Are transformational leaders born or developed? It’s a question that can be debated from multiple perspectives. If I didn’t firmly believe that leadership skills can be learned, I wouldn’t be in my current profession. However, I also believe that people’s natural dispositions can influence how they lead. Interestingly, there is quite a bit of research … Continue reading Nature or nurture?
No matter how smart you are…
Increasing one’s self awareness is the foundation for building strong leadership skills, and in my opinion is a continuous lifelong journey. There are some tried and true ways of increasing self awareness, such as uncovering your blindspots (as mentioned in a previous blog post) and taking advantage of a myriad of self assessments to learn … Continue reading No matter how smart you are…
What makes a great leader?
What do you think makes a great leader? Does it vary from sector to sector? For most of my career, I have worked to advance leaders in higher education and have deep knowledge of what it takes to be a successful/great leader in higher education. But I really didn’t have first-hand knowledge of whether the … Continue reading What makes a great leader?
Leading with integrity
In recognition of President’s Day this week and my exploration of the personal characteristics, skills, and abilities that make leaders successful, I thought it is apropos to focus on a president who exuded integrity. Integrity is a bedrock characteristic of the greatest leaders, who build both trust AND respect from the people they lead. George … Continue reading Leading with integrity
Navigating the future
What skill sets do you think leaders need in our rapidly changing world? Read more and comment on my blog below.
How do you show up in the world?
"Leaders must attend to one key growth question: How authentically am I showing up in the world and my organization?” –Tom Gegax How are you showing up in the world and your organization? When was the last time you paused to reflect on this question? For me, I tend to get overscheduled and am focused … Continue reading How do you show up in the world?
Leadership insights from Lincoln
"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." -- Abraham Lincoln During this extraordinary time in history with a global pandemic, social unrest, and deep political divides, I am convinced that ALL leaders need sound character to lead effectively, … Continue reading Leadership insights from Lincoln
Happiness fuels success reboot
With winter in Minnesota and all the restrictions of the pandemic in full force, in addition to social unrest stressors, I thought it apropos to reshare a post I wrote a few years ago, about how happiness fuels success. What leader doesn't need to get a big boost of happiness at the start of 2021 … Continue reading Happiness fuels success reboot
Have a little relaxation
"Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.” … Continue reading Have a little relaxation
Assume good intent
Want to build trusting relationships fast? Start with assuming good intent! According to Stephen M.R. Covey and Greg Link, when people in one part of an organization are asked to interface with another part, they often start with assumptions of negative intent such as: “Is there a hidden agenda?” “What is her real motive?” “Is … Continue reading Assume good intent
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