Archives For communication

It’s Time To Start Using Adult Language

May 3, 2013 — 33 Comments

I’m going to shock you a bit today. Why? Because I’m going to tell you it’s time to begin using adult language in your conversations.

yellow rotary phone

That’s right. We need to step up our game and begin using adult language. It’s the way you’re going to move ahead in the world.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about profanity laced tirades, four-letter words, or depreciating language.

I’m talking about real adult language.

Encouraging Phrases

You can begin using adult language by speaking encouraging phrases. Tell others the great job they’re doing. Shower them with praise.  Read more...

In Leadership , , , , , ,
 permalink

5 Reasons Your Leadership Is Ineffective

April 15, 2013 — 35 Comments

Everyone wants to be effective as a leader. You want to have a team that will accomplish the task set before them. However, many leadership struggle to be effective.

I believe there’s five areas leaders struggle with and which causes ineffective leadership. Most of the times ineffective leadership slowly slips in. Before we know it, we’re wondering why no one is following anymore.

When we discover our leadership is ineffective, you might say our leadership is as useless as a screen door on a submarine (Thanks for the beautiful words Rich Mullins).  Read more...

In Leadership , , , , , ,
 permalink

How To Build A Great Team

December 17, 2012 — 24 Comments

Our society often promotes the idea of The Lone Ranger as the ideal.

Being self-sufficient is key, we hear. But it’s a lie.

Boat Rope

Image by Moyan Brenn

The ideal should be to work in a great team. And that requires teamwork.

What Is Teamwork?

Teamwork is the combined effort of a group of people working together towards a common goal.

When we begin to combine our efforts and work with others, our output is multiplied. Creative ideas that were blocked by a lack of vision are released when shared with others.  Read more...

In Leadership , , , , , ,
 permalink

How To Carry Out An Uncomfortable Conversation

December 5, 2012 — 43 Comments

Ever have a team member under perform? Or maybe they were found to be lacking in character.

These are the times that call for uncomfortable conversations.

One of the toughest tasks we have as leaders is to carry out uncomfortable conversations. Usually the difficult conversation results in one or both parties leaving with hurt feelings.

Either you come off as too gruff or not stern enough. The feeling of unfinished business is left hanging in the air.

When we carry out an uncomfortable conversation, it’s best to have a plan or technique in place.  Read more...

In Leadership , ,
 permalink

How To Kill Enthusiasm For A Project

November 16, 2012 — 16 Comments

Launching a new project is always exciting. The company is moving and shaking. Great growth is expected.

Things are looking good. The team is motivated. They’re ready to take on the project and succeed.

There’s only one problem. You’ve done an action that kills enthusiasm more than anything.

 

I’ve done it. Time and time again. I’m pretty sure you’ve done it as well.

With the busyness of our days, it’s easy to let this one slide in.  Read more...

In Leadership , , ,
 permalink