One of the new features here at Leadership Turn involves moving the leadership thought for the week to Monday.  While originally I thought that a little mid-week motivation was a good thing (and it is), I really wanted to do more than just share a thought.  I wanted to challenge all of us to work and focus on what the thought meant, and how we could introduce it into our business and personal lives.
Today represents that change.  I hope the thought brings you motivation for the week, but more than than, I hope you accept the challenge which follows. 
Really great people always see the best …read more

Do you frequently find yourself involved in verbal battles with other people?  If so, defensive communication may be part of the problem.
Defensive communication occurs when one party to a conversation feels threatened, attacked, or is trying to protect their self-image.
Oh sure, we all react defensively on occasion, and it is, in fact, a legitimate defense mechanism.  But when all our communication carries the taint of defensiveness, it can ruin both personal and professional relationships. 
If you have a goal of eliminating defensiveness in your own communications, as well as not provoking it in others, consider these ideas.

Keep a communication log with details about …read more

All too frequently today, people are starved for a little praise.  Whether we are willing to acknowledge it to others, or even admit it to ourselves, we all need a little praise in our life.
Awhile back, Milo wrote a post about his belief that a leader should not give someone a pat on the back because they need it, but only because they deserve it.
I disagree.
My leadership approach is different.  I believe that an effective leader learns how to best motivate an employee, team member, volunteer, etc., and then uses that information to help that individual succeed.  And sometimes, that …read more

If you are leading a team, it will be important for you to recognize the learning style of your team members.
When you know how people best process information, you will then know how to best communicate with them when giving assignments, providing feedback, and motivating them to achieve higher levels of success.
Let’s walk through a couple of scenarios on how you can turn this theory into actionable knowledge.
The Visual Learner:  Will respond favorably to an instruction manual, written strategic plan, visual timeline and progress charts.  They will likely be motivated by the group’s charting progress to goals, a check off …read more

Now that you are aware of the different learning styles, what can you do with that information?
If you’re a teacher or trainer, your natural tendency will be to play to your own learning style.  For example:  If you are a kinesthetic learner, the chance are you will plan lots of hands on exercises, throw in a little role play, and end the day with group presentations.  Sounds good – for those who are also kinesthetic learners.  But if you’re a visual learner, this experience will make you feel like a fish out of water.
Learning should be an inclusive process, so …read more

If the concept of Visual learning didn’t seem to ring true for you, you may be an Auditory learner.
In its most simple explanation, an Auditory learner learns by hearing.
What does this mean?  Auditory learners respond well to verbal explanations, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say.  They think in words, rather than pictures.  They’ll love a good debate, or even a heated discussion, and won’t find these to be confrontational, but will see them as a learning tool.  Auditory learners want to hear the tone and pitch of a voice, as well as the speed …read more

Confidence is important. 
When you are climbing the greasy pole, or trying to win the respect of your team confidence is important.  No one enjoys hand holding or the continual need to reinforce a sense of self belief in people.   Yet even worse than this lack of confidence are those that transgress the line between between confident or cocky.
I don’t know about your experience, but if there has been someone who is cocky in my team – then you can feel the rest of the team willing them to fail.  A desire which can overcome the commitment to the project and to …read more