You may have found it amusing before that Millennials and Gen Z’s co-workers, friends, relatives or your own kids spend so much time with their video games; you’re probably not laughing any more as you see yourself playing more Candy Crush, Far Cry Primal, or Words with Friends. What are you doing with your downtime (if you have any)? Can it be helping your leadership skills for the future? Yes. Here are some popular examples.
Are you showing up? Steve Jobs suggested everyone (including him) earns half of their worth simply by showing up for a scheduled event. Where do your thoughts go when you schedule a meeting, then reschedule, then reschedule once again and the rescheduling is always necessary because of the same person? Perhaps this kind of incident makes you reevaluate your own history of showing up. And, how do you hold someone accountable these days?
“Don’t wait for people to be kind, show them how.” ~ unknown. Right now, your team and colleagues are looking for something that we can all use more of – kindness. Why is it important and how can you be helpful? That’s what’s behind this photo.
Some people are saying in our present time, we have no universal role models that reach across generations, interests, and backgrounds. And who of that category would also represent values for today’s Gen Y and Gen Z’s? There is one man I can think of whose face appears in front of a number of different audiences, media outlets and subjects – Michael Strahan. Here’s why…
There’s great reason to appreciate the child in all of us, and not just at the holidays. While we may be struggling with that notion because of how difficult life can be, even the exercise of trying to see from an inner innocence is a good thing. The joy, wonder, and the awe. That inner innocence can be a wonderful tool for our professional and personal lives. And, it’s becoming a trend.
What actually is standing in the way of reaching a breakthrough with your team? What are team members not responding to in your culture, system, or in working with you? If they have all the technical tools and resources, why isn’t the team more productive, effective or profitable? If you are going to solve these problems, like me, you can see pure brain power and drive alone are not enough.
In the virtual example and in reality, when someone feels seen, they pass their pride and joy from that memory to others they interact with during the day so the good feelings spread. So, in recognizing a team member privately or a colleague, their appreciation for that approval works to spread positive emotions among colleagues, clients and team members they work with. A great number of people are then affected by a demonstration of recognition and approval for one person. Even if you may not identify with a desire to be recognized, many people do, particularly younger professionals. And, it could make the difference between holding onto a valued team member or giving them a reason to look for a new job.
Autumn, the season of change has arrived. And with that, a pondering of change, your view of change. What determines your attitude toward change? Beside ease of change, your opinion of change may depend on whether you have control over it, or the degree of participation you have into making that change. And, still there is always choice for a third option, taking control of what you can.
The road of life involves navigating change: bumps and swerves in the road to adjust to. Those bumps, you could say, give the word “change” a bad rep. However, like anything, it’s all about your timing and your mindset in that instance. The bumps could be fun, an adrenaline rush, and a break from monotony or they could be a nuisance. When is the proper timing with a positive mindset? When it suits you with ease….
When you are a seasoned leader, how do you know when the time is right to step aside, or to continue to lead and also spread the light among younger leaders? There are two sides to consider: ideas and passion bubbling up from those ready to spread their enthusiasm who haven’t yet been given the opportunity; and, the depth of your own continuing enthusiasm, interest and dedication. Beyond the two sides, it’s also of value to think of your audience – who they are.
