By adding an unnecessary descriptor (black, hispanic, young, old, female) in a compliment, you can unintentionally diminish the person you are trying to build up. The more adjectives you use in a compliment, especially those that focus on their demographic characteristics, the less impact your words will have.
Read MoreYou won't be at your job forever. I don't care if you are the founder or you just started last week--we all eventually leave our positions and our organizations. You might leave because of retirement, termination, the organization closes, you get a job offer you can't refuse, the proverbial bus finally hits you, or you just get fed up and resign. However it happens, everyone leaves eventually.
Read MoreI’ve had the opportunity to work with hundreds of organizations, and you can always tell when a staff is led by a diminisher. No one speaks up in meetings. Ideas get batted down by the “leader,” so people just learn to stay silent. Why? It’s not worth it. The diminisher is going to do whatever they want regardless of the discussion.
Read MoreHere are the facts: Most churches wait way too long to begin having this conversation. Many churches face a leadership transition sooner than they planned (death, debilitating health issues, resignation, scandal). And most churches mess up the succession process, and it takes years to recover.
Read MoreWe’ve all been around the leaders who is untouchable. They are building their own silo that contains different values and behavior expectations. Senior leaders typically look the other way -- not realizing the significant damage that is being done. Many times they even elevate and celebrate this person based on their performance, not realizing the unintended message they are sending about what really matters (performance) and what doesn't (culture, values, behaviors).
Read MoreMany years ago my work environment had gone from bad to worse. My boss was spinning out of control. Our organization was stressed financially. Horrible decisions were being made to the detriment of me and other employees, and since I was on the lead team, it was making me look bad as well. Our culture was significantly suffering, and it was completely avoidable.
Read MoreI have talked quite often in organizations where I've led about the importance of identifying your "first team," and the difference it makes in how you lead. Recently I was asked if I could clearly explain the difference between a "first team" and other teams, and why it matters.
Read MoreImagine a job where scores, sometimes hundreds, even thousands of people come to hear you talk. They sit quietly in rows, and for the most part no one says a word while you share your wisdom. For 20 or 30 or even 45 minutes, no one speaks over you, no one asks questions, no one challenges you—it is your stage and the spotlight is on.
Read MoreAsking questions may be one of the least talked about secret weapons of a great leader. In fact, I believe it may be one of the most undeveloped skills in leadership. Most churches are filled with leaders who are professional communicators. Pastors are paid to talk.
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