Are You Afraid to Praise?

Everyone needs praise and encouragement, some more than others. Yet, occasionally leaders withhold praise from their team members because they’re afraid of the impact their encouraging words will have! (more…)

In my conversations with fellow leaders, I’ve learned that many people struggle with balancing independence and collaboration. Too much one or the other, and our leadership is out of whack!

When we’re too independent, we miss the opportunity to get input and rely on the strengths of our teammates. (more…)

True leaders can appreciate real teamwork and what it can accomplish, even when that example of true teamwork comes from the opposing team.

So, Thunder lovers (and Spurs haters), I’m going to have to ask you to put your team loyalties aside for a few moments and join me in witnessing true teamwork at best. (more…)

Can we overpraise? Is there such a thing as building up our teammates too much? I believe so.

Leaders were never intended to be cheerleaders whose primary role is shouting affirmation and praise from the sidelines, even when the team is down by 30 points. (more…)

Have you ever felt like you put yourself out there with someone by being open and honest and vulnerable, only to get nothing in return? (more…)

Leaders eventually find themselves in the position where they must defend someone on their team. Stepping up to bat for our teammates is an expectation of the position. Even when the teammate is at fault, we do not throw them under the bus.

Yet, sometimes we become so close with our teammates that we are overly protective of them, unaware of a blind spot we have as we instinctively and immediately jump to their defense. Here are some tips to consider as you balance leading and, when necessary, defending the people on your team. (more…)

If you have been a parent for long, you have likely had those moments of pride – and others of regret – when you watch your child do something you know they picked up from observing you.

Of course, if you have led a team for long, you also know this feeling. Like our children, our team is a reflection of who we are and they are driven by what we allow. No amount of “do as I say, not as I do” will prove otherwise. (more…)

Leaders, how do you determine if your teammate needs more coaching, or if the issue at hand goes much deeper, involving the individual’s character?

• Remember, every student learns differently from different leaders, so avoid jumping to quick conclusions. While one leader may cast a challenge off as a character issue, another may be able to motivate and inspire performance. Err to the positive. You may lose a few times and be disappointed, but you will have far more wins in your career by not judging too early in the game. (more…)

I saw this picture the other day and thought it was such a great illustration of the old saying, “You’re only as strong as your weakest link.” We typically think of this quote in a negative way in regards to how a weak link can hurt the team. While that is often true, there are some situations when a weak link is a good thing to have in your organization. It doesn’t have to be negative as long as it’s part of your plan.

Growing companies are constantly adjusting their chain by adding links. In fact, every time we make a new hire, we add a weak link. Let’s face it. A new employee is not immediately productive; therefore, they start out as a weak link. It’s expected, and it’s acceptable for the short-term. It is the leader’s job to make sure the “weak link” is not a long-term condition. (more…)