"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
Are you congruent?
Congruent, what’s that? Congruence is defined as behaving in a way in which your values and your actions match. Sounds simple, right? Over the last decade or so, I’ve done quite a bit of coaching with leaders who are preparing to interview for various leadership roles. One of my best pieces of advice to them … Continue reading Are you congruent?
Asking great questions
“I have learned that leadership is not about knowing all the answers. It’s about knowing what great questions to ask, and carefully listening to those answers.” – Patrick Thng, managing director, Development Bank of Singapore In my opinion, one of our best tools in leading others and communicating effectively is in asking great questions. Great … Continue reading Asking great questions
Are you building or losing trust?
“There are no trust neutral interactions… you either build trust or lose trust.” I can’t remember the name of the person who said this at a conference I attended almost 20 years ago, but I can tell you the saying has stuck with me. I’ve found that I can walk away from each meeting or … Continue reading Are you building or losing trust?
How are we going to be when we gather together?
Being deliberate about how we we choose to "be" with others is important. The small act of demonstrating care for your team can build community and has the power to transform organizations.
Seek out diverse perspectives
This last week I've been working with an organization to seek out diverse perspectives before launching a new project. It's been enlightening to hear what people from different states, race/ethnicities, and backgrounds have to say in listening sessions and focus groups. And it reinforces my belief that seeking out diverse perspectives gives leaders greater insight. … Continue reading Seek out diverse perspectives
Avoid the tyranny of too many good ideas
“Try not to do too many things at once. Know what you want, the number one thing today and tomorrow. Persevere and get it done.” –George Allen In my work consulting with leadership teams in higher education over the last 30 years, it seems that one of the biggest challenges for leaders is to narrow … Continue reading Avoid the tyranny of too many good ideas
Common pitfalls in leading change
In the last month I've talked with several colleagues in higher education, non-profits, and associations who are either leading change efforts or frustrated by the way current change efforts are negatively impacting people in their organizations. One colleague asked me to focus some of my blog posts on leading change, so I agreed to dedicate … Continue reading Common pitfalls in leading change
Rios Consulting 