Tune In

Some people argue with the idea that 80% of communication is non-verbal. I wonder if it's because we define body language as what we can observe like rolling eyes, crossed arms, a smile or the disconnect between what someone says and does. What if it includes what we think too?

Our thought bubbles broadcast information. Like a key that beams an invisible code to unlock a car door, how we think is a signal that influences relationships and outcomes.

For example, if I think you are stupid and give you a compliment you will most likely receive a message of incompetence and wonder why you don't feel empowered in my presence. If I believe I am better than you my arrogance will probably diminish your willingness to collaborate and innovate. If however, I assume positive intent and respect you'll more likely tell me what's really going on (vs. what you think I want to hear). If I know you are creative and resourceful, you'll express your best and resolve problems more quickly.

Energy follows thought, so it behooves us to be more aware of what our minds are transmitting and the degree to which our thoughts are aligned with desired results.

Start by tuning into your own beliefs, assumptions, expectations, interpretations and stories and notice how they influence the results you are getting. Then consider the degree to which your thinking is aligned with what you really want.

What's your Center?

The Rise of the Guardians is an animated delight filled with inspiration. St. Nick, the Easter Bunny, the Sandman, Jack Frost and the Tooth Fairy make a strong team because each has a role to play and contribution to make in service of the common good.

Part of leadership is knowing who you are and how you best add value. For example, at his core St. Nick is full of wonder. This wonder is central to his work.

Check out this 2 minute scene which invites you to ponder who you are: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7ms4O6Ytc8

What were you born with? What is special inside of you? What do you put into the world? What is your center?

Spring Forward

It's spring! If you want to refresh your leadership, explore the following blogs by David Kerpen author of Likeable Business.

25 Quotes to Inspire You to Be a Better Leader

11 Simple Concepts to Become a Better Leader

Tips for Moving Up

If you are wondering why you haven't been promoted or are proactively seeking a bigger leadership role, The Leadership Pipeline provides some common transition traps to anticipate and mitigate. Here are a few to get you started:

Manager of Managers

• Don't exhibit uncertainty or delay decisions. Learn to make choices that are directionally correct.
• Expand alliances outside comfort zone. Rely less on previous team members and friends. 
• Seek differing opinions and views. Value diversity.
• Hold direct reports accountable for leading and developing others. Inspire and feedback.
• Embrace new ideas. Explore new ways to achieve results.

Functional Leader

• Align function with enterprise. Move beyond tactical focus.
• Don't rely too much on expertise.  Develop broader knowledge and experience to drive innovation. 
• Build positive climate within the team. Focus on employee engagement.
• Trust others to do the work. Coach and mentor.
• Don't allow a few trusted colleagues to influence views and decisions. Expand your network and promote your "wins".
• Develop strong cross-functional working relationships. Invest time here.

Business Leader

• Balance and align regional/business leadership with enterprise. Focus on longer-term strategy.
• Understand all aspects of the business. Focus on how growth and profit will be achieved.
• Trust others. Make your thinking transparent and encourage others to do the same.
• Invest in people. Accurately assess and manage talent.

Touchy Feely?

Why must we continue using the words "touchy feely" to dismiss the very thing that can sustain desired results on a team?  These words are still used to describe leadership and team development efforts despite the findings that high emotional intelligence correlates to bigger salaries, innovation and sustainable business results. Strong working relationships actually reduce stress and improve productivity so why do we minimize the importance of human connection at work?

Is because we:

• Ignore or fear our own emotions?
• Enjoy zingers (humor at the expense of others)?
• Have experienced ineffective or poorly run team building events?
• Find it is easier to focus on tasks than people?
• Need a lot of personal space?
• Believe there is no place for emotions at work?
• Experience discomfort or embarrassment around people?
• Fear the reactions of others?
• Believe vulnerability is a weakness?

Make the time to explore your own thinking about human connection in the workplace and notice what beliefs, assumptions, stories or mindsets help or hinder your achievement. 

Leadership Effectiveness = Business Success

Leadership effectiveness is directly correlated to business success. Want to accelerate your impact? According to research by The Leadership Circle focus on the top three correlations to leadership effectiveness: 

1. Purposeful & Visionary- Live and work with a deep sense of meaning and stay focused on envisioned results even in the face of obstacles. 
2. Fostering Team Play- Create a positive climate that supports people doing their best.
3. Mentoring and Developing- Support the learning and career goals of your direct reports.

And, minimize the top three negative correlations by being less passive, distant or critical. Strive to:

• Advocate your ideas, be more decisive and address conflict gracefully
• Connect and truly care about your peers, colleagues and team members  
• Shift focus from "what is wrong?" to "what is going on?"

5 Ways to Well Being

Let's go for being well this year. According to research from the Center for Well Being at The New Economics Foundation "a small improvement in well being can help decrease mental health problems and enable people to flourish." The five ways to well being are:

1. Connect Greet people in the eye. Make time for family, friends and colleagues. 
2. Be Active Do something to get your heart rate up 30 minutes a day.
3. Take Notice Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Be aware of the world around you. 
4. Keep Learning Try something new. Take a class. Add a new skill to your toolbox.
5. Give Do something nice for someone else. Thank someone. Smile. 

For more go to www.nationalaccountsofwellbeing.org  

Thanks to Michelle for the resource.