As many topics as there are in the world today that people think differently on (and there are a LOT), I think we can all agree on this: at the end of our life, we want to be able to look around and say with confidence that we made a positive impact on those around us. As leaders, we want to lead with significance. Our families, our teams, our ministries.
If you’re just joining us, today is our 7th session. But before we get into that, let me point you in the right direction, if you missed any of our previous sessions. You can start catching up at the links in the Resources section below.
Today we are talking about our sixth leadership quality and how to deal with annoying people. Because let’s face it. We all have people around us that are difficult to lead and interact with. In this session, I discuss two techniques that will help you manage this type of relationship.
Game Plan
Today’s Game Plan has a couple parts. If you lead a team, a family, a small group (and remember, we are all leaders) – try these exercises with those you lead:
Know their story: What do you know about those who you lead? Do you know what makes them them?
Encourage and praise lavishly: Do you offer encouragement frequently? Lavishly? If not, start by getting to know what would encourage each person. “Encouragement languages” are things like:
Quality time
Words of affirmation
Acts of service
Gift giving
The kicker: now that you’ve given it some thought, gotten to know the other person – take action. Pick 1-2 people this week to put this into practice with. Then come back and tell us what you learn. I bet you’ll find that as encouraged as you make the other person feel, you’ll find the return even greater for yourself.
If you’re interested in learning more about our new one-on-one leadership intensive, Leading With Significance, where we talk about this quality and go into greater depth in your leadership development, use our Contact Us form to let me know and we’ll be in touch.
Deep down, I think all of us want to lead with significance. At the end of our life, we want to be able to look back and say “I made a difference in this world and in the lives of those around me.”
Leaders who make significant contributions have several qualities in common. Today, we’re talking about the fifth quality that those leaders possess. It is the quality that is present in both criticism and celebration.
We are almost halfway through a series on how to lead with significance. So far, we’ve discussed the first three qualities that all great leaders possess. Vision, accountability, and integrity. If you missed any of those sessions, you can catch up at the links in the Resources section below.
In today’s session, I share about what the ancient Greeks can teach us in regard to leadership and how it relates to the next quality that helps us lead with significance.
Game Plan
This Game Plan is a three-part exercise:
First, refine your strengths. Take a strengths assessment (there are plenty of good assessments out there), and then focus on them. Work to be sure they are qualities that you are continuing to improve.
Second, compensate for your weaknesses. Your weaknesses will never be your strengths. Know yourself well enough to know what these weaker areas are.
Lastly, minimize your blind spots. It’s important to “know what you don’t know.” To take this up a notch, ask those who are closest to you to help identify your blind spot areas. That may be a spouse, a significant other, or a close friend. Consider asking your supervisor or manager at work. Better yet, if you’re a manager, ask your direct reports. Give them the freedom and permission to be honest and vulnerable with you. You’ll be surprised at what you learn.
If you’re interested in learning more about our new one-on-one leadership intensive, Leading With Significance, where we talk about this quality and go into greater depth in your leadership development, use our Contact Us form to let me know and we’ll be in touch.
Back in 2008, I got called out by my boss and I’m so thankful for that experience. Want to know why? In today’s session, I discuss how that situation relates to the third quality that helps us lead with significance.
If you missed the sessions on the first two qualities of great leaders, vision and accountability, be sure to check out the links in the Resources sections below. Vision and accountability make up the foundation of great leadership, and are essential as we continue to build the description of a great leader.
Game Plan
Today’s Game Plan is an exercise I call “The Integrity Challenge.” Here are three questions to ask yourself to assess your integrity:
Is there duplicity between your public and private life?
How do you respond to adversity and stress?
To whom do you need to apologize?
If you’re interested in learning more about our new one-on-one leadership intensive, Leading With Significance, where we talk about this quality and go into greater depth in your leadership development, use our Contact Us form to let me know and we’ll be in touch.
Last session, we started discussing the 10 ingredients all great leaders must have in order to lead with significance. The first quality is vision. Vision is our aim, our goal.
Today, we’re going to talk about the second quality for leading with significance: accountability.
Game Plan
Take a few minutes to reflect on this question:
What are your brown M&Ms and red flag mechanisms? Personally and professionally?
If you’re interested in learning more about our new one-on-one leadership intensive, Leading With Significance, where we talk about this quality and go into greater depth in your leadership development, use our Contact Us form to let me know and we’ll be in touch.
Last session, I shared about a new one-on-one leadership intensive I’ve developed called Leading With Significance. This coaching program identifies 10 qualities that all great leaders have and helps you create a customized plan to lead effectively both in your personal and professional life.
Today I’m sharing why I’ve called this leadership coaching program: Leading With Significance
Game Plan
We’re going to do a little exercise called “The Funeral Experience.”
Here are a couple questions to ask yourself. Take some time to write our your notes:
What do you want your epitaph to read?
What do you want people to say at your funeral?
The next test is write down what would people actually say if you died tomorrow. What your write down here are your actual core values.
Now, compare your answers. Don’t worry if you see a gap between what you want people to say and what you think they may actually say. That’s just the first step. You have time to grow…and a great time to start that growth is today!
If you’re interested in learning more about our new one-on-one leadership intensive, Leading With Significance, where we talk about this quality and go into greater depth in your leadership development, use our Contact Us form to let me know and we’ll be in touch.
