One of the truths of leadership is that the crucible moments are the ones that shape, mold and define the culture. It is easy to show heart and caring, to connect and foster relationships when things are relatively calm and relatively predictable. But it is crisis that tells the tale. For those of us whoContinue reading “Overcoming”
Category Archives: Working with people
Sincerity
Years ago, when I was working in my first real job, as a Director of Community Relations in a hospital, there was a new vice president role created in the organization. I very much wanted to be considered for the position and they were good enough to give me that consideration. One step in theContinue reading “Sincerity”
Embracing Delusion
I had a conversation the other day about organizations that are failing and leadership that appears unaware. We were wondering aloud how the top leadership of an organization could miss the unmistakable signs of impending crisis—or disaster. The colleague to whom I was speaking said that she thought that there are those who will embraceContinue reading “Embracing Delusion”
It Begins With You
To lead with heart, with compassion and care, commitment and accountability, you have to begin with yourself. That, in truth, is the area I, personally, find to be the most challenging. I can be understanding and encouraging to my team, my peers, my colleagues and those we serve, but I don’t necessarily extend that toContinue reading “It Begins With You”
Tuning In
How often do we take part in a conversation, in a meeting, at a conference session and spend most of our time thinking about what we are going to say next, rather than listening to what is being said? We do it in our personal lives and we definitely do it in our work lives.Continue reading “Tuning In”
Living in Truth
There are those who think that leading with heart means that anything goes, that the environment is one in which everything is “soft,” the rules are relaxed and all is tolerated or, at least, forgiven. But that is not the case. At all. Expectations remain high, for ourselves and for our teams. We reward theContinue reading “Living in Truth”
Deep Knowing
One of the absolute truths of work, and of life, is that none of us exist in a vacuum. Not only do we have to coexist with other beings, there is little that we can accomplish completely on our own. Certainly that is true in organizations, but it is true even for those who workContinue reading “Deep Knowing”
Owning It
One of the hallmarks of true leadership is taking ownership, taking responsibility. Yes, we have all known, and worked with, people who don’t do that. They are quick to take credit when things go well and even quicker to point fingers when things, as happens, don’t go so well. When we lead with heart, andContinue reading “Owning It”
Not Just Ears
Leading with your heart is built on many factors, first and foremost, the ability and desire to listen. Yes, most of us have the ability but not all of us choose to have the desire. And that desire is critical. It is easy to walk down the hall or be in a Zoom meeting andContinue reading “Not Just Ears”
Why Heart?
Theories on leadership abound. Taking business classes or reading about leadership styles, we find the conventional choices to be defined as five key approaches: authoritarian; participative; delegating; transactional; transformational. Simply put, we are told that we have the option to choose to be autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire, managerial or visionary. In and of themselves, each ofContinue reading “Why Heart?”
Leading with Head and Heart 