Leadership To-Do List

Allow others to inspire. Find the how. Get out of their way. Be present even during challenging times. Have clear expectations. Don't expect to ever have all the answers.

Helping others is a privilege. Back your people up. Be bold. Never stop learning. Open door policies are for those who mean it. Don’t hide behind busy. It’s their career too.

Be inquisitive. 

Invest at least half of your time helping people. Hire passion. A team is more than celebrating victories. Don’t be a boss. Listen. Don’t hide when your people need you.

Grow their strengths. 

Let them shine. Be fair. Get to know what motivates everyone on your team. Seek guidance from those who are committed to helping you grow. Customer service begins with you. Never settle. Understand that it will be the most rewarding work you’ll ever have the privilege to do.

And it won't be listed on your business card.

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Boats and Neon Lights

The news reports say it's going to be the worst storm in the town's history. They predict over 50 feet of rain in the less than 24 hours. The sewers will be backed up, homes will be flooded, human life will hang in the balance. The warnings are telling residents to leave town immediately.

The authorities are feverishly going around town to gather up those who don’t have the means to do it themselves and all the while Bill has decided he is going to stay in his home and wait out the storm. 

Check the Forecast

A few hours later the rain is coming down in sheets. Bill is forced out of his home and onto his roof where the water is now five feet deep on his street. Two police officers in a motorboat come by to rescue Bill and bring him to safety. Bill declines their offer and proclaims; “My grandfather built this house. My father raised us in this house. And my family will stay in this house. I'll be fine because God will send me a sign!”

Several hours later, the water is now at Bill’s waist as he struggles to survive on his now submerged roof. Another police boat comes to rescue him and take him to safety. He again says; “No thank-you, God will send me a sign”. The rain intensifies as Bill tries to hang on, but half an hour later, he drowns.

Looking for Answers

Standing in front of the Pearly Gates, shocked and dismayed, Bill pleads to go God; “Why didn’t you send me a sign?” God replies; “Bill, I sent you two boats! What else did you want me to do?” 

We can often miss the help we need awaiting for some sort of divine intervention. The answers we seek don't arrive with neon lights and a map. Sometimes it's a dude in a boat offering a ride to safety.

This is not a story about religion; it's about paying attention. While we bemoan our lot in life, maybe we miss the very things we need to make the changes we want to make? 

Watch out for the boats.

  ________________________________________________________________

Don't Be a Boss

Allow others to inspire. Find the how. Get out of their way. Be present even during challenging times. Have clear expectations. Don't expect to ever have all the answers. 

Helping others is a privilege. Back your people up. Be bold. Never stop learning. Open door policies are for those who mean it. Don’t hide behind busy. It’s their career too. 

 Be inquisitive. 

Invest at least half of your time helping people. Hire passion. A team is more than celebrating victories. Don’t be a boss. Listen. Don’t hide when your people need you. 

Grow their strengths. Let them shine. Be fair. Get to know what motivates everyone on your team. Seek guidance from those who are committed to helping you grow. Customer service begins with you. Never settle. Understand that it will be the most rewarding work you’ll ever have the privilege to do. 

 And it won't be listed on your business card. __________________________________________________________________

More of Less

Move more. Envy less. Sing more. Cling less. Accomplish more. Show less. Complain less. Live more. Compare less. Contribute more. Annoy less. Enjoy more. Worry less. 

Fulfill more. Take less. Focus more. Talk less. Start more. Eat less. Laugh more. Work less. Give more. Regret less. See more. Ignore less. Progress more. Criticize less. Invent more. Renounce less. Embrace more. Spend less. Share more. Measure less. 

Collaborate more. Upset less. Dream more. Irritate less. Write more. Doubt less. Read more. Whine less. Accomplish more. Drink less. 

Listen more. Waste less. Smile more. Own less. Learn more. Say less. Help more. Use less. Connect more. Stop less. 

Play more. Hope less. Communicate more. Skim less. Thank more. Fret less. View more. Reflect less. Originate more. Copy less.

Do more. Love more. Share more. Be more. 

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Shhhh!

Ernesto Sirolli is a charming and engaging man and the founder of the Sirolli Institute, an international nonprofit organization that teaches community leaders how to establish and maintain enterprise facilitation projects in their community.

He shares with one important instruction.


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Stuck Why Stuck

As I work on my new book on leadership, culture, and how we get stuck, I was sifting through notes and files and old posts. This one struck a chord. I wrote it five years ago and it still rings true.

= = =

A friend sent me a copy of Rick Butts’ e-book 7 Choices. In it, he talks about the time we work on us versus the time we work on what we do or getting customers or what we can offer. In 1943, Abraham Maslow outlined our need to belong in his paper The Hierarchy of Needs.

No matter your age or situation, you want your life to have purpose and passion. That is the core of why we may get stuck – we aren’t following either. We haven’t deciphered who we are and what drives our passion. All too often we seek external confirmation.

So why do we get stuck?

Is it because no one will help us realize our passion and purpose? Or is it that we haven’t discovered it inside us in order to tell people what we want?

Years ago, a friend gave me a copy of The Secret. I watched the first half of the film with my closed mind and arms folded and the second half taking notes. It wasn't the message, it was what we do with it. Intention, attraction, and most importantly action doesn't happen on its own. But finding what we want is more than half the battle.

We need action and focus. We are human. We get stuck. We fall into the same traps of listening to the opinions of naysayers. We fail to listen to that pang in deep in our gut. If you haven't experience this, count yourself very fortunate. That is extremely rare.

Help Is On The Way

Does this mean we shouldn’t discover people we trust to help us navigate this journey? Ask the most successful people on the planet if they get stuck and you will get a resounding – YES!

None of us is immune. But if someone asks you to help them get unstuck, forget their resume or the past and listen to what they need. If you do, magic will happen for both of you. Getting unstuck requires help and asking for it is our first step. If you're feeling stuck, let's chat.

Shoot me an email and let's chat!
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | People + Priority = Profit
New Book out in 2016 – Details soon!

Stream of Subconsciousness

What will they think? Think then do. Do what you love. Love what you do. Do not listen to negative people. People are more important than services or products. Products don't make the person. Personal growth is a daily event. Eventually you will find your passion. Passion is no ordinary word.

Words can heal and hurt, it's our choice. Choices can be the difference. Differences are necessary for a successful team. Teamwork is at the core of successful business. Business is about people. People should give more than receive. Receiving help is a sign of strength. Strengthen your focus. Focus on who's important in your life. Life is about now. Now is the time for us to move.

Moving will make us grow.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and management consultant helping leaders, teams, and companies get clear on their goals and results.

istock

No One Wants to Hear About it

It’s an interesting time. We are connected through mobile devices, websites, social networks, work relationships, personal connections, media, music, content, data, and yet when we stop for just a moment, we can feel alone.

I've had some fascinating chats recently with colleagues, clients, and friends about the everyday trials and tribulations of life. Money, relationships, career, bad things, good times, life stuff, and it’s interesting that one theme has come up quite often. I've heard this phrase more than most – “But no one wants to hear about that part.”

If They Only Knew

I was speaking with a well respected author a couple of weeks ago and she said no one wants to hear about the times when she struggled. On her first book tour she got nervous every time the hotel would try her credit card to clear for the incidentals. She was close to the wire and yet to most who knew her and many who know of her, she was wildly successful. She was a published author after all.

Recently I had a situation where things didn't go well. And then I had a call with a very good friend who told me I was not alone – in the way I was feeling or in the situation I was enduring. He wasn't glossing over it or my feelings but it was a good reminder that we are often stronger than we think.

We’re Not Alone

Advice from a wise friend came back to me recently. He told me about when he was going through his divorce. On those dark days he would go feed the homeless or help at a shelter. He said it may not be for everyone but the point was it gave him perspective which is something we seem to lose sight of the most.

We're not always strong. We don't have it figured out. We get scared and angry. We're people not machines and that affects ourselves and everyone around us. But you’re dealing with something right now and you’re not alone. Pick up the phone. You will find there are people who do want to hear about it and help you through it.

And that’s the best leadership there is – the human kind.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership Strategist, consultant, writer, speaker, executive coach facilitating performance growth with leaders, management, and teams.

ellidavis

Sound Advice from Leaders

A while back I asked some well respected people in my life to give their best leadership advice. I was looking at the list again this week and thought I'd share it again and add in insights from some more household names.

Maureen Turner Rasmussen Listen.
Richard Branson Do something bold.
Elizabeth Warren Try the Unexpected
Vivian Vasquez Definitely listen.
Maria Shriver Have the courage go beyond shoulda could woulda.
Maryse Senecal Lead by example, always.
Kevin Hamil No one has all the answers so don't think you need to
or worse think you already do.
Joel Peterson Don’t do anything that matters without first setting a goal.
Charrise McCrorey Be you.
Chris Young If you want to be a leader, make sure you're worth following.
Arianna Huffington Find your place of wisdom and peace and strength.
Andrew Hedges Be transparent.
Lydia Robertson Actually care.
Steve Gamlin Live as an GOOD example.
Catherine Jones First learn how to follow.
Joel Scott Good leaders are good listeners and don't ask someone to do something
you never would or won't. Lead by example.
Sheryl Sandberg Follow your dream. Lean In.
Glen Bryant Be fair. Be consistent. Be credible.
Barbara Nixon Listen.
Jeff Immelt The world awaits your leadership.
Kathy Hahn Become the example.
Helen Smith Be present. Learn where to help and when to get out of the way.
Jeff Schueler Engage everyone in the outcome.
Carol Roy Respect everyone for where they're at in life/career and always support
where they want to go. Be honest, at all costs.
Wendy White-Katsipodas Be honest.
Brendan Jones Be dishonest and you are a fool if you don't know they know.
Randi Zuckerberg Be careful what you get good at.
Scott Armstrong Listen.
Sarah Montague Listen and let other people lead.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

istock

Keys to Being an Extraordinary Leader

René Carayol is a broadcaster, columnist, business and leadership speaker and author. He outlines three key elements of leadership in a compelling TEDTalk you should watch with your team.


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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

René Carayol | TED

What Could We Do Today?

Today we could worry less. Today we could recognize our goals are not their priority. Today we could exceed expectations.

Today we could stop making excuses. Today we could listen to our own opinion.

Today we could stretch a little more. Today we could make another phone call. Today we could not be so hard on ourselves. Today we could lead by example. Today we could create an open collaborative corporate culture.

Today we could not put it off until tomorrow. Today we could listen more. Today we could be the director of our own lives. Today we could stop blaming others.

Today we could stop worrying about what others think of us. Today we could help someone. Today we could let someone else's idea take the lead. Today we could let others have a voice.

Today we could take a step forward. Today we could not think too much. Today we could laugh at ourselves. Today we could understand this may take a while.

Today we could be less cautious. Today we could be open minded.

Today we could but that's up to us.
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

istock

Shut Up and Listen

Ernesto Sirolli is a charming and engaging man who is the founder of the Sirolli Institute, an international nonprofit organization that teaches community leaders how to establish and maintain enterprise facilitation projects in their community. He shares his valuable insight and ideas on leadership, business, success, and helping others.


Kneale Mann

TED | Ernesto Sirolli

Today We Could

Today we could stretch a little more. Today we could make another phone call. Today we could not be so hard on ourselves. Today we could lead by example.

Today we could stop worrying about what others think of us.

Today we could take a step forward. Today we could not think too much. Today we could laugh at ourselves. Today we could understand this may take a while.

Today we could stop making excuses. Today we could listen to our own opinion.

Today we could worry less. Today we could recognize our goals are not their priority. Today we could exceed expectations.

Today we could not put it off until tomorrow. Today we could listen more.
Today we could grab life by the throat. Today we could stop blaming others.

Today we could be open minded. Today we could help someone.

Today is up to us.

Kneale Mann

shutterstock

Spring Into Fall

A daily routine I started late last year was to post a saying or thought each morning on Twitter which may make you think, do, move, or create. Some are insightful, some from great leaders, some silly, and some derived from pop culture.

Here's the list from September 2012

Two ears, one mouth. Dance like everyone's watching. A day to relax, a day to reflect. Would you rather improve on your strengths or work on your weaknesses?

Leadership is not found in an annual report. Don't waste too much time worrying about what you could have done, it's done.

Go easy on yourself, you deserve it. What will you do for you? Never underestimate how much you can accomplish. We will never ever forget. (9/11 reference)

Let's keep our best foot forward, going back won't help us. Help someone without the need for payback. Leadership demands that we make tough choices. Alan Autry

Life/work balance shouldn't be a theory. If you worry too much about the past or future, you may miss now. Meet five new people this week, you'll be glad you did.

Laugh at yourself often. Our perspective can often obstruct our view. Busy is a choice. Reflect on three things that went well this week and how can you build on them.

Embrace you wisdom. Learn from those you lead. Asking for help is a strength. Spend less time doing email and more time helping your team.

Leadership is listening. Dream. Do. Repeat. Never underestimate the power of your ability. Data, experience, and opinions are helpful but don't forget your gut.

Pick up the phone and call them, they'll appreciate it. Breathe.

Go forth and inspire

Kneale Mann

thinkstock

Questionable Leadership

There is a theory that the two sides of a conversation are talking and waiting to talk. Well, we know that’s a rather cynical view, but what if we decided to do the listening for a change and give others the time and space to share their thoughts and ideas?

If you’re like me, this isn't always an easy tactic. We get passionate and want to genuinely improve the ideas presented. The two focus words this year for me are listening and patience. They are powerful and empowering to everyone involved.

Three Essential Words

Chris Westfall reminds us of a significant phrase we can use that will change every conversation, connection and communication and it is – tell me more. It will show others we care about their ideas and want to see how they will expand on them.

It's one of the toughest lessons I've learned. I get passionate and want to help. But the danger is I can give the impression that I've stopped listening. It's powerful to sit back and let the others talk and think. Sometimes the best move we can make is to simply be present for them. As my colleague Greg Zlevor reminds me, less is more.

Ask for Help

As leaders, we need to be more inquisitive and less instructional. That’s how we all grow. My work involves helping leadership teams with their personal and business development. These are bright people. They have worked hard, accomplished a lot and gained respect of their colleagues. The guy who wants to share ideas still shows up, but he's doing so less and less as listening guy is taking more of the lead.

The core of leadership is about questioning and helping others. If you see someone attempting to appear like a leader but making it about them, we call that a boss. And no one wants one of those. And whether you're trying to find your online voice, your inner voice or your career voice, you need someone to listen. So let's take Chris' advice.

Tell Me More

Kneale Mann

flickr

What's Your Best Leadership Advice?

That is a question I posted as a recent Facebook status update. Leadership isn’t easy and it takes skill, patience, time and experience.

Here are the insightful responses

Elizabeth Grattan Be sure there are people actually following you. ;)

Maureen Turner Rasmussen Listen.

Vivian Vasquez Definitely listen.

Maryse Senecal Lead by example, always.

Kevin Hamil No one has all the answers to don't think you need to
or worse think you already do.

Charrise McCrorey Be you.

Chris Young If you want to be a leader, make sure you're worth following.

Michelle Fortin Stay curious and access your compassion when you are feeling frustration. Oh yes, and read "Power and Love" by Adam Kahane :)

Andrew Hedges Be transparent.

Lydia Robertson Actually care.

Steve Gamlin Live as an GOOD example.

Catherine Jones First learn how to follow.

Joel Scott Good leaders are good listeners and don't ask someone to do something
you never would or won't. Lead by example.

Glen Bryant Be fair. Be consistent. Be credible.

Barbara Nixon Listen.

Kathy Hahn Become the example.

Chris Kennedy Integrity must be the #1 core value demonstrated win all actions and decisions – especially during crisis and when having to deliver bad news.

Helen Smith Be present. Learn where to help and when to get out of the way.

Jeff Schueler Engage everyone in the outcome.

Carol Roy Respect everyone for where they're at in life/career and always support
where they want to go. Be honest, at all costs.

Wendy White-Katsipodas Be honest. Something that used to be a man's word for the people he leads.

Brendan Jones Be dishonest and you are a fool if you don't know they know.

Scott Armstrong Listen.

Sarah Montague Listen and let other people lead.

Great advice from some strong leaders.
Clearly one word keeps coming up – listen!


image: forbes
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2010: Resolution Check-Up

I’m in the process of moving this space to a comfier more permanent home so I am sifting through archives. Christmas is three months today but this is the list I compiled last December. I always feel so brave when I make these lists and judging from the comments, many agreed.

10. Care A Little Less
We seem to put far too much credence in the opinion of others. Perhaps because we have a need to belong and in order to quantify an idea or success, we need a pat on the head from others.

9. Give More
This to suggest that we allow our talents and gifts to shine and replace all the empty boasting that all too often gets the spotlight.

8. Do Not Heed
If you allow the group named them to rule your decisions and behavior, you will lead a challenging life. The musician doesn't ask the crowd before she writes the song.

7. Smile and Wave
Imagine you are going about your day and suddenly it becomes clear that someone is having a bad time and is looking to have a fight with anyone they can lure.

6. Learn to Say No
No is a perfectly acceptable answer and a complete sentence. This is not to suggest we don't stretch but while we try to do everything, we do nothing well. Say no so you can say yes to what matters.  

5. Of Course You Can
You have heard it, read it and seen it your entire life. You can do whatever you want if you believe and try hard enough. Are you doing it?

4. Eradicate the Naysayers
Never share your dreams with negative people.Naysayers are as common as lint so what's the upside of listening to them?

3. Listen to the Right Voices
As soon as you stop listening to the negative voices and start paying closer attention to the ambitious ones, things will change immediately.

2. Trust Yourself More Than You Trust Others
This is not about blind arrogance, it's about truly knowing our strengths and going for it.

1. Quit Your Whining
Scientists have not linked complaints to progress.

How are we doing so far?

knealemann

The Power Of Words

All our words are but crumbs that fall down
from the feast of the mind. Kahlil Gibran

Words are important.

But not simply because they are needed for one of our most utilized forms of communication, but because of how much they can pique our other senses.

Words can come to our aid, hurt us and make us fall in love. They can bring joy and cause tears. Words have started wars and ended marriages. They can be enough to lift a team of people past any lack of resources or experience and crush any deficiencies there may be on paper.

Words can help us heal and can stifle our dreams before even leaving our minds.

All this chatter about toys and gizmos, thingamajigs and doohickeys, websites and interfaces, this site that site, profiles and apps, without words we ain't got much.

Here are 17 words that I like, maybe some are on your list too;

Think Create Smile
Desire Listen
Passion Share Live
Dream Believe
Thanks Do Magic
Enjoy Decide
Teach Laugh

What are yours?

@knealemann