggle with the concept of leading in a way that is true to themselves. Here are some traits that help set apart “authentic” leaders from those who are in leadership positions, yet continue to act as bosses.

1. Authentic leaders create change. Anyone can become unsatisfied with the status quo when he sees it isn’t working. A true leader, however, creates change when the status quo isn’t working. Leaders are people who have tangible results.
2. Authentic leaders operate with integrity. The most effective leaders have a moral compass that guides their behavior. They are true to their word and have a genuine desire to make a positive difference. They treat other people the way they want to be treated in business and in their personal lives.
3. Authentic leaders act. They don’t ask others to do what they are not willing to do themselves. They work hard, without waiting for others to step up. One of their greatest qualities is their ability to inspire others to work hard because of their initiative.
4. Authentic leaders are involved. The best leaders usually have many other activities outside of work. They often raise families and are deeply involved in their communities. This variety of priorities and commitments gives them the motivation they need to keep making a difference. The best leaders are busy doing things they want to be doing.

The actions of a leader are what separate them from those who operate as bosses. Leaders motivate others to be their best selves because of the example that they set. If you strive to be a leader in your own business, find the activities and outcomes that speak to you and then set up your own life to have the authentic tone that will not only make you your very best, but will inspire others to be their best, as well.

As a busy leader, you’re no doubt asked to do many things, from appointments with clients, to community events, and even family events may get added to your calendar without much thought. You may promise to get back to a client or employee within a certain amount of time. It is important that you do not make such commitments lightly, as being unable to honor your commitments may tarnish your reputation.

Stay Organized

For many people, the inability to keep commitments is not intentional, nor does it stem from a lack of concern. Rather, many people simply fail to stay organized, allowing commitments to slip through the cracks, or double booking themselves unintentionally. If this is your issue, take steps to find and use the tools you need to stay organized about your commitments. Use an online calendar that alarms you for appointments and commitments, making sure to consult it before you commit to an event. Use its reminders to keep you informed about commitments you make to clients on getting back to them with answers, just like you would for booking physical appointments. Once you begin to use this tool religiously, you will easily be able to prevent being over committed as well as prevent missing a commitment. When you see that you have too many things planned, reschedule or delegate something immediately, so that you don’t let anyone down.

What To Do When You’ve Missed a Commitment

 Even with the best of intentions and organization, you may find that you occasionally let something slip through the cracks. When this happens, it’s important to contact the other party right away. Reschedule immediately and make amends. If you owe a customer an answer, get in touch with them right away even if you still don’t have the answer, and reschedule for a new time. Being quick to act and sincere in your apology goes a long way to maintaining your integrity in this situation.

Being a person of your word is critical in the business world. Keeping your calendar managed to help ensure you don’t overcommit will help you to stay organized as well as keep up with the true number of commitments you’re facing. Being quick to make amends when you do miss something will help you to maintain your reputation as a leader with integrity.

As a business leader, there are many reasons why you need to surround yourself with people who are loyal and who are committed to your success. One of the most important reasons to have the right people around you is to gain the benefit of their feedback. Feedback that you can trust can help you grow as a person and as a business leader. Here are three things you can gain from authentic feedback:

1. Perspective – It’s important to see how your words and actions come across to others. If someone in your circle reports to you, so much the better. He or she can help you see how employees view you as a leader and help you ensure that are the kind of leader that is able to retain valued employees and create an open environment at work. This kind of relationship can take time to develop, as people are naturally reluctant to criticize the actions of their boss.
2. Advice – Sometimes you just need to know what someone else would do if faced with the same situation. Someone in your circle who is more experienced than you can help you explore all your options and make the best choices. The mentor who has already walked the path you’re traveling is priceless.
3. Support – Feedback is designed to help you grow. Sometimes the feedback that is most important is the “cheerleading” kind of feedback. It’s important to have people in your circle who will remind you that you are capable and that you have overcome obstacles in the past. Ideally, the person or people who give you this kind of support will know instinctively when you need it.

Select your trusted circle carefully. Your most valued advisors should have no hidden agendas, and should be capable of being honest with you, even when they may have to tell you something you don’t want to hear. When you do find those people, safeguard your relationship. These kinds of friends and mentors are extremely valuable in helping you to reach your goals.

As you strive to excel as a leader in your company, you’ve no doubt been inundated with prescriptions on how to be a good leader. There’s no question that you can learn valuable skills from the leadership advice you’ve read and heard. However, it’s also important to understand that there really is no “one size fits all” when it comes to leadership. If you try to lead exactly “by the book” or exactly as prescribed to you, it’s really difficult to be true to yourself. Being an authentic leader means learning to lead in your own style, being true to your personality, while still ensuring that you practice positive leadership traits.

There are essentially five leadership styles. It’s common to be a mix of one or more, as well as to be true to a single style. Which of these styles is most authentic to you?

1. The Visionary – The visionary leader is inspiring. He or she is quick to tell the team where they are headed as a group, but they leave it to each individual to determine their own path to get there. Visionaries are very empathetic.

2. The Coach– Coaches love to bring out the best in their teams. These leaders are encouraging and tend to spend a lot of time talking with their employees, getting to know them well, and helping them focus on their individual goals.

3. Affiliative – This leader focuses on the group, rather than individuals within that group. They emphasize teamwork and harmony.

4. Democratic – Democratic leaders look for consensus among the team on where the group is going and how it should get there. This leadership style works best when the group is experienced, and each member is able to make a significant contribution.

5. Commanding – This is the authoritative, military style of leadership. It focuses on correcting things that are going wrong. This style should be used with caution, as too much of it can cause employees to be dissatisfied. If this is your natural style, be certain to learn the art of praise to ensure your employees know that you appreciate them and their skills.

Once you determine your authentic leadership style, those “how to” suggestions may seem more relevant to helping you improve your skills as a leader. You’ll be able to adapt suggestions to your own personal style, making yourself the leader you were meant to be.

As business owner or leader in a company, you are certainly aware that you are in a position of leadership. Others around you, particularly those who work for you, look to you for guidance and to teach them how to be a leader.

There are many ways to display effective leadership, but none is more powerful than leading by example. Leading by example has many benefits both to you and to those you seek to lead. Here are some things to consider.

1. Leading by example makes you accomplish more. When you recognize the people are watching your actions, as opposed to just your words, you are likely to do more and better things. Recognizing that you are leading in your example makes you more intentional in your actions. You will see each action you take as having an impact on others. You will see the benefit of being more personally productive just because you hone in on the idea that others are learning from your behavior.

2. You project a more sincere image. The world is full of leaders who talk about what should be done and how it should be done, but then live their own life in a totally different way. Those who lead by example are recognized as people who “practice what they preach”. You’ll gain far more respect with this leadership style.

3. You set the ethics bar higher. When you know others are watching you, you are more careful about what you do and say. You are more likely to keep yourself in check when you know others are watching.

The fact is, you are leading by example whether you choose to lead this way or not. As a person in a leadership role, others are watching what you say and how you act. Your actions will have an impact on how these people conduct themselves, and on the type of leader they will become. So, make it a point to ensure that the example you set is one you can be proud of.

It’s very easy to get caught up in your own life and your business’ work. In fact, many successful leaders find their days completely full with work and family commitments. However, the most happiest and most successful people make time to give back to their community through some type of volunteer work, even though it may mean taking time away from work to do so.

A few stats…

12.5 Million Canadians volunteer every year
2.1 Billion is the number of hours that Canadians volunteer – that equals 1.1 million full time jobs

And that’s not all…
54% of all non-profit and charitable organizations have no paid staff…
73% of businesses either support or accommodate employee volunteering
95% of Canadians engage in at least one form of social support

1. Volunteering helps you see the bigger picture. When you work with a charitable organization by donating your time, you get a fresh perspective on the world. It helps you to move past the realities of your own little world and see other priorities in life.
2. Volunteering makes you feel good about what you do. No matter how many things you have to move around to make time to volunteer, you are certain to feel better about yourself, your life and your contributions to the world when you take the time to give something back. Research has even shown that people who volunteer live longer, healthier lives.
3. It helps you to make connections. The people you meet while volunteering can become some of your most important connections. These people may become an important part of your personal or business life. You’re likely to find that you meet a more diverse population of people when volunteering than you do through work, which helps you to enlarge your circle with different perspectives.

There are many different types of organizations looking for volunteers and many different types of roles to fill within these organizations. It is easy to find something that suits both your passion for others and your personality. Whether you work in your church, a local school or a charitable organization that caters to humans or animals, you’re certain to find that volunteering makes as big an impact on your life as it does on the community you serve.

Something interesting to note: Children and youth are more likely to become engaged citizens if they see someone they admire helping others including their parents or grandparents
So if you ever think that that you don’t make a difference – think again – you do – a BIG difference

There are many ways to learn about resilience, and many successful groups of people who have based much of their success on learning this important trait. However, no group knows better how to build resilience than athletes. Here are some basic principles of resilience that Olympians live by.

1. Even the best must practice. Athletes know that resilience and endurance are built over time. The very best athletes train far more than their lesser counterparts. Winter Olympic athletes must train year round, and even when they don’t have access to the right conditions for their sport. Speed skater Apollo Ohno completes strenuous stair workouts when he doesn’t have access to ice for skating.

2. They visualize success. The best athletes visualize themselves achieving their goals. Skier Lindsey Vonn memorizes the runs before an event, and visualizes skiing through the course in record time.

Many of the greatest Olympic athletes train their entire lives for a single chance at Olympic competition. For example, most gymnasts have a very short career, and are considered too old to compete by their early twenties. The most successful girls, like America’s Shannon Miller train nearly their entire lives before their win. Miller, who won a gold medal for the balance beam at the 1996 Olympics, at age 19. She had been training for that day since she was five years old.

No matter the feat you’re trying to conquer, resilience is an important piece of success. Mental and physical toughness can help you to reach your most important goals, in part because these traits ensure that you won’t quit when times are challenging. No group understands this better than Olympic athletes. Their stories offer advice that each of us can use reach our own versions of taking home the gold.

In recent weeks, we’ve talked a lot about staying resilient when facing obstacles. This is a critical trait for anyone who wants to pursue greatness in any area of life. This week, however, I will focus on an important part of resilience that comes into play when times are good. That trait is gratefulness.

You may not immediately tie resilience and gratitude together. However, the two are definitely linked, as gratitude helps you to keep a humble attitude rather than becoming over confident when things are going well.

You might be wondering why confidence causes problems. After all, if you’ve worked hard to achieve your goals, you should be allowed to celebrate, shouldn’t you?

Of course celebration of achievement is important. However, remembering the hard work that got you there and being willing to do that work again is what keeps you there.

Gratitude and resilience during the good times involves, to an extent, never letting your guard down too much. When you’ve worked hard to realize your goals, it is critical not to allow it all to slip through your fingers because you take it for granted or get lazy.

There are some simple ways to maintain that attitude of gratitude now matter how well your business, or other pursuit, is going. Here are some suggestions.

• Keep mementos of the hard times. Maybe you’ll hold on to the first dollar you ever made, or you’ll keep the cheap suit you wore to every sales presentation in the early days. Choose something that is meaningful to you, but don’t forget to keep items that remind you of your roots prominently on display.

• Stay connected. As a business owner, it can be tempting to turn the day-to-day operations over to someone else once it is feasible to do so. Of course, it’s ok to take it easy a little as things become stable, but don’t forget how to run your own business.

• Pass it on. One of the best uses of the experience you’ve gained is passing it down to someone else. As you become successful, find the time to mentor someone else who is working hard to build the same sort of legacy. Not only will you be a help to them, but you’ll remember your own struggles and rewards.

Gratitude helps you maintain perspective on the world around you. Using it to keep you focused and connected during the good times is just as important as being resilient when times are hard.