Chances are you’ve heard the term “emotional intelligence.” As the name suggests, it’s a term referring to individuals’—generally employees’—ability to monitor and manage their emotions in a professional way when interacting with others. Clearly, it’s also a competency that employers tend to value in their employees. Emotional intelligence in leadership is critical. Emotional intelligence (also… Read more »
Of all of the skills and competencies that supervisors and managers must have to be effective, communication skills are arguably the most critical. Communication skills apply to a broad range of managers’ responsibilities—from providing direction, to offering feedback, to coaching, counseling, disciplining, resolving conflicts, and more. In today’s hybrid work environment where many managers are… Read more »
At its most basic level, leadership is all about getting people (followers) to move in the direction you indicate in pursuit of shared goals and objectives. That seems pretty straightforward but it is anything but! At its most advanced level, leadership is all about being transformational. Transformational leadership is designed to motivate and inspire employees… Read more »
Leading a team of firefighters to battle an out-of-control forest fire is far different from leading a team of medical transcriptionists whose job involves transcribing physicians’ notes and patient instructions. Even the most capable leader from one of these settings would not be able to successfully lead in the other setting. The skills required would… Read more »
Leadership is all about communication. Leaders are literally the conduit with and between people. They are responsible for working with and through their team members to accomplish tasks that will help the organization achieve its objectives. In the process, they are also communicating with and facilitating communications between, team members and other departments, customers, vendors,… Read more »
Leadership is foundational to building a successful company. After all, companies of all kinds rely on people to get the work done, to serve customers, and to drive productivity and success. Those people need strong leaders to provide them with goals, direction, feedback, coaching, and hold them accountable. Unfortunately, too often leadership skills are taken… Read more »
Organizations of any type or size need to have effective leaders. Even individual contributors in small organizations need to exhibit strong leadership skills. As organizations grow, of course, leadership skills become increasingly important. Leaders play a critical role in ensuring that their teams have the tools, resources, and support to get their jobs done and… Read more »
Most organizations have leaders. Unfortunately, many don’t have effective leaders. The vast majority of leaders aren’t trained to be leaders! Even those who may have pursued a business degree were likely overwhelmed by theory, not practical advice and opportunities for application. Unfortunately, in many job settings, skilled individual contributors tend to be promoted into leadership… Read more »
It’s long been said that the greatest impact on an employee’s decision to stay with or leave, an organization is dependent on who they report to. Good supervisor qualities are a “must-have” for any organization. Unfortunately, all too often organizations promote employees who have been strong individual contributors without thoroughly assessing whether they have good… Read more »