coaching – Page 6 – Doug Dickerson on Leadership

Three Purposes of Leadership Training

Posted October 3, 2014
by admin

I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’ – Muhammad Ali

In Readers Digest, Lori Andersen shared a story about an experience as a professional animal trainer. Andersen recounts, “I was disturbed when my own dog developed a bad habit. Every time I hung my wash out on the clothesline, she would yank it down. Drastic action was called for. I put a white kitchen towel on the line and waited. Each time she pulled it off, I scolded her. After two weeks the towel was untouched. Then I hung out a large wash and left to do some errands. When I came home, my clean clothes were scattered all over the yard. On the line was the white kitchen towel.”

That humorous story illustrates the importance of proper training. While we can all acknowledge the necessity of leadership training and the value it brings, properly identifying the right type of training is important.

Much time and resources is devoted to and invested in the topic of leadership development so you want to make sure you get it right. From Fortune 500 companies to the small mom and pop business, everyone wants and needs a competitive edge and leadership training is a practical way to foster that improvement. But what specifically should you be training for? Here are a few tips for your consideration before you plan your next leadership training activity.

Train to replenish

Workplace anxiety and stress can take a toll. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association (http://bit.ly/1jRDByb) in 2012, 65% of Americans cited work as a top source of stress while only 37% said their organizations provide sufficient resources to help them manage that stress.

Before you get too far down the road in planning some extravagant training session keep in mind the likelihood that your team members are stressed out and perhaps you should focus on their well-being first. Healthy team members (mentally, physically, emotionally) will perform at a higher quality and standard if they are not stressed out or burned out. Don’t add to the problem with the good training at the wrong time.

Train to remind

Sometimes the best thing you can do in a leadership training session is to simply remind your people of the basics. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. For example, soft skills are some of the most important skill sets your people will learn and apply. It’s in the daily practice of these skills that you get ahead.

Don’t know where to begin? Try these: good manners, communication, collaboration, attitude, feedback, and trust for starters. Blunders in leadership happen not because you fail at learning new skills but because of laziness in the old ones. Reminders of the basics are never a waste of time.

Train to reinvigorate

When team members are reinvigorated it can pay huge dividends for your organization. When your people have a fresh perspective of their value to the organization, a fresh take on your vision going forward and what their future will look like, you have most likely met some target goals of a training event.

Key here is take stock of your team members’ well-being, sharpen their existing skills, and take everyone to the next level in their leadership. The goal here is to have everyone moving in the right direction – onward and upward.

I am a strong advocate of leadership training and personal development but what’s more important is hitting the right targets. Be perceptive of where your people are collectively so you can fashion the best training possible to meet your goals. Having their best interest at heart is a step in the right direction, but moving your people toward that goal takes careful planning. Be sure to align your purposes with your training.

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Leadership Minute: A Winning Attitude

Posted October 2, 2014
by admin

I think whether you’re having setbacks or not, the role of a leader is to always display a winning attitude. – Colin Powell

Your attitude is one of the most important attributes as a person and as a leader. All leaders go through times of testing. It can be a rough and tumble world out there. But whether you are in the midst of good times or setbacks, your attitude is very important. The only thing that can make the good times better is an attitude of gratitude. The only thing that can make a setback worse is a bad attitude. The common thread in any situation you face is whether the attitude you choose will help you or hurt you. When you display a winning attitude it will spread to others around you. The message it sends will inspire confidence and give hope that even though things may look bad at the moment, things are going to be fine. What message is your attitude sending to those around you? Choose today to embrace a winning attitude.

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Leadership Minute: Set Your Course

Posted September 30, 2014
by admin

Among the safe courses, the safest of all is to doubt. – Spanish Proverb

Let’s be honest; all successful leaders starting out have their doubts. Whether those doubts about the future and their goals are self-inflicted or placed upon them by someone else, every leader has doubts. You know the doubts I speak of: Am I qualified? What happens if I fail? What will people say or think if I fall short? Well, hang around long enough in leadership and you will no doubt hear those sentiments. The question is not whether you will have doubts but what you will do with them. The key is not to be defined by your doubts or doubters but to set your course and not look back, neither to the left nor to the right, but straight ahead to the goals before you. You must listen to the only voice that matters that comes from deep within you saying this is the way. Set your course, cast aside your doubts, and chase your dreams. You can do this!

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Leadership Minute: Scripting Your ‘Good Ole Day’s’

Posted September 29, 2014
by admin

The illusion that times that were are better than those that are, has probably prevailed all ages. – Horace Greeley

This is perhaps a widely accepted generational belief that the good ole days of yester-year were somehow better than the present. It’s not hard to look around without having a certain measure of longing for what we perceive was a better time and place. Just bring back the good ole days we cry. But the good ole days of the next generation is what we create today. As a leader this is your day, this is your time, this is your moment to create the days you long and wish for. Time doesn’t stand still for any of us. The good that you hope the next generation will look back on and remember as the ‘good ole days’ is created by what you do today. It’s found in your daily random acts of kindness, the service that you render to others, and it’s a script that only you can write. You are the author of the next generation’s good ole days. How is your script coming along?

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Connecting Your Organizational Dots and Why It Matters

Posted September 6, 2014
by admin

The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual. – Vince Lombardi

In a Peanuts cartoon Lucy demanded that Linus change TV channels, threatening him with her fist if he didn’t. “What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?” asks Linus. “These five fingers,” says Lucy. “Individually they’re nothing but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold.” “Which channel do you want?” asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, “Why can’t you guys get organized like that?”

Connecting the organizational dots is imperative if you want your business or organization to succeed. If your people are in the dark as to their understanding of your organizational goals then their buy-in to the mission (providing they know it) will be lacking. If you don’t think being engaged and connected with your employees doesn’t matter – think again.

According to Gallup’s 2013 State of the American Workplace report,( http://ti.me/Wq0C4n) 30 percent of U.S. employees are “engaged” at work (enthusiastic about, and committed to their work and contribute to their organization in a positive manner). Gallup adds, “The rest of us are ‘emotionally disconnected’ for our workplaces, making us much less likely to be productive.” Is this an accurate reflection of your workplace? Gallup says “fifty-two percent of employees say they have basically “checked out” at work, and 18 percent say they are so unhappy they’re actually acting out their unhappiness in the workplace. What’s worse, “Every day, these workers undermine what their engaged coworkers accomplish,” the report says.

One of the essential functions for you as a leader is to help your people get connected with the mission of your organization. You are helping them pack for a journey of a lifetime. Before they embark on the trip here are four things they will need from you.

A destination

I enjoy travelling. Before departing for any new destination I will research all that I can and decide what I’d like to see and do once I get there. It builds up anticipation for the trip and helps to alleviate any potential surprises.

Essential to the success of your team is knowledge of your organizational identity. People will not buy-in to what they do not know or believe in. It is imperative for you as the leader to share your goals, vision, and mission. People want to know where they are going and a sense of what the future will look like. The first step to being connected to your mission and vision is to know where you are going.

A passport

A passport gives you access to where you want to go. It gives you the freedom to move about and enjoy new and exciting places, cultures, foods, and much more. In the same manner, your people need a passport in order to move about with the empowerment they need to do their work.

When your people have the clearance and access to move about freely to perform their jobs the possibilities are limitless as to what they can achieve. When restrictions are removed that would hold them back they can go farther, be more productive, and ultimately be more successful. Connected people are empowered people. Turn them loose and let them flourish.

A map

“If you don’t know where you are going,” Yogi Berra said, “you might end up going someplace else.” If you don’t know where you are going your people will be disconcerted or looking for the next exit. One of the greatest benefits to being connected with your mission and vision is that it keeps everyone grounded and on the right path. It lends itself to accountability.

Your map is your guide for the future- it is your business plan, your strategic plan; call it what you will- but you need one. A useful feature of the map is that it shows the intersections and how all the roads connect. Your people need to know the importance of being connected to one another. They need to know how what they do affects their colleague down the hall, the customers who come through the door, and ultimately your bottom line. Everyone must be moving not just in the right direction, but must be moving in harmony with one another.

A guide

As a leader you must make the case for the destination. You must sell the vision and get the buy-in from those who would travel with you. You must empower your people and give them their passports – the tools they will need for the journey. You have to map out the vision – break it down so that everyone knows their role and build a culture of cooperation so no one gets lost and everyone arrives at the destination together.

John Maxwell was right when he said, “A leader is the one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” As the leader, you are the guide. It’s time to get connected and show the way.

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3 Leadership Lessons from the ‘Improbable’ Michael Strahan

Posted August 9, 2014
by admin

They do not love that do not show their love – William Shakespeare

Among the inductees in the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2014 was the great Michael Strahan from the New York Giants. He joined fellow inductees Derrick Brooks, Ray Guy, Claude Humphrey, Walter Jones, Andre Red, and Aeneas Williams.

Strahan is the youngest of six kids and in his induction speech he said that he is absolutely an “improbable Hall of Famer,” and an “improbable football player.” The son of a career Army man, Strahan did not grow up playing football. He received a scholarship and attended Texas Southern University where he learned to play. Another “improbable” moment later came when he was drafted by the New York Giants.

Michael Strahan played defensive end for the Giants for 15 years. He set the NFL’s single-season record for the most sacks (22.5) in 2001. He played in 216 games for the Giants and had a career 141.5 sacks (5^th all-time in the NFL). His final game for the Giants came in 2007 with a win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

In listening to his Hall of Fame induction speech you can’t help but hear the love not just for the game of football but for the people he credits for his success. From coaches and teammates that spanned the various generations of his illustrious career, Strahan took time to recognize them all. Here are three leadership take-aways from Michael Strahan that are worthy of a closer look.

It’s not when you begin but how

Strahan trained and conditioned in Germany. He didn’t take up the game of football until college – in Texas. By that time most of his peers had considerable experience that would seemingly put him at a disadvantage. But he worked hard and learned the game and had to be teachable.

As a leader it isn’t about when you begin but how. If you work hard, are willing to learn and apply yourself, then there is no goal in your sights that you can’t reach. Your age or lack of experience is no match for a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Improbable doesn’t mean impossible

By all accounts Strahan possessed every disadvantage imaginable when he started out. His lack of experience would surely put him at a disadvantage. Or would it? Learning and excelling at the game while in college and being drafted into the NFL was even more improbable. But he did it.

Strahan joins the company of many others who would have been labeled as “improbable” by any other standard or measurement. Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper for “lacking ideas”. Steven Spielberg dropped out of high school and applied to three film schools but was unsuccessful due to his “C” average. President Harry Truman was rejected by the U.S. Military & Naval Academies due to his poor eyesight. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. What does Michael Strahan share in common with all of these people? He refused to be labeled and refused to give up. All successful leaders do this.

Humility is refreshing

For all the success that Michael Strahan achieved in his NFL career there is something quite refreshing about not forgetting those who helped and sharing he credit. Strahan was remarkably generous in paying homage to those who helped him. Striking in his remarks was in how he acknowledged predecessors like Lawrence Taylor and Howie Long. What was honorable was the way in which he proclaimed his love for his parents and proudly admitted to being a “momma’s boy”.

The road to success is long and hard and the bonds you forge with those around you who share the journey make it all worthwhile. When you can remain enough humble to learn, at any age or at any stage in your career, it’s a leadership quality worthy of respect and emulation.

While Strahan’s journey was on a stage for the entire world to see and enjoy it’s not unlike countless others who can and will do the same. Likely far removed from the spotlight and fanfare of a Strahan-like career, you will serve with the same degree of passion and purpose.

It’s important to remember these three lessons: it’s never too late to reach for your dreams; improbable circumstances don’t define you – they only indicate your starting point; humility is never out of style and will always serve you well. Thank you, Michael Strahan, for reminding us.

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Leadership Minute: Who Are You Thankful For?

Posted August 7, 2014
by admin

No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude. – Alfred North Whitehead

As you look back over the span of your life as a leader I’m sure there are people along the way who made an impact. Do you remember them? They are the ones who befriended you in a new job. They helped you grow and develop your confidence. They stood by you and believed in you when no one else would. They gave you correction when you needed it and patiently gave of their time to help you grow and become the leader you are today. Expressions of your gratitude are in order. Why not reach out and reach back to say thank you to those who were kind enough to help you? Perhaps you can give them a call or send them a note expressing your gratitude. Life is too short and leadership too hard not to pause now and then to remember, reflect, and give thanks for where you are and for those who helped you. Who are you thankful for?

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Leadership Minute: Venture Out

Posted July 28, 2014
by admin

Venture outside your comfort zone. The rewards are worth it. – Rapunzel, Tangled

Living your leadership to the fullest begins when you step outside your comfort zone. It can be quite tempting to stay in your comfortable place where things are predictable and safe. But your growth comes when you dare to shed the comfortable surroundings and venture out. You can do this by setting new and more demanding goals, making new friends, or by reading new books that stretch your beliefs. When you venture out you will meet new and exciting people who are exploring just like you. You will soon discover that the reasons you were afraid to venture out were not as bad as you thought they were. In fact you will wish you had done it sooner. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead; venture out, get uncomfortable with being comfortable and grow a little. The rewards of new growth will do you good.

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Leadership Minute: Not My Circus

Posted July 18, 2014
by admin

Not my circus, not my monkeys. – Polish Proverb

Ever feel like your office is like a 3-ring circus? If you’ve been around a while you have. It’s important to know what is, and is not, your circus. To be sure, office politics and gossip is universal. There will always be those who tend to thrive on drama – real or otherwise. Just because it exists does not mean you have to join in. It’s not just a matter of staying above the fray with regard to such nonsense, but as the leader, setting the right example. It’s been said that what you tolerate you promote. While your organization may not be drama-free, your success as an organization hinges on the standards you set. Knowing what is of concern to you and knowing what to avoid is smart leadership. Don’t allow petty things in your office to derail the priorities of your office. While the circus may not be of your making, you can be the ring leader and fold the tent.

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Leadership Minute: Bouncing Back

Posted July 2, 2014
by admin

Do you, as a leader, bounce back quickly from setbacks? – Bob Rosen

As a leader, the question is not whether you will have setbacks, but when you do, how quickly will you bounce back? It happens to all of us and it comes with the territory. Your resilience as a leader is crucial to your success. You and I have choices to make when faced with setbacks. We can let it get us down and discourage us to the point of giving up. Or, we can get up, dust ourselves off and get moving. None of us are exempt from setbacks so you need to stop with any notions that they are not supposed to happen to you. Get over it. Bouncing back from setbacks means you were doing something worthwhile and encountered an obstacle. Don’t let it throw you off your game or keep you from reaching your goal. How long will it take you to bounce back? That is entirely up to you. But the sooner you bounce back the sooner you will reach your goal. Get moving!

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