March 2012: Beware of suck-ups and yes-men.

It’s human nature to gravitate to people who support, encourage and agree with us.  But this can be a fatal leadership mistake. 

Suck-ups always tell us that we’re right.  They make us feel smart.  They make us feel safe.  We trust them.

Not so fast. When we get indiscriminate praise from those around us, it signals that we’re either discouraging honest, candid feedback, or that people are attempting to manipulate us by coddling favor and winning our trust.  Either way, we end up with a distorted view of reality.

Part of being an authentic leader is recognizing that we have blind spots, and then seeking – and accepting – critical feedback from trusted advisors to ensure we keep a balanced perspective.   Sometimes the most loyal colleagues are those who are courageous and caring enough to tell it to us straight.  To tell us when we’ve stepped in it; to advise that a mid-course correction may be necessary.  And, yes, to tell us when we’ve done a good job.

Today, ask yourself….are you surrounded by suck-ups?  If so, what’s that telling you?

February 2012: Is your heart in your work?

To some, this may seem like a trivial question.  But it is the essential question you must answer – truthfully – to determine if you’re realizing your highest potential for success.

When your heart is in something, you’re engaged at a level so deep that you can hardly understand it.  It’s what gives you the energy to get up every morning and give your best to the world.  It’s what helps you persevere through the tough times.  It’s what makes work feel less like….work.

The word passion is so common these days, people throw it around like a football at a Superbowl game.  It’s a hot topic partly because many Baby Boomers ignored their hearts and went down roads that were less fulfilling but what they thought was expected of them.  Now in the autumn of their careers, they’re wondering what could have been.  Indeed, one of the most consistent pieces of advice found in the books and speeches of seasoned leaders is to find and honor your passion.

February is the month of the Valentine – the month of the heart.  It’s a good time to ask yourself, “Is my heart really in this?”  If the answer is no, step back and think about why, and what it will take for you to re-stoke the fire.  

January 2012: It’s all about follow-through.

The start of a new year often means new plans and commitments.  With twelve months stretching out before us, it seems there is endless time to work on our goals.  It’s easy to procrastinate or allow urgent tasks to supersede the important ones.  Remember that the most compelling commitments, aspirations and intentions mean nothing if they aren’t backed by action. 

As you gear up for 2012, take a look at what you aspire to do and what you’ve committed to others.  Think about what’s most important to the advancement of your broader objectives.  Then, earmark time on your calendar to work on those things every week, beginning now.  Don’t worry about whether you make giant strides each week; the key is to make steady progress and keep your priorities top-of-mind to ensure follow-through.

Indeed, the ability to set and then successfully execute a vision or plan is the mark of a great leader, whether you’re leading others or leading your life.  

December 2011: Honest feedback is a gift.

Many of us overlook a powerful management and relationship tool that is always at our disposal:  feedback. 

Effectively delivered, feedback serves as a vital barometer that helps people understand how they’re doing and the impact of their behavior on others.  Timely feedback can be a factor in helping someone succeed or derail, and keeping relationships healthy.  Even the most self-aware people benefit from knowing how their work and behaviors are perceived by others.  We all have blind spots and the only way to overcome them is through honest conversation.

Both positive and critical feedback are valuable.  Many people avoid this type of communication because they feel uncomfortable delivering it, or they think the recipient already knows.  Remember:  feedback is a gift and can have a profound impact on a person.  During this season of gift-giving and receiving, consider how you can give better – and more frequent – feedback to others.  And, ask yourself if you’re openly encouraging feedback from those around you.

November 2011: Give praise and give thanks.

 As a leader, one of the most empowering things you can do is recognize, encourage and thank others.  It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of the daily grind and take for granted the contributions of those around you.  Consider this: a Gallup poll of four million employees concluded that the single biggest reason why employees leave their jobs is because they do not feel appreciated. On the flip side, those who receive regular recognition are more engaged and productive; they serve customers more effectively, have better safety records, and the list goes on. 

A pat on the back often means more than other forms of compensation.  But remember, the act of giving thanks and giving praise must be genuine.  Do it only when you mean it.

During this month of thanks-giving, step back and think about how often you thank and recognize those around you.  It could pay dividends down the road.