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Don’t Let These 4 Myths Block Your Path to Leadership

Posted by: Jared Brox | Comments (0)

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

If you asked 10 leaders what makes them a leader, you’ll no doubt receive 10 different answers. It’s not an exact science and no two paths to leadership look exactly alike. However, no matter whose advice you follow to reach the top, there are a few common myths about leadership many people have to learn the hard way.

Myth: Only the boss can lead.
While final decisions on projects, strategies, and tactics often come down from someone in a decision-making position, there are plenty of opportunities for employees at every level of the hierarchy to lead. Whether it’s setting an example through consistent hard work and dedication or stepping up to the plate when the team needs them the most, your employees likely reveal their leadership potential every day. As their leader, it’s important to recognize those qualities and offer encouragement and mentorship to help them develop the skills and expertise to keep their careers moving forward – and upward. Read More→

Categories : Emerging Leaders, Executive Insights, Leadership, Poor Leadership and Communication

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Is Analysis Paralysis Killing Your Productivity?

Posted by: Jared Brox | Comments (1)

Friday, May 17th, 2013

The short 19^th century poem The Centipede’s Dilemma, most commonly attributed to Katherine Craster (1841-74), illustrates a common occurrence that has likely affected everyone at one point or another.

A centipede was happy – quite!
Until a toad in fun
Said, “Pray, which leg moves after which?”
This raised her doubts to such a pitch,
She fell exhausted in the ditch
Not knowing how to run.

Do you suffer from analysis paralysis?
Analysis paralysis occurs when we over-analyze a situation to the point where a logical decision can’t be made, eventually causing everything to fall apart. And, it’s a phenomenon that is common in the workplace. Whether it’s a leader who can’t decide on a strategic direction for the company or a team of individuals who have reached an impasse on which direction to take an important project – analysis paralysis can have dire consequences on productivity and success. Read More→

Categories : Executive Insights, Get Refreshed, Goals, Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Poor Leadership and Communication, Productivity

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The Results Are In: How Do You Ensure You’re Constantly Developing as a Leader?

Posted by: Jared Brox | Comments (0)

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

In our April question of the month, we asked how you continue to develop yourself as a leader, and for the most part, the results were evenly split across the board. Of the nearly 700 readers who participated in the poll, 27% say they read leadership and business strategy books; 24% attend conferences and seminars; 24% ask for feedback from employees; and 19% meet regularly with a mentor for advice and guidance. Approximately 6% selected “other” and submitted additional responses, including:

Attend roundtable discussions with various leadership groups
Obtain higher education, like graduate and MBA programs
Continue to develop interpersonal skills
Job shadow other experienced leaders
And, according to one reader – take regular naps

Less than 1% of survey participants said they don’t do anything to ensure they are constantly developing as a leader. Read More→

Categories : Executive Insights, Leadership, Poor Leadership and Communication, Surveys & Polls

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Are You a Wanna-Be Leader?

Posted by: Refresh Leadership | Comments (0)

Monday, May 13th, 2013

In a post on his Predictable Success blog, author and business speaker Les McKeown writes, “The most common reason wanna-be leaders give for not actually being a leader, is that they’re not yet in a leadership position.” And, it’s just one of three excuses he says wanna-be leaders give when they’re wary of stepping up to the challenge of leading.

Check out the full article:

3 Biggest Excuses of Wanna-Be Leaders

What are some of the biggest excuses you’ve heard from “wanna-be” leaders? Let us know in the comments section below. Read More→

Categories : Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation

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Is Busy Always Best?

Posted by: James C. Price | Comments (0)

Friday, May 10th, 2013

We live in a fast-paced world. Our lives are constantly changing by the urgency of schedules and commitments. Work and life variables are pulling us in every which direction. But it isn’t that these obligations are making us too busy, it’s that we are unnecessarily making ourselves busy. Consider the saying “running around like a chicken with its head cut off.” The bird, spastically moving around without thought or direct purpose, is a picture of many people in modern society. We feel busy but we aren’t being purposeful with our goals.

“Never mistake motion for action.” – Ernest Hemingway

By misunderstanding what action is and replacing it with meaningless motion, you end up working more hours to accomplish the same amount of work, which hinders productivity. If our society doesn’t change tracks, we’ll soon be staying busy to create an illusion of being productive. Instead, be deliberate with your time and energy. The best way to convert meaningless motion into deliberate action is to plan out initial steps. When thoughts are organized and goals are set, productivity becomes much more of a reality.

What are some ways you’ve converted motion into action? Let us know in the comments section below. Read More→

Categories : Goals, Leadership, Quotes, Tips

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4 Ways to Get Back to 40 Hours

Posted by: James C. Price | Comments (0)

Thursday, May 9th, 2013

Technology has changed how work gets accomplished. With tablets, smartphones, and unlimited software apps, it is easier than ever to get briefed on projects and organize deadlines. These productivity tools were designed to help us be the best we can be in our respective professions. But, it turns out that today’s workers are still feeling overworked and burnt out.

According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), one in three workers suffer from chronic stress, with high workloads being a major factor. The APA also found that 39% of people work more than 40 hours a week. With incoming emails and calls, employees end up working outside of the office, which can actually lower productivity and quality of work. As a business leader, you can’t afford to be less productive – and you definitely can’t afford to have a burnt-out workforce.

So how do we get back to normal work hours and take back precious revitalization time with friends and family? Here are four ways to get a good start. Read More→

Categories : Leadership, Management, Productivity, Workplace

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Delegation is an Important Part of Leadership

Posted by: Refresh Leadership | Comments (0)

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

Do you have a difficult time delegating work to your employees? If so, you’re not alone. According to leadership expert Michael Hyatt, one of the most common justifications leaders give for their refusal to delegate is, “I don’t delegate because it takes longer to delegate the task than to just do it myself.”

Check out this article from Hyatt’s blog for a little insight into why he believes this justification is flawed:

Why Some Leaders Find Delegation Difficult (and What to Do About It)

Do you have a hard time delegating tasks to your employees? Tell us about it in the comments section below. Read More→

Categories : Executive Insights, Leadership, Poor Leadership and Communication, Productivity

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Top Companies Rally Behind a Strong Mission Statement

Posted by: Jared Brox | Comments (0)

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

Part two of a three part series on developing a strong company culture. Read part one here.

If you met someone in an elevator and they asked what your company does, could you accurately explain it before you reach your floor? If you’re like many people, you’d probably give a quick three to five word description like “we do software development” or “we’re a small chain of coffee shops.” Yes, you’re answering the question, but with only the bare minimum of information. The elevator doors open, and all your new acquaintance really knows is you do something with computers. Or you sell coffee. Information that will be tucked away or completely forgotten as they move on with their day.

So, how do you share the who, what, and why of your company without breaking out flow charts and annual reports? It may be as simple as developing a solid mission statement. Read More→

Categories : Executive Insights, Inability to Innovate, Inspiration, Leadership, Losing Your Competitive Advantage, Poor Leadership and Communication, Regulatory Nightmares, Workplace

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Teamwork is a Towering Task

Posted by: Jared Brox | Comments (0)

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Since the 18^th century, residents of the Spanish nationality of Catalonia have been taking part in the tradition of building castells – a multi-level human tower. The practice originated near the city of Tarragona and has since spread throughout the region.

A successful castell starts with a strong base of “castellers” who then support the next level of castellers on their shoulders, who in turn support the next level on their shoulders – and so on until a final single casteller climbs to the very top of the highest level and extends an arm showing four fingers, which symbolizes the four stripes of the Catalonian flag. Then, just as organized as the tower went up, the castellers descend, level by level until all members of the team have returned to the ground. Read More→

Categories : Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Teamwork

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A New Wave of Bright Minds Is About to Hit the Workforce

Posted by: Refresh Leadership | Comments (0)

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013

As graduation nears for many college students, you’ve likely seen an influx of resumes flooding into your HR department. According to a recent study by CareerBuilder, this year’s graduating class may see a stronger job market than we’ve seen in several years since the recession.

Check out the full survey results:

Majority of Employers Plan to Hire Recent College Graduates in 2013, Finds CareerBuilder Survey

Is your company planning on hiring recent college graduates? Or will you seek more seasoned professionals? Let us know in the comments section below. Read More→