Discover ten great leadership tips on how to build more autonomy in your teams. One of the things leaders I work with fantasise about is having teams be more independent, proactive, and forward thinking. Working with a team of leaders makes everything better! But there is so much that gets in the way: dependencies, approvals, unwillingness. Let’s get beyond that and build better teams.
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Power and toxic leadership: how to avoid it
The war in Ukraine shows us one thing: abuse of power still runs rampant in leadership. It’s horrifying to witness. We were meant to be done with autocratic lethal nationalism. Yet here we are. Many of us watching would say, “I would never…” Or so we hope. Can we fall into power traps? The answer is ‘yes’. So let’s protect ourselves from ourselves with these vital strategies.
Read MoreThe best leadership style for 2021
This year may be a little different than last year, but who knows at this point. We’ve already had an attempted insurrection in the birthplace of modern democracy, the pandemic continues to rage, and my tomatoes are failing to flourish in the uncharacteristic cooler summer. In any case, we still need leadership. Good leadership. My mission is to develop more wise and compassionate leaders worldwide. One way you can be one of them is to embody the archetype of the ELDER. Here are the beliefs and practices of the Elder, straight from my multiple award-winning book, People Stuff.
Read MoreHow to create a personal leadership manifesto
In my Amplifiers group, a high level leadership program for purpose-driven leaders, we are focused on ‘Project You’ this quarter. We are intent on raising the bar for our own personal leadership in all dimensions: physical, spiritual, mental, emotional. One of the core strategies is to develop a personal leadership manifesto. Details follow!
Read MoreHow to double-down on values-driven leadership
Not all values are created equal! This may sound counter-trend: aren’t we supposed to be values-led leaders? Yes and no. Each set of values has a limitation and downside that we need to be mindful of.
Read MoreWhat leadership principles do you need in a crisis?
Crisis can create panic. All of us are wired to avoid threat and when we see it, we jump into survival mode. Often this leads to rash decisions. We need to cultivate composure to handle the toughest stuff. ‘Stop the moving parts’ is one way to do this.
Read MoreLeadership principles for tackling silos and turf wars
“I need them to step up. To take a broader view of the business. I need them to be leaders. Instead they keep their head down and just look after their own little patch.”
The CEOs I work with are savvy. They know the fastest way to advance their business objectives is by lifting up others below. A rising tide lifts all boats. It sounds great in theory. In reality, many of those being lifted stay stuck. It’s turf wars and silos.
Do we expect too much of people? Do they lack emotional intelligence? Do they need more explicit instruction?
Yes to all of these, with a caveat.
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Read MoreLeadership principles for getting them to listen
There is nothing more frustrating than not being heard. Especially when we know we have something valuable to contribute. And that we’re likely right. We see others who disagree as set in their ways, oblivious to alternative points of view. How then do we get attention and get heard?
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Read MoreLeadership principles for speaking truth to power
Have you got an issue to raise with the boss but are fearful of consequences? Have you seen others speak up and get punished for sharing their opinion? What is it costing you to stay silent?
How fear is a product of our assumptions
Why suspending judgements before speaking is a useful approach
Why openness is the best defence, and compassion the smartest weapon.
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Read MoreLeadership strategies for when you screw up
We all screw up. Most of us don’t expect to screw up. The shock of it is almost as bad as the consequences of it. The real pain of screwing up is often the disappointment of not living up to our own expectations. How do we move through the heady emotions and make good again?
Are some incidents impossible to forgive?
What good can come of shame?
How long should we feel bad?
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Read MoreHave you got leadership imposter syndrome?
Starting a new role? Now leading your peers? Have you achieved a new milestone in your business with new demands and new expectations? It takes some getting used to. Boundless Leadership is about the relentless pursuit of a better future. Embracing new opportunities and roles should feel effortless and on track. The opposite is often the case! Our old inner world, setpoint, and paradigm can hold us back, dragging back from boundless edge of possibilities. New levels need new paradigms. We also need an acclimatisation process.
The invisible barrier that drops when we get promoted
Getting used to the new role: some things to consider
The three most important steps to take to handle the transition
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Read MoreBoundless Leadership: Drive results now, lead impact for a lifetime
Cricket Australia has been outed as “oriented to winning, without properly counting the cost.” A short-term focus on winning without due consideration for the bigger picture and the value of the game itself. So how do we avoid the pitfalls of a competitive winning mindset while still achieving results for the greater good?
Results are signals of quality execution of purpose, not an end in themselves
How Finite and Infinite Games focus our work as leaders
How to play the game to win and for the joy of playing
Boundless Leadership: Now is the perfect time to take on a personal quest
What are you creating right now? Or better yet, who are you creating? What version of your future self are you crafting right now? Use a quest to focus your attention.
Start with who you wish to become.
Set the scene.
Negotiate, troubleshoot, launch and play!
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Read MoreBoundless Leadership: Rising to power - a book review
Much has been made of the transition from expert to manager. In Rising to Power by Eric Hansen and Ron Carucci, the authors shed light on the hazards and adaptations leaders need to undertake as they assume the mantle of authority.
Ideas on power
Ideas on focus and change
The four superpowers for executives
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Read MoreLeadership is not a title - it's integrity
Every once in a while an elephant shows up. You know, the thing that is blooming obvious, but no one wants to talk about.
Like the fact that Uncle Fred drinks way too much and smells of urine. Or Susan spends more time socialising on Facebook than she does doing the accounts. Or the boss’s right-hand man – the ‘Golden Boy’ – has tantrums that keep everyone cowering behind their desks and taking really, really long lunches – out.
What do you do? If you say something, then what started as something uncomfortable may become a Major Issue. If you pipe up about smelly Uncle Fred, then the family is going to have to deal with alcoholism. If you point out Susan is wasting company time, you may become the tattle-tale. If you complain to the boss about Golden Boy’s tantrums, then maybe you’ll get the sack.
Our fears of creating even more uncomfortable feelings keep us paralysed.
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