Leadership

How to Focus on Self to Better Lead Others Using the SOAR Model

While there are many different types of leadership, the practice of self-leadership may be the most important style to not only build up oneself but also to inspire others to be the best versions of themselves.

One model that helps individuals focus on self-leadership is the SOAR method. Developed by Tony Gambill and Scott Carbonara and highlighted in their book Getting It Right When It Matters Most, the SOAR model for self-leadership highlights four areas of focus: Self, Outlook, Action, and Reflection. (more…)

Being a Leader: Quick Tips for Successful Delegation

“If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself” is the mantra of many high-performing leaders, but it’s not the healthiest approach to leadership and often leads to burnout and fatigue. Whether you think it will take longer to explain a task than to just do it yourself, you don’t want to be perceived as passing the buck, or are worried about overloading your team—there are many excuses leaders give to avoid delegation.

But, the rewards of successful delegation often far outweigh the risk. According to research from DDI, some of the biggest positive results include team members who are:

  • 9 times more likely to produce innovative/creative outcomes
  • 2 times more likely to go above their job description
  • 2 times more likely to be considered high performers
  • 9 times more likely to have high performance standards

So, if you’re the type of leader who has a hard time loosening your grip on projects and letting members of your team take the reins, here are a few quick tips for successful delegation. (more…)

Leading a Team During Organizational Change

One of the most difficult times a leader faces during the course of a career is dealing with change within an organization. From company mergers and account closings to employment shifts and adopting hybrid workforce solutions, leading a team through the uncertainty of change and company transformation can be challenging. However, leaders can expect at one time or another, they will have to face change head on.

According to a study by Garter, organizations have averaged five major companywide changes in the past three years, and surprisingly, not including changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, 75% of companies expect major change initiatives to increase in the near future. With change affecting organizations across North America, leaders will have to embrace a few techniques to ensure successful transitions for their teams. (more…)

Leaders: Four Things to Do Today to Ensure a Successful New Year

The new year is just around the corner, and with it comes newly realized optimism and strong goal-oriented determination. But to ensure your team is successful in the new year, it’s imperative to focus on the right things that will have positive impacts on your workplace objectives. Check out these four things to do today to ensure a successful new year!

Create Realistic Goals

When creating plans for the new year, one of the best things you can do is create ambitious, but realistic goals. According to a study from the University of Scranton, 92% of people fail to achieve their goals for the new year. That doesn’t create good odds for success. However, there’s a simple way to beat the odds: follow the S.M.A.R.T. goal-making plan. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time sensitive. (more…)

What To Do When Your Boss is Laid Off

Your world just got shaken up; how do you handle it?

You walk into work as usual, but your boss isn’t there. You figure they’re at a doctor’s appointment, or maybe they had to bring their kid to school, so you go about your day like any other day. But they never show up. Eventually your boss’ boss calls you in for a discussion, and that’s when you find out they’ve been let go.

Maybe they did something wrong, or maybe it was a mutual decision. Regardless of the reason, your job is in for some major changes, at least in the short term, and probably a new boss.

What questions should you ask yourself? What does this mean for your job? Take a deep breath and review these tips.

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Being Promoted to Your Boss’s Level

Congratulations! You make more money and things are awkward.

You work incredibly hard, and truly care about your company. When a big management position opens up, you’re ready for it and submit your resume. You ace the interview (perhaps thanks in part to our handy tips), and now you’re a manager!

There’s only one problem: that means your previous boss is now just a regular co-worker. How do you act? What can you say? Is it all right to ask them to meet deadlines?

Here are our tips on turning a former boss into a colleague.

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Diversity vs. Inclusion and Why They Matter

Do you know the difference?

Current work philosophy dictates the best possible team is one chock-full of varying viewpoints, personalities, and skills. Differences in opinion and beliefs result in more stimulating brainstorming sessions and a higher degree of innovation overall.

Many employers are starting to embrace “diverse” workplaces with employees coming from a wide range of walks of life.

But HR folks still say that this “diversity” is not enough. There needs to be inclusion as well, but this can be a difficult concept for employees to understand. What’s the difference anyway?

Here’s the difference between diversity and inclusion, and why both are important to have in any workplace. (more…)