Relationships at Work’s Post

The Problem with “Working Leaders” Earlier this year, while volunteering at a conference, a co-volunteer mentioned his military organization loved “working leaders.” The term stuck with me because I’ve heard it before, often from “old school” managers who viewed it as the solution to leaders who “just delegated and didn’t do any real work.” But this mindset is deeply flawed. “Working leaders” are so bogged down with tasks they lose the ability to truly lead. Leadership requires space to think, strategize, empathize, and create. Treating leaders as another cog in the machine devalues these critical functions and limits their ability to drive better outcomes. This approach often stems from outdated thinking—leaders replicating what was done to them, the “paying your dues” mentality, or filling every gap in the calendar. It dismisses the strategic and thoughtful aspects of leadership as “not real work.” The consequences? Burnout, inefficiencies, short-term focus, and no time for professional growth. As we’ve discussed on this podcast, being “too busy” isn’t leadership—it’s avoidance. Ways to address this challenge: - Clarify Roles: Define what leadership work entails and delegate tasks. Train leaders in time management and delegation. - Provide Support: Give leaders the operational help or tools they need to focus on leading. - Foster Collaboration: Empower teams to share the workload, prioritize open communication, and build their skills to take initiative. Small organizations may require leaders to juggle tasks due to limited resources. But even then, time for strategic thinking is still essential for long-term success. If executives see “working leaders” as the goal, it’s time to rethink leadership. This mindset creates more managers, not leaders, and undermines any long-term impact. Leadership is about vision and strategy, not just getting through the day or putting out fires. What kind of leaders are we really growing if they don't have time to lead? (From the latest mini-episode of the Relationships at Work podcast. Out now)

Reflecting on 300 episodes of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," we can't help but notice the evolution of leadership principles and practices over time. This journey has been eye-opening and enriching, filled with insights that can reshape how we think about leadership in today's complex business environment. Here are some pivotal leadership insights we've gathered and how they can be applied in your professional life. **1. Leadership is Dynamic, Not Static**: One of the most profound realizations is that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It evolves with changes in the business landscape, technology, and societal expectations. Leaders must be dynamic, continuously learning, and adaptable. How are you evolving your leadership style to stay relevant? **2. Purpose-Driven Leadership**: Many of our guests have emphasized the necessity of leading with purpose. Having a clear and compelling vision not only guides decision-making but also inspires and motivates teams. Purpose-driven leaders attract committed followers who are aligned with their mission. How do you articulate and embody your purpose? **3. Inclusive Leadership**: Inclusion is more than a buzzword; it's a critical component of effective leadership. Our conversations have highlighted the importance of fostering diverse and inclusive environments where all voices are heard. Inclusive leaders leverage the strengths of diverse teams to drive innovation and performance. Are you creating an environment where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is practiced? **4. The Role of Technology in Leadership**: Technology has become an integral part of leadership, from facilitating remote work to data-driven decision-making. It's clear that leaders must be tech-savvy and leverage technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. How are you integrating technology into your leadership practices? **5. Resilience and Mental Health**: The importance of resilience and mental health has been a recurring topic, especially in recent times. Leaders are expected to be resilient, but they also need to prioritize their mental well-being and that of their teams. Building a culture that supports mental health is essential for long-term success. What measures are you taking to ensure resilience and mental well-being in your organization? As we look forward to the future, we are excited about the continuous evolution of leadership. Our commitment remains unwavering in providing you with thought-provoking content that challenges conventional wisdom and inspires innovative leadership practices. We would love to hear from you. How have your leadership practices evolved over the years? What role has our podcast played in your leadership journey? Share your experiences and let's continue to learn and grow together.

LEADERSHIP THAT WORKS SERIES: EPISODE 1. "Leadership that works" must be situational (not in the sense of the situational type of leadership; but how they must respond to every situational and handle every individual person, condition, event and atmosphere differently). Absolutely! One of the key attributes of a leadership approach that work is its ability to succeed in adjusting, adapting to adopt a workable style. Leadership that works is situational centric; that is how it is effective. Yes, effective leadership is all about navigating the nuances of situations. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach. Here's how leaders can adapt to different scenarios: Understanding the Context: Great leaders assess the situation before acting. This includes considering the task at hand, the individuals involved, the overall team dynamic, and even external factors that might influence the outcome. Tailoring Communication: Not everyone responds well to the same communication style. A situational leader can adjust their approach to be directive with someone who needs clear instructions, or more collaborative with someone who thrives on brainstorming. Recognizing Individual Needs: People have different skillsets, experiences, and comfort levels. A good leader identifies these variations and tailors their approach to empower each individual. This might involve providing more support to someone new or delegating tasks to a seasoned team member. Adapting to Changing Conditions: The best plans rarely survive first contact. Effective leaders anticipate potential roadblocks and adjust their course as needed. They remain flexible and open to new information or unforeseen circumstances. Responding to Different Atmospheres: The overall mood or energy of a situation can significantly impact productivity. A leader might need to be more calming and reassuring during a crisis or more upbeat and motivating when morale is low. In essence, "leadership that works" is a continuous dance of reading situations, individuals, and the ever-changing environment. It's about being flexible, adaptable, and responsive to the unique needs of each moment.

91% of mindful companies reported a positive impact on their company's culture. (here is why) Understanding emotions is powerful. Repeatedly, studies confirm that leaders with high emotional intelligence are: • They’re aware of their own emotions. • They recognize the emotional needs of their team. • They inspire trust and create a positive workplaces. • They navigate complex social interactions with grace. Let's look closer at mindful leaders with high EQ: • They’re not just good listeners, they truly hear you. • They communicate with empathy and authenticity. • They’re incredibly self-aware and reflective. • They manage their stress effectively. And what’s more, these leaders: ✓ Drive innovation ✓ Build stronger teams ✓ Encourage growth mindset Mindful leadership is all about connection. Connection to self. Connection to others. Connection to the bigger picture. Here's how you can grow as a mindful leader: 🌟 Show appreciation and recognize others' efforts. 🌟 Ask for feedback and really consider it. 🌟 Reflect on your emotional responses. 🌟 Practice active listening every day. 🌟 Stay open to learning, always. Improving your EQ isn’t just about being a better leader—it's about being a better human. Mindful leadership with high EQ can transform your workplace. It all starts with you. 🔄 Share this if you believe in the power of EQ in leadership! Follow me for more valuable content Blake Bullis

Emotional intelligence is crucial for leaders as it enhances communication, relationship-building, decision-making, motivation, and resilience. By developing and cultivating EQ, leaders can create a positive and high-performing work culture while achieving their business goals... #leadershipmantras #careermantras

Leaders often struggle with addressing low performance among senior team members, and a recent episode of Coaching Real Leaders explores how to drive accountability and raise performance levels with actionable steps. 🎯 Clarify Expectations: Leaders need to clearly define performance expectations and ensure alignment with team members to minimize ambiguity. 🚦 Enforce Boundaries: Establishing firm boundaries can help create accountability, fostering a culture where standards are upheld consistently. 🧩 Identify Underlying Issues: Addressing low performance often means uncovering personal or systemic issues that may be contributing to underperformance. 📈 Provide Constructive Feedback: Leaders should focus on giving feedback that is both direct and compassionate to inspire growth without diminishing morale. 🛠 Consider Coaching or Training: Offering targeted support, such as skills coaching or additional training, can help team members meet expectations. #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamPerformance #ExecutiveCoaching 🗣 Active Communication: Maintaining open dialogue is essential, allowing leaders to assess progress and make course corrections when needed. 🌱 Commit to Continuous Improvement: Leaders who invest in their team's development foster resilience and adaptability, essential in a fast-growing organization. ♻️ Repost if you enjoyed this post and follow me, César Beltrán Miralles, for more curated content about leadership! https://lnkd.in/gwT_VWn9.org%2Fpodcast%2F2024%2F11%2Fhow-do-i-deal-with-low-performers-on-my-team&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl1%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4

🌟 The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 🌟 Leadership goes beyond titles and strategies—it's about empathy, self-awareness, and truly connecting with your team. 🤝✨ Emotional intelligence (EQ) plays a critical role in helping leaders navigate challenges, inspire trust, and foster a collaborative environment. In this insightful post, Eric Partaker emphasizes how EQ can transform leadership, enabling us to: ✅ Build meaningful relationships. ✅ Understand and manage our emotions effectively. ✅ Empower teams to reach their highest potential. 💡 Imagine a workplace where leaders focus not just on what gets done but also on how it gets done—prioritizing mutual respect, understanding, and compassion. That’s the magic of emotional intelligence! 🧠💬 EQ isn’t just a “soft skill”—it’s a superpower that drives real, lasting success in both personal and professional spheres. 🌱 #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #Teamwork #LeadershipDevelopment #Empathy #Collaboration

10 Qualities of a mindful leader

IDEAS shared have the power to expand perspectives, change thinking, and move lives. Here are two ideas for the curious mind to engage with: I. David Rock on listening for potential in others: “When you listen for potential, you’re assuming that others have the capacity to answer the question for themselves; you then respectfully see how you can best make yourself useful. Listening for potential is a choice in every moment. By choosing to listen to people as successful, competent, and able to resolve their dilemmas, guess what’s likely to happen? They often solve their problems and get on with the job. Quiet Leaders listen for potential. They listen to people as though they have all the tools they need to be successful, and could simply benefit from exploring their thoughts and ideas out loud.” Source: Quiet Leadership: Six Steps to Transforming Performance at Work II. Roger Martin on our personal knowledge system dynamics: “Personal knowledge systems are highly path-dependent. When a person starts in a given direction, that direction is likely to be reinforced and amplified, not diminished or altered. This can happen for good or bad. A narrow and defensive stance will lead to acquisition of extremely limited tools and extremely limiting experiences. Those experiences then feed back into the acquisition of even more limited tools and the formation of an even narrower stance.” Source: The Opposable Mind: How Successful Leaders Win Through Integrative Thinking * * * Look for these ideas every Thursday on the Leading...

Overcoming Team Dysfunction: Insights for Effective Leadership 1. Recognize the Subtle Signs of Dysfunction: Learn how even high-functioning teams can suffer from underlying issues like poor communication and low morale, which can silently derail productivity and satisfaction. 2. The Danger of "Fine": Discover why settling for a team that's just "fine" can be the biggest obstacle to achieving greatness. 3. Healthy Conflict as a Growth Catalyst: Uncover the importance of embracing healthy conflict within your team and how it can lead to innovative solutions and stronger bonds. 4. Avoiding the "Fence Riding" Syndrome: Identify how "fence riding" behavior can undermine leadership efforts and what steps you can take to encourage transparency and accountability. 5. The Role of Leadership in Fostering Trust and Accountability: Insights into how leaders can set the tone for trust and accountability, crucial elements for a cohesive and productive team. Discover the power of leading by example and the impact of regular, meaningful check-ins. Action Steps for Leaders: Practical advice for leaders looking to transform their team dynamics and steer clear of common pitfalls that lead to dysfunction. Self-reflection and openness to feedback are key components of effective leadership. Don't miss out on the full conversation and more invaluable insights into leading your team to success. Subscribe to ABL News at https://lnkd.in/d3pqfqHk for the latest episodes, updates, and resources to help you lead with confidence and impact. Follow us here on LinkedIn to join our growing community of action-based leaders like yourself, ready to make a difference in their organizations and beyond. Unlock your team's potential today by embracing the lessons shared in our podcast and becoming the leader your team needs.