Martin Okonkwo, MBA, CIPPM, CILSCM’s Post

Working under an Unmotivated Leader Working with different teams while in an organization is a common fest nowadays. Sometimes, we work with our favourite boss and think every other leader in the organization is the same. Working under an unmotivated leader can pose significant challenges, particularly when you find yourself constantly seeking direction and guidance. Here's how I navigated this situation and maintained my motivation and productivity: 1. Proactive Communication: When working under an unmotivated leader, proactive communication becomes essential. Take the initiative to reach out and ask for clarity on tasks, priorities, and expectations. Be respectful and professional in your approach, expressing your willingness to support and contribute to the team's goals. 2. Seek Feedback: In the absence of proactive guidance from your leader, actively seek feedback on your work to ensure you're on the right track. Solicit input from colleagues or other stakeholders who can provide insights and guidance. Use constructive feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement. 3. Take Ownership: In a situation where your leader lacks motivation, taking ownership of your work and responsibilities becomes crucial. Be proactive in managing your tasks, setting goals, and prioritizing your workload. Demonstrate initiative and self-reliance by identifying opportunities for improvement and taking action without waiting for explicit instructions. 4. Advocate for Change: If feasible, consider advocating for change within the organization by providing constructive feedback on leadership practices and advocating for initiatives to improve motivation and engagement. Approach this process diplomatically, focusing on solutions rather than criticism, and collaborate with others who share similar concerns. 5. Focus on Personal Growth: use the experience of working under an unmotivated leader as an opportunity for personal growth and development. Seek out learning opportunities, acquire new skills, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. Maintaining a growth mindset can empower you to thrive and succeed, regardless of external challenges. Working under an unmotivated leader can be challenging, but by adopting a proactive mindset, taking ownership of your work, fostering collaboration, and focusing on personal growth, you can navigate these challenges effectively and continue to excel in your role. #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceChallenges #CareerGrowth #LinkedInLearning I'd love to hear your experiences and insights on working under unmotivated leaders. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

I really want to force so many executives, managers, supervisors, etc. to read this article. Be authentic walk the talk, and be who you are. To take another perspective, if you are an a-hole be an a-hole and do not fake your values, embrace who you are let people know, and align your stated values with who you are. Sadly some people will work for an a-hole, just be honest about it. If you play favorites be honest about it. Obviously, it is best if you are not an a-hole and best if you do not play favorites, but being honest about who you are is most important. That said, we know your people are the most productive and your company is the most profitable when you drop favoritism and treat people properly, fairly, and with respect. "While authentic leadership is still a relatively new concept, research has backed up George’s claims, with several studies published on how authentic leadership can positively influence employee productivity, job performance, and overall employee engagement. Employees that are engaged, productive, and performing at their best boost the company’s overall success." "Authentic leaders place their emphasis on people, values, and ethics, creating a culture of authenticity, transparency, and honesty that ensures all employees are empowered and heard." "Authentic leaders demonstrate self-discipline and a strong moral code — they don’t take shortcuts or bend their morals to meet certain goals. There’s a pattern of behavior that defines authentic leadership and it’s one that trends toward transparency, self-discipline, self-awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence." "Part of being an authentic leader means having a strong set of values and sticking to them in a consistent manner. Authentic leaders know their values and demonstrate those values regularly through their behavior." #peoplefirstculture #beauthentic #authenticleadership

To boost credibility in leadership by 2025, leaders should reframe certain common phrases to enhance confidence and foster a supportive team culture. 💬 Instead of "I'm not sure," say: "Let me look into that and get back to you" to maintain authority and show initiative in finding solutions. 🔍 Replace "I don’t have a choice" with: "Let’s explore our options," fostering a sense of agency and collaboration. 🤝 Opt for "I’d be happy to help find the right person" over "That's not my job," which supports a cooperative environment and avoids passivity. 💡 Switch "Failure isn’t an option" to: "Let’s focus on achieving our goals while learning from setbacks" to encourage innovation and flexibility. 🎉 Acknowledge team efforts by saying: "Our team accomplished this together," reinforcing unity and motivation instead of taking sole credit. 👂 Use "Does this make sense?" instead of "Do you get what I’m saying?" to avoid condescension and promote clarity in communication. 📈 Rather than "I have tons of experience," say: "I’ve gained valuable insights from my experiences" to highlight relevant skills over tenure. 🌟 Skip "With all due respect" for: "I appreciate your perspective" to create a more genuine and open dialogue with others. By adopting these reframed phrases, leaders can communicate confidently, inspire trust, and drive team performance. #LeadershipTips #EffectiveCommunication #TeamSuccess 💼 Mastering language choices can prevent misunderstandings and reinforce authority. 🧠 Team members respond better to thoughtful, inclusive language that encourages participation. 🚀 Empowering phrases support a growth mindset and help teams feel valued and engaged. ♻️ Repost if you enjoyed this post and follow me, César Beltrán Miralles, for more curated content about leadership! https://lnkd.in/gUwRy5V4.forbes.com%2Fsites%2Fcherylrobinson%2F2024%2F11%2F04%2F8-phrases-leaders-should-reframe-to-demonstrate-credibility-in-2025%2F&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl1%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4

Recognizing Toxic vs. Effective Leaders 🚦 Leadership shapes the culture and success of any workplace. Knowing how to identify toxic behaviors in management is key to fostering a healthy, productive environment. Here’s how toxic leaders differ from effective ones: 🔴 Traits of Toxic Leaders: Instill Fear: Foster a culture of fear and intimidation. Micromanage: Control every detail of your work instead of empowering you. Criticize Publicly: Highlight mistakes in front of others rather than in private. Play Favorites: Engage in office politics, showing favoritism. Never Admit Fault: Refuse to acknowledge their own mistakes. Demand Blind Obedience: Expect you to follow orders without question. Take Credit: Claim others’ achievements as their own. Monitor Time, Not Results: Focus on clock-watching instead of outcomes. Interrupt Constantly: Disrupt conversations, showing a lack of respect for others' input. Stifle Growth: Hold back your career development and opportunities. 🟢 Qualities of Effective Leaders: Create a Respectful Environment: Build a culture of mutual respect and trust. Empower Autonomy: Trust employees to manage their own work. Recognize Efforts: Give credit where it’s due and celebrate team achievements. Encourage Open Communication: Welcome questions and feedback. Listen Actively: Respect others’ opinions by listening attentively. Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer guidance privately to support improvement. Own Up to Mistakes: Take responsibility for their own errors and learn from them. Prioritize Results: Focus on achieving goals rather than monitoring hours. Promote Fairness: Treat everyone equally, fostering teamwork and collaboration. Invest in Growth: Support and nurture career development. Effective leadership can transform a workplace, while toxic behaviors can drag it down. Let’s strive to lead with integrity, respect, and empathy! 🌟 #LeadershipInsights #WorkplaceWellbeing #PositiveLeadership

Why Leaders Can’t Afford to Ignore Soft Skills   It’s 2024, and some leaders may still doubt the idea that soft skills—like empathy, humility, and gratitude—can drive success. But here’s the truth: ignoring these skills isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s costing you. According to a Harvard Business Review report, 70% of employees say their productivity would improve if they had better communication and interpersonal skills from leadership. This isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a “must-have” for protecting your bottom line.   Here are 3 warning signs that you’re overlooking the importance of soft skills:   1. Low Employee Engagement If your team isn’t engaged, it’s not just about tasks or compensation. A Gallup study shows that 85% of employees are not actively engaged at work due to a lack of connection and poor communication from leadership. Soft skills like empathy and active listening can turn this around.   2. High Turnover Rates High turnover isn’t just about pay or benefits. A study by McKinsey & Company found that 60% of employees leave their jobs due to poor management and lack of emotional support. Leaders who prioritize soft skills build trust, loyalty, and retention.   3. Ineffective Team Collaboration Struggling to get your team to work together? It’s likely due to a lack of psychological safety and trust. Without clear communication and emotional intelligence, collaboration falters, and projects fail. —   Leaders, soft skills are not optional—they’re essential for navigating today’s complex, fast-changing world.   What soft skills have made a difference for you as a leader? Share your thoughts.

🔊 The Importance of Listening as a Leadership Skill 🔊 In the fast-paced world of leadership, it’s easy to assume that being vocal and decisive are the key traits that drive success. But here’s the real secret weapon: listening. It’s not just about hearing words—it’s about truly understanding the needs, concerns, and insights of your team. So, why is listening such a powerful leadership skill? 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 🤝 When leaders actively listen, they send a clear message: I value you and your contributions. This sense of respect fosters trust, which becomes the foundation for an open and collaborative culture. When team members feel genuinely heard, they’re more likely to bring their best ideas forward, support each other, and stay engaged in their work. 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺-𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 🧩 Leaders who listen often gain insights that would otherwise go unnoticed. By considering different perspectives, they make better, more informed decisions. Listening helps you understand the root causes of challenges rather than just addressing symptoms—leading to long-term solutions and innovation. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 📈 Employees want to feel seen and understood. A leader who listens can recognize individual strengths, concerns, and goals, creating an environment where employees are more likely to stay and thrive. Retention is no longer just about compensation; it’s about connection. 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 🌱 When you, as a leader, model active listening, you inspire others to do the same. Teams that embrace listening foster a culture of mutual respect and continuous learning. This leads to personal and professional growth, benefiting the entire organization. Let’s rethink the way we lead by embracing listening as a strength, not a soft skill. After all, the best solutions often emerge when we take a moment to pause and truly listen. What strategies have you found effective for listening in leadership? Drop your thoughts below—let’s learn from each other. 👇 #LeadershipSkills #ActiveListening #TeamTrust #HR #ProfessionalDevelopment

Understanding and implementing the subtle qualities of effective leadership can transform the workplace from a space of tension to one of shared success. 🤝 As leaders, the goal should not only be to direct but to inspire and safeguard the well-being of those we lead. #leadership #nofearculture #Effectiveleadership #selfleadership

A leader who doesn’t listen is like a captain steering a ship without a compass. Leaders often talk about valuing feedback, but actions speak louder than words. If feedback is ignored or punished, employees stop sharing it—leading to a culture of silence and missed opportunities. We can’t afford to make this mistake. Listening isn’t just a skill; it’s a superpower. 🗝️ Here are the top 6 listening pitfalls leaders face—and how to overcome them:👇 💡 Pitfall #1: Saying you value feedback but penalizing it ↳ Employees won’t speak up if sharing honest thoughts leads to backlash. ✔️ How to fix it: ↳ Build psychological safety. Ensure employees feel comfortable sharing without fear of consequences. 💡 Pitfall #2: Ignoring input and losing valuable insights ↳ When leaders don’t listen, they risk missing innovation and fostering a toxic culture. ✔️ How to fix it: ↳ Practice active listening and humility. Acknowledge feedback and act on it when possible. 💡 Pitfall #3: Creating a “yes culture” ↳ Surrounding yourself with sycophants limits creativity and risk awareness. ✔️ How to fix it: ↳ Reward diverse perspectives and celebrate constructive feedback. 💡 Pitfall #4: Overemphasizing criticism ↳ Too much criticism demotivates employees and kills engagement. ✔️ How to fix it: ↳ Follow the “3-to-1 Praise-to-Criticism Rule.” Recognize employees’ contributions often. 💡 Pitfall #5: Ignoring employee input ↳ This leads to costly mistakes and missed opportunities. ✔️ How to fix it: ↳ Actively integrate employee suggestions into decisions and show how their feedback shapes the outcome. 💡 Pitfall #6: Failing to empower employees to speak up ↳ Silenced employees disengage and withdraw. ✔️ How to fix it: ↳ Regularly ask for opinions, follow up with actions, and create open communication channels. What’s one way you’re fostering a culture of listening in your organization? ❓ P.S. Great leaders don’t just lead—they listen, adapt, and grow. What’s one lesson you’ve learned about the power of listening? Share it in the comments! ……............... If this resonated with you, don’t forget to share it. ♻ Open for #collaborations. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗲, Faraz Anis 🍁 for more insights and AI updates. #FarazAnis #Leadership #Teamwork #ActiveListening #WorkplaceCulture

📌 A Listening Leader🤔 Effective leaders understand the importance of listening to their team. When leaders fail to listen, they miss out on valuable insights, feedback, and ideas that could drive the organization forward. This often leads to a culture where team members feel undervalued and disengaged, eventually resulting in a lack of meaningful contribution. On the other hand, leaders who actively listen create an environment where everyone feels heard and respected. This encourages open communication, fosters innovation, and builds a sense of trust and collaboration. Listening is not just about hearing the words but understanding the underlying message and emotions. It's a skill that can significantly enhance leadership effectiveness. Have you experienced the impact of good listening in leadership, either as a leader yourself or within a team?

Before criticizing your boss, it’s essential to remember that they are human too, often facing their own stressors and challenges. 💡 Recognize the human side: Managers aren’t superheroes; they're people navigating stressful and complex environments. 🔍 Understand their struggles: Research shows 53% of managers feel burned out, and 18% suffer from depression, highlighting the pressures they face. 🧠 Personality matters: Many managers are promoted for individual performance, not leadership skills, which can lead to challenges like micromanagement or avoiding conflict. 📚 Training gaps: Often, managers are promoted without proper leadership training, which impacts their ability to effectively support their teams. ⚖️ Balancing priorities: Managers face competing pressures, like meeting organizational demands while wanting to support their team’s development. 😓 Stress impacts behavior: Personal issues, work pressures, and life stressors can affect how a boss interacts with their team. Understanding the human behind the role can foster better communication, patience, and collaboration in the workplace. #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceCulture 💬 Empathy builds stronger teams: Shifting from complaints to understanding can improve relationships between employees and managers. 👥 Managing up: Cultivating social awareness helps create a more productive and supportive work environment for everyone. ♻️ Repost if you enjoyed this post and follow me, César Beltrán Miralles, for more curated content about leadership! https://lnkd.in/eBD4SEeQ