We all have our own definitions of leadership. But true leadership, the kind that is recognized, respected, and leaves a mark, isn’t just about holding a title. It’s about how one conducts oneself and how they approach life’s many challenges. Let’s dive into the differences between true leaders and the rest.

Leaders are adaptable.

Change is the only constant. True leaders embrace this philosophy. They are not stuck in their ways. Instead, they adapt, evolve, and innovate in response to the changing tides, ensuring their teams or organizations stay relevant and ahead of the curve.

“Adaptability is the defining trait of a leader in a constantly changing world.”

 

Leaders are empathetic.

Leaders are not emotionless decision-making robots. They deeply understand and feel the concerns, aspirations, and emotions of those around them. This empathy allows them to make decisions that resonate with their team and cater to the collective good.

“Leaders don’t just feel, they empathize – understanding emotions at a deeper level.”

 

Leaders don’t make excuses.

While many would find shelter in the “we didn’t have enough resources” or “there was no time” line, true leaders stand tall. They refuse excuses, because for them, it’s not about the hand you’re dealt, but how you play it.

Leaders are not on constant defense.

Ever been in a conversation where someone is constantly redirecting blame or getting edgy? That’s defensiveness in action. Leaders don’t need that shield. They’re open to criticism and growth. After all, pointing fingers is easy; looking in the mirror and acknowledging a flaw takes courage.

Leaders embrace conflict.

Leaders don’t shy away from a tough conversation. They realize that conflict, when managed well, clears the air and paves the way forward. Think of it like pulling off a band-aid. It’s painful, but necessary for healing.

Leaders make decisions.

“Indecision may or may not be my problem,” said the late ever-humorous Jimmy Buffett. But for leaders, indecision isn’t even an option. They make choices, sometimes tough ones, with confidence and conviction. And if they falter? They stand up, dust off, and move on.

“Indecision may or may not be my problem.” -Jimmy Buffett

 

Leaders are always learning.

While many might rest on their laurels, leaders are perennial students. They’re always hunting for a new book, a fresh course, or an enlightening conversation. The world is their classroom, and they know that every day offers a lesson.

“Every day offers a lesson. True leaders are perennial students.”

 

Leaders look for a brighter future.

Where others see obstacles, leaders see opportunities. They possess a unique ability to envision a brighter future and inspire others to build it alongside them. Their foresight is not just about predicting the next trend but about creating a better world for everyone.

“Where others see obstacles, leaders see opportunities.”

 

Leaders thrive on feedback.

Leaders don’t just accept feedback; they thrive on it. They see it as a map guiding them towards their best selves. And trust me, when a leader says, “feedback welcome,” they genuinely mean it.

Leaders compete against their own potential.

A leader’s race is against their own potential, not others. They appreciate competition but understand that the real battle is with their yesterday’s self.

“A leader’s race is against their own potential, not others.”

 

Leaders take a stand.

Leaders are those daring souls who raise their flags even if it’s windy. They might face opposition, but that’s a price they’re willing to pay for authenticity.

Leaders fail and still move forward.

Leaders and failures? Best friends! Because every stumble is a learning opportunity. The best leaders don’t just tolerate failure; they welcome it as a growth catalyst.

Leaders master self.

No, leaders aren’t always sunshine and rainbows. But they have mastered the art of self-talk. They know that one mistake doesn’t define them. They pick themselves up, pep talk and all, and keep going.

Leaders lift others up.

Ever met someone who just radiates positivity? Chances are, they’re a leader. Because leadership isn’t about pulling others down. It’s about lifting everyone up.

“Leadership is about lifting everyone up, not pulling others down.”

 

Leaders know when to listen.

Leaders know when to speak, but more importantly, when to listen. A conversation with them isn’t a monologue about their achievements. It’s a dialogue, a mutual exchange.

“True leadership isn’t about dominance, it’s about authenticity and humility.”

 

Leaders build respect.

Leaders earn respect through their actions, integrity, and commitment. They don’t demand it based on their position. And because of this organic respect, teams are more committed, motivated, and aligned with a leader’s vision.

“Genuine leadership is about earning respect, not commanding it.”

 

Leaders create other leaders.

True leaders don’t feel threatened by the growth of those around them. On the contrary, they invest time and resources to mentor, nurture, and cultivate leadership qualities in others. They rejoice in the success of their mentees, considering their growth a testament to their own leadership.

“A hallmark of great leaders is that they cultivate other leaders.”

 

Leadership isn’t about dominating the room or having the loudest voice. It’s about authenticity, humility, and the drive to be better each day. Leadership is a combination of character traits, skills, and attitudes that differentiate the great from the merely good. It’s about nurturing a mindset that continuously seeks growth.

Leadership is not about being above others but being the best version of yourself.

Image Credit: Jachym Michal

How to Make Change Stick

The One You Feed is a popular podcast with millions of downloads. It is hosted and produced Eric Zimmer. The podcast is based on the parable about two wolves who battle within us.

Some time ago, I was a guest on the show and immediately could see why it has become so popular. Eric is an insightful interviewer. (To hear Eric interview me for The One You Feed, you can click here).

Eric’s story is itself inspirational. His background includes a past where he found himself homeless and addicted to heroin. His story of recovery from hitting the bottom to his current life as successful entrepreneur, podcaster, and behavior coach is one to learn from and remember.

Only a few years prior to our interview, I was at TedTalk Columbus and watched Eric’s talk. After he recorded our podcast, which was done in-person, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to turn the tables and interview him.

Eric talked about his story of overcoming the odds, his moment of clarity, and his behavioral studies on how to create new habits and make all lasting change stick.

Study: if you have 6 or more people in your corner, you are 40% more likely to be successful in changing your behavior.

 

3 strategies to help us make change last:

1. Take small continents
2. Concentrate your armies
3. Make treaties and alliances

“Changing behavior is a skill and something you can learn to do.” – Eric Zimmer

 

Click above and watch our video interview.

“You’ll be amazed at what a series of small steps taken every day can accomplish.” -Eric Zimmer

 

Image Credit: Charlotte Collins

The Simple Power of Daily Choices

I once mentored someone who was very engaged and eager to learn. They listened intently to our discussions and made changes to improve their chances of success. However, over time, their interest seemed to fade. One day, I asked them if they had read the materials, and they said no.

And it got me thinking. So easy to read. It requires a few minutes and it clearly helps.

But life got in the way and the reading stopped.

Often, the difference between a life of fulfillment and one of regret boils down to the seemingly insignificant choices we make daily.

“Often, the difference between a life of fulfillment and one of regret boils down to the seemingly insignificant choices we make daily.”

 

It’s easy to walk a mile. It’s easy to eat an apple. It’s easy to have a meal together. But here’s the catch: it’s also easy not to.

Take reading, for instance. Reading a page of a book takes a couple of minutes. It’s easy. Yet, it’s equally easy to skip it. But think about the knowledge accumulated by reading a page daily. In a year, that’s a couple of books. In a decade, it’s a library.

I read once that if you read five books on a subject you’re a world expert. Why? Because so few people have done it. Amazing that you can be a world expert on a subject with a little applied discipline.

Small almost unnoticeable daily actions, compounded, can either elevate or erode your future.

 

The Ripple Effect

Drinking a glass of water every morning? Easy! Skipping it? Just as easy. But one keeps you hydrated, potentially boosting your energy and health over time. The other? Not so much.

Every action has a consequence, albeit not always immediate. The effects of our decisions, good or bad, ripple out over time.

The Discipline Difference

Achieving success isn’t always about grand gestures or major decisions. It’s more often about discipline. Discipline to do the easy things consistently. Discipline to resist the temptation of skipping what seems like a small action.

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. -Jim Rohn

 

The Future You

Imagine two futures. In one, you took all the easy-to-do actions. Walked that mile. Ate that apple. Read that page. In the other, you didn’t. The trajectories of these two futures are startlingly different.

So, ask yourself: Which future do you want?

Then remember, it starts today. With that easy thing you either choose to do or choose not to.

The power of today’s choices become crystal clear in tomorrow’s results.

 

Life doesn’t always ask us to make massive leaps. More often, it quietly offers us small opportunities to make a difference. To ourselves. To our future. To the world.

Embrace the easy-to-do. Because, in the long run, it’s those choices that will define your journey.

Image Credit: Natalie Kinnear

What’s Really Important

There are certain events that make you pause and realize what’s important.

Like the birth of a child, a wedding, a funeral, a new job, a lost job, or even a global pandemic.

These major events often offer opportunities for growth and reinvention. They give us a chance to pause and ask questions about life that allow us to reflect. That reflection and introspection is often the key to future breakthroughs, new successes, and a refocusing on what really matters to us.

Here are some quotes that may help you on your journey:

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” – Dale Carnegie

 

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”– Thomas A. Edison

 

“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” — Mark Twain

 

“I promise you nothing is as chaotic as it seems. Nothing is worth diminishing your health. Nothing is worth poisoning yourself into stress, anxiety, and fear.”― Steve Maraboli

 

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” — Helen Keller

 

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain

 

“Family is the most important thing in the world.” – Princess Diana

 

“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” — John Lennon

 

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” —Mother Teresa

 

“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” – Steve Jobs

 

“Not how long, but how well you have lived is the main thing.” — Seneca

 

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.”– Albert Einstein

 

“Interest is the most important thing in life; happiness is temporary, but interest is continuous.” – Georgia O’Keeffe

 

“The most important thing in life is to stop saying ‘I wish’ and start saying ‘I will.’ Consider nothing impossible, then treat possibilities as probabilities.” – Charles Dickens

 

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”– Babe Ruth

 

“The most important things in life are intangible.” – Thom Hartmann

 

“The whole secret of a successful life is to find out what is one’s destiny to do, and then do it.”– Henry Ford

 

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” – Robert Frost

 

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs

 

Alone We Fade

Once, there was a man who sat by a fire, observing the glowing embers closely. He picked up one and moved it away from its fiery companions. Alone, its light faded until it was almost gone. But then, he placed it back with the others and immediately its vibrant glow returned.

This, my friends, is the power of community. It’s the power of a strong culture.

We can fade when we’re alone. (Yes, even introverts …  given enough time.)

Like an ember, we shine brightest when we’re together.

 

Think about a time you felt isolated, lost, or overwhelmed. It’s in those moments, when we feel like that lone ember, that the power of community becomes evident. Being with likeminded individuals can reignite our passion, determination, and strength.

Take athletes, for instance. A solo runner might push themselves hard, but when running with a team, they push even harder. It’s like that with any group.  Entrepreneurs face and doubts. But put them in a room together and ideas spark.

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” — Margaret J. Wheatley

 

Being with people who share the same focus, the same dreams, and the same goals is not just beneficial, it’s transformative. We lean on each other, learn from one another, and lift each other up.

7 Ways to Keep the Fire

1. Engage Regularly

Just as a fire needs consistent tending, so does our connection with our community. Attend meetings, participate in group activities, or simply drop a message to someone. Being present ensures the fire keeps burning.

Consistency in engagement is fuel for our communal fire.

 

2. Open Up

Sharing your challenges, thoughts, or doubts can be cathartic. When we open up, we not only find solutions but also deepen our bonds within the community.

3. Collaborate Often

Seek opportunities to work together. Whether it’s a project, an event, or brainstorming session, harnessing collective minds can lead to groundbreaking results.

4. Celebrate Achievements

Rejoice in the success of others as if it’s your own. This positive reinforcement encourages everyone and reminds us of the benefits of working together.

“Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” — Anthony J. D'Angelo

 

5. Seek Feedback

Growth comes from understanding our blind spots. And who better to point them out than those who walk alongside us? Regular feedback, taken constructively, can be the catalyst for personal and community growth.

Feedback is the compass guiding our growth journey.

 

6. Offer Support

Sometimes, all someone needs is a listening ear or a helping hand. By being there for others, you strengthen the very bonds that keep the community alive and thriving.

7. Never Stop Learning

As individuals and as a group, strive for knowledge. Attend workshops, read, discuss, and challenge one another. A community that learns together evolves together.

A community that learns together evolves together.

 

Remember this the next time you’re feeling isolated or dimmed.

Seek out your community. Find your fire. And together, illuminate the world.

Don’t be just an ember. Be part of the fire.

 

Image Credit: Calin Grant-Jasen

Tips on Learning

The famous writer and philosopher, Sir Francis Bacon, once said, “Knowledge is power.” What he forgot to mention is that the key to unlocking this power is the mastery of effective study skills. Learning isn’t confined to the four walls of a classroom or a period of one’s life. Learning is a lifelong endeavor, a perpetual journey of growth and self-improvement. The fuel to this endless journey is the mastery of effective study skills.

Knowledge is power. -Sir Francis Bacon

 

The ability to acquire, retain, and recall information efficiently and effectively not only determines one’s academic success but also profoundly influences one’s professional growth. It equips us with the ability to grasp new concepts swiftly, solve problems innovatively, make informed decisions confidently, and remain relevant.

Whether you’re a student grappling with piles of coursework, an adult juggling responsibilities, or a lifelong learner aiming to stay abreast with the continuous flow of new skills, developing your study skills is paramount. It’s not just about getting through school with flying colors but also about thriving at work and growing as an individual.

Whether you’re a student in school or an executive preparing for a big presentation, knowing the best methods of studying can be a valuable time saver.

If you can’t see the infographic below, you can click to view the post online. Here are some facts about memory and learning that may help you ace your next test or jog your memory just when you need it:

Fun Fact: Chewing gum stimulates the brain and jogs memory.

 

Fact: 3/5 college students try studying all night, leading to lower grades.

 

Fact: Snack on blueberries to prevent memory loss.

 

Study Tip: Study in 30 min blocks and stop after 90 minutes.

 

Infographic provided by StudyMedicineAbroad.

Image Credit: Lukas Blazek

Be excellent

Excellence isn’t just skill—it’s reaching for the stars, even when the sky seems cloudy. It’s the fire that drives legends to refine their craft, year after year.

Consider excellence a journey, not a destination. It’s found in the tiny details, added efforts, and the hunger to be better.

Remember:

– Perfection ≠ Excellence. Aim high, keep pushing.

– Consistency is key. Shine, even on the dull days.

– Welcome feedback. It’s growth, wrapped as advice.

– Do what sets your soul on fire and master it.

To truly excel, refresh your mindset. Embrace challenges, remain curious, and dive deep into your passions. Let excellence be your daily goal.

Quotes on Excellence:

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle

 

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” — Vince Lombardi

 

“Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” — Booker T. Washington

 

“Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects of you. Never excuse yourself.” — Henry Ward Beecher

 

“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” — Oprah Winfrey

 

Image Credit: Brett Jordan

What Mythical Mermaids Teach Us About Leadership

I’ve had many experiences with mermaids.

Surprised?

While I may not have encountered them in the depths of the ocean, they landed on the shores of my personal life many years ago.

“I must be a mermaid… I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living.” — Anais Nin

 

See, my daughter, ever since she was little, found herself entranced by fantasy worlds. She read stories, watched movies, and her incredibly artistic fingers endlessly sketched them (and fairies and hobbits and other mythical beings!). Those early passions stayed with her right through graduate school. Though she dabbles in oil paintings, watercolors, ceramics, and more, she also has a real focus on digital illustration for kids. Part of that has her running a business dedicated to all things mermaid. She has created whimsical merchandise that you can check out here. Also, if you love poetry, check out her free webtoon “Heart Sleeves.”

As I am constantly thinking about leadership, I thought it would be fun to show you how mermaids can teach all of us to be better leaders.

(I often say leadership lessons are all around us. And I was also challenged to see if I could write about leadership in literally any context, and this one in particular! Tell me how I did.)

7 Leadership Lessons

Dive deep into the depths of the ocean and you may encounter a mermaid. If you’re lucky. If things happen perfectly.

With their flowing hair, beautiful singing voices, and tales (pun intended!) of adventures, mermaids have much to offer when it comes to lessons on leadership.

1. Cultivate adaptability during constant change

Mermaids are legendary for their ability to navigate both the oceanic depths and coastal realms. Much like a leader, they show us that to be successful, one must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and environments. The mermaid’s dual life – in the vastness of the ocean and on the sunlit shores – embodies the adaptability that a good leader must possess.

“In the ever changing tides, adaptability guides us through both calm seas and stormy waters.”

 

2. Develop the power of a strong voice

Remember Ariel, the little mermaid? Her voice wasn’t just beautiful; it was her essence, her strength. Great leaders also have a voice that resonates. It carries vision and hope. Leadership isn’t just about speaking. It’s about being heard, understood, and followed.

“Leadership isn’t just about speaking; it’s about being heard, understood, and followed.”

 

3. Maintain curiosity and a strong desire to learn

Ariel’s fascination with the human world wasn’t just a flight of fancy. It was the mermaid’s trait of being ever-curious. Good leaders remain lifelong learners. They are never content with the status quo, always looking beyond, always seeking to know more. Learning new things and exploring new worlds are critical to leadership.

“Good leaders remain lifelong learners. They are never content with the status quo, always looking beyond, always seeking to know more.”

 

4. Understand the natural ebb and flow

The ocean’s tide, consistent in its patterns, teaches us about the ups and downs of life and business cycles. Mermaids understand this rhythm intimately. Leaders, too, recognize that success isn’t a straight upward trajectory. There will be high tides and low tides, and it’s all a part of the journey.

5. Build a strong community

Mermaids are often portrayed as part of a larger community. The underwater kingdoms, their families, and the friendships they forge (like Disney’s Flounder and Sebastian) signify the importance of relationships and community. Leaders understand that they’re only as strong as the team behind them.

“Leaders understand that they’re only as strong as the team behind them.”

 

6. Face challenges with courage

Whether it’s evading sea witches or exploring unknown territories, mermaids face their fears head-on. True leadership requires courage – the courage to take risks, make tough decisions, and venture into uncharted waters.

“But a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more.” — Hans Christian Andersen

 

7. Transform yourself and others around you

Perhaps the most iconic scene from Disney’s version of ‘The Little Mermaid’ is Ariel’s transformation. This metamorphosis isn’t just physical; it represents growth, sacrifice, and evolution. Every great leader undergoes transformations, learning from experiences and emerging stronger and wiser. Great leaders also help others become the best version of themselves.

So think of the mermaids…beneath the waves and how they can teach us to be better leaders. And the next time you’re at the beach, think of the mermaid’s lessons. Because, after all, who says you need to have fins to lead like a mermaid?

Support indie artists. Visit MermaidFriends.com

“Every great leader undergoes transformations, learning from experiences and emerging stronger and wiser.”

 

Compassionate Leadership

The world today is in dire need of positive, empathetic, and compassionate leadership, and this need is beautifully addressed in the book, Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It.

Penned by corporate veterans Doug Lennick and Chuck Wachendorfer, this enlightening work unveils a powerful truth: everyone possesses the potential to be a leader. And every leader benefits from the journey of continual learning. Doug Lennick is the founding CEO of think2perform, a high-performance leadership development firm. He has been in leadership roles for nearly 40 years and is widely recognized as an expert in the science of human behavior. Chuck Wachendorfer is President of Distribution at think2perform. He is a renowned leadership development professional and has worked with clients including American Express, Wells Fargo, Comerica Bank, TD Wealth of Canada, Charles Schwab, and others. His insights on leadership have been featured extensively in media such as CNN Money, Forbes, Fortune, and The Denver Post.

The book explores eight key principles that form the foundation of empathetic leadership. Sprinkled with inspiring anecdotes, and supported by expert insights, the book also provides practical exercises to foster these eight leadership essentials.

Now, let’s dive into an interview with the authors to delve deeper into their vision.

Can you elaborate on the process of “aiming to be your ideal self”? How does this contribute to leadership intelligence?

Chuck – In order to aim to be one’s ideal self, you must first fully define what your ideal self looks like.  Knowing your ideal self, enables you to “begin with the end in mind”.  By going through the values exercise we include in DON’T WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO FIX IT, you can clearly define the type of leader/person you “ideally” would like to be.  “Knowing” your values increases the likelihood that you use them when making decisions or managing your behavior.  That improves the odds that you will be your ideal self more often. Then if a mistake is made, because you know your values, you have the opportunity to correct that mistake a little faster.

Doug – When you aim to be your ideal self, you accept that you are a good person and are good at a number of things.  When you aim to be your “ideal self,” you have a more positive influence on everyone in your circle of influence.  That is leadership intelligence.

Aim to be your ideal self to have more positive influence.

 

What methods can one use to better understand their real self? How does this knowledge feed into better leadership?

Chuck – According to research done by the Hay Group, self-awareness is the most important competency in effective leadership, so self-awareness is something all  leaders must continue to work on.  At think2perform, we believe there is no end to getting better.  We practice improving our self-awareness by using the “Freeze Exercise” we discuss in Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It.  Practicing the Freeze Game is about knowing how you are feeling, and what you are thinking and doing.  It’s the three components of the human experience of thoughts, feelings, and action.  Being physically, mentally, and emotionally present will improve your performance.  Athletes call that being “in the zone”.

If a leader notices they’re not paying attention, they can then choose to pay attention or go do something else.  If the leader notices they’re getting emotional, they can then choose how they respond, instead of reacting.  Often, many of the regrets we have in life have occurred when we were emotional. The opportunity playing the Freeze Exercise provides is to go from being emotionally reflexive to becoming emotionally reflective.

Doug – Keep in mind that your “real self” is constantly changing.  From moment to moment, your “real self” changes.  Three things are your reality right now: your thoughts, your emotions, your  physical experience/actions.  We encourage everyone to make paying attention to their reality, by practicing the “freeze game” throughout the day.  The game:  Pause.  Ask yourself three questions: 1) what am I thinking right now? 2) how am I feeling emotionally right now? 3) what am I doing and what is happening with me physically right now?  This helps you become a better leader, because it helps you become a better self manager. It helps you learn to make better decisions regarding what to think and what to do.

When a leader demonstrates those behaviors associated with integrity, they build trust with those they lead. -Chuck Wachendorfer

 

In your book, you mention the importance of integrity and responsibility. Can you share some examples where these values have significantly influenced leadership outcomes?

Chuck – Integrity and responsibility are intertwined.  Integrity, we define as 1) telling the truth, 2) keeping promises, 3) standing up for what’s right and 4) living consistently with your principles, value and beliefs.  When a leader demonstrates those behaviors associated with integrity, they build trust with those they lead. In order to act with integrity, a leader also has to take responsibility in keeping promises and telling the truth.   That is the intersection between integrity and responsibility.  Both are important to building trust and relationships. Where high trust exists things move faster and are cheaper.

Take our trust in air travel after September 11 as an example.  Because our trust in air travel is lower because of the terrorist attacks that day, air travel takes more time and costs more.  The same is true in any organization; where people trust leadership and each other, less time is wasted or expended wondering if there is a “hidden agenda” or an ulterior motive.  Without those distractions, people focus on giving best efforts.

Doug – In Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It, we tell several real stories about the importance of integrity and responsibility.  One such story is an Ameriprise Financial story that showcased both integrity and responsibility in action at crunch time during the economic crisis of 2008/2009.  Ameriprise declined a multi-billion dollar TARP loan and at the same time stood behind money market commitments that other firms were not.  Ameriprise and its executives acted responsibly and with integrity.  The company was rewarded with sustained client loyalty and company profitability.

When a leader recognizes how someone else is feeling, they open the door to understanding and helping that person get unstuck by providing more clarity or potentially an alternative solution.  -Chuck Wachendorfer

 

Embracing empathy and compassion seems more relevant today than ever. How do these traits affect our ability to lead others positively?

Chuck – One of the most underappreciated leadership competencies is empathy.  Empathy is about recognizing what others are feeling.  It’s different than sympathy, which is about feeling what others are feeling.  Often with change, followers can get emotionally “stuck”; they are confused, aren’t certain about what’s expected or resist change and therefore are both literally and figuratively stuck.

Demonstrating empathy can be as simple as the leader saying, “you look concerned.” or “you sound excited.”  When a leader names the person’s emotion, it draws the leader’s attention to the other’s emotional state and opens the door to learning more about what the other person may be experiencing.

When a leader recognizes how someone else is feeling, they open the door to understanding and helping that person get “unstuck” by providing more clarity or potentially an alternative solution.  That’s the connection between empathy and compassion we make in our book.  Compassion is empathy in action.

Doug – Embracing empathy AND compassion is more relevant than ever, because the world is populated with a large number of people who are waiting for someone else to fix it.  Empathy is about understanding, and understanding is good, but not good enough. Compassion is empathy in action. Any leader who actively cares about the well-being of those they lead will be rewarded with best efforts and high retention of the best and the brightest.

Any leader who actively cares about the well-being of those they lead will be rewarded with best efforts and high retention of the best and the brightest. -Doug Lennick

 

Could you explain the idea of “letting go of what you know” in the context of leadership? How does this enable us to adapt and evolve as leaders?

Chuck – “Letting go of what you know” or learning agility is important to creativity and innovation.  As the old definition of insanity goes “if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.”  In order to grow, you need to have a certain degree of curiosity, be willing to try new things and become uncomfortable.  Effective leaders balance establishing good habits or patterns in their organizations with curiosity for improvement and innovation.  As we say in DON’T WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO FIX IT, everybody wants to be “in the groove” but nobody wants to be “in a rut.”  Wisdom is knowing the difference.

Doug – It’s important to let go of what you know because what is known is constantly changing.  In fact, we believe strongly that knowing is the enemy of learning.  Be curious.  Accept that learning new things about old things, that you thought you knew, will be uncomfortable.  Choose growth over comfort.  Try not to be too defensive and expect that to be hard.  And then try some stuff.  Experiment.

The book talks about the importance of recovering from setbacks. Can you share some insights on how leaders can effectively deal with failure or obstacles?

Chuck – As painful as a mistake or failure can be, effective leaders are able to quickly pivot from the sting of a setback to being curious about what can be learned or improved upon from the setback.  Failure is only permanent if a leader gets stuck themselves.

Doug – It’s probably obvious that our book is a tool book.  We provide tools to help people enjoy the actual process of becoming successful, not just the outcome of being successful. We even provide guidance about how to use the tools, such as the 4Rs. Recognize. Reflect. Reframe. Respond.  Recognize your response to the setback/failure.  Once you’ve acknowledged and accepted your experience, the best path forward involves reflection.  The reflection should focus on the future.  And that segues you right into reframing for the future.  Reframing allows you to let go of attitudes that could keep you stuck, and that in turn prepares you to respond with courage.  And don’t forget, absent fear there is no courage.  Recovering from setbacks can be scary, but you can learn to enjoy the setback as part of the process of becoming successful.

Can you provide some practical examples of how the exercises and tools in your book can help develop the eight leadership intelligence essentials?

Chuck – Absolutely!  Our book is meant to be “used”.  It’s a workbook that we designed for practical application by anyone anywhere.  For example, going through the values exercise enables a leader to use their stated values to guide decision making.  Practicing the “Freeze Exercise” will improve a leader’s self-awareness which also improves self-management and performance.  Applying the 4R’s in decision making will enable the reader to think more logically and rationally, typically leading to better decisions.  Empowering Others will enable leaders to develop people more quickly and effectively with greater results.

Each Essential stands on its own or can be used in conjunction with the other Essentials.  To see impact, the reader doesn’t have to use all 8 Essentials.  Certainly, that would be ideal.  This book is a tool kit that a leader can go back to time and again to apply something new or to brush up on an Essential to become even more effective.

Doug – I  like this question, and I hope you think we’ve done some of that already.  You can mix and match the Essentials.  One thing I find that is very helpful is practicing the Freeze Game – what am I thinking? How am I feeling? What am I doing? – followed by this obvious question: could/should I be thinking and/or doing something different and/or better?  Another thing that is very practical is putting a verb in front of each your values like this: love your “family”; be “happy”; “seek” wisdom; behave with “integrity”; do something of “service”; make “healthy” choices.  Do those two things and your life will get better.

Could you tell us more about the wide variety of characters and industry leaders whose stories are featured in the book? What can we learn from their experiences?

Chuck – Great question!  In the book, we feature people from all walks of life demonstrating the 8 Essentials in action.  We interviewed mountain climbers, polar explorers, Fortune 50 CEO’s, non-profit leaders, Olympic coaches, and business owners for the book. Each leader in the book shared their own personal story as a way to not only demonstrate an Essential but also share their own leadership journey. The reader gets to see firsthand how these 8 Essentials apply both in business as well as personal life or anywhere else that needs you!

Doug – The characters in this book are regular people just like you and me.  They are fallible human beings who aim to be their ideal selves.  What you can learn from these people is that aiming, trying ,and progressing is something that all of us can do.

How have your personal experiences as corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and community volunteers shaped your understanding of leadership and the development of this book?

Chuck – Doug and I have played a variety of leadership roles in our lives as well as coached and advised leaders around the world over the past four decades.  That experience has helped us deepen our appreciation for the difference that leadership makes in the world.  We have all taken jobs, stayed in jobs, or quit jobs because of the person we worked for.  Every leader wants their people to give best efforts and play a role in fixing things.  What leaders need to understand is that they need to fix themselves first.

We’ve all heard the expression “lead by example” when it comes to leadership.  As the oldest in my family, it was the mantra that I grew up with.  What we provide in our book are THE 8 Essentials to effectively lead by example along with the steps to help leaders use and apply them.

Doug –I believe that knowing is the enemy of learning.  With that in mind, I am learning that I don’t know a lot and that if I live one thousand years I will still have a lot to learn.  I do know a couple of things.  I know I am a follower, because I am influenced by what I read, what I watch, who I hang out with, all of that.  I also know I am a leader because what I say and do influences others.  Truth be told, we are all leaders and followers.

Finally, how do you envision readers implementing the teachings from “Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It” in their day-to-day lives?

Chuck – Our book is a “workbook”.  It’s meant to be used and applied.  The great thing about the book is the reader doesn’t have to apply all 8 Essentials to see a positive impact.  Flip to any chapter or exercise and practice using the tools we introduce.  If the reader does that, they will experience the positive results we’ve seen and helped so many others realize as well.

Doug – This is simple – not necessarily easy. I envision people starting to practice the Freeze Game today. Once they do, I believe they will never stop because they will have established a productive habit.  I also envision people doing the values exercise today, putting verbs in front of those values today, and living those verbs today and for all the times to come.  I envision people not waiting for someone else to fix it.  Thanks for asking.

For more information see Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It.

Image Credit: Andrew George

Don’t Stop Learning

Leaders who embrace a growth mindset and prioritize continual learning are the ones who stand out. The power of continual learning goes beyond acquiring knowledge.

Learning fuels personal and professional development, enhances leadership effectiveness, and drives organizational success. Continual learning is a game-changer for leaders. It’s a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Learning can help you:

1. Stay Ahead in a Changing Landscape

The business landscape is constantly evolving, presenting new challenges and opportunities. Continual learning enables leaders to stay ahead of the curve by acquiring knowledge and skills that are relevant and adaptable. By staying informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, leaders can make informed decisions, drive innovation, and position their organizations for success.

2. Foster Resilience and Adaptability

Leadership requires resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Continual learning cultivates these qualities by exposing leaders to diverse perspectives and new ideas.

3. Inspire a Culture of Growth and Development

Leaders who prioritize continual learning create an environment that fosters growth and development. By modeling a commitment to learning, leaders inspire their teams to embrace a growth mindset. This culture of learning encourages employees to seek out new knowledge and develop new skills.

Continual learning propels leaders to excellence. It enables them to adapt, grow, and innovate in a rapidly. To help you commit to the power of continual learning, here are 28 quotes to reflect on:

“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” –Albert Einstein

 

“Learn from mistakes, but never regret you made them. We make mistakes because we dare to step outside our comfort zone.”-Paulo Coelho

 

“The more I read, the more I acquire, the more certain I am that I know nothing.” –Voltaire

 

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” – Henry Ford

 

“Knowing is not enough; We must apply. Willing is not enough; We must do”’ –Bruce Lee

 

“The greatest enemy of learning is knowing.” – John C. Maxwell

 

“Being a student is easy. Learning requires actual work.” — William Crawford

 

“It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows.” – Epictetus

 

“The tools for learning are abundant. It’s the desire to learn that’s scarce.” – Naval Ravikant

 

“I never lose. I either win or learn.” – Nelson Mandela

 

“You will fail your way to success. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving.” – Les Brown

 

“It is what we know already that often prevents us from learning.” –Claude Bernard

 

“I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.” – Abraham Lincoln

 

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” ― Benjamin Franklin

 

“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” –Harry S Truman

 

“Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.” –Benjamin Franklin

 

“Education without application is just entertainment.”— Tim Sanders

 

“I am still learning.”— Michelangelo

 

“Constantly look for challenges, pushing past your comfort zone.” – Robert Greene

 

“Making mistakes simply means you are learning faster.” – Weston H. Agor

 

“You aren’t learning anything when you’re talking.” –Lyndon B. Johnson

 

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” –Dr. Seuss

 

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”— Benjamin Franklin

 

“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” – Chinese proverb

 

“Don’t just teach your children to read. Teach them to question what they read. Teach them to question everything.” –George Carlin

 

“Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.” – Vernon Howard

 

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” –Socrates

 

“Life is trying things to see if they work.” – Ray Bradbury

 

Image Credit: Tim Mossholder