I've been reading about this and thinking about this for years. I have been fortunate to work with amazing collaborative insightful and giving leaders; I have also had some bosses. I think there is a definitive list somewhere but the way I view leadership is from the inside. Each of us has a different interpretation of what they need in their leader or how they want to lead.
In a time when we have 3-4 generations in a workplace, the one size fits all model won't work. Sales managers yelling at reps to make more calls, Marketing directors steadfast on their design over others, CEO's accountable to shareholders without focus on their employees to make those financial successes a reality.
Read The Room
And that room can be as granular as every single person in the organization. For some, they need a coach akin to the defensive coordinator who yells at their guys for missing the tackle. For others, they require a more personable calm approach.
The key to being a great leader, in my opinion, is twofold. First, you don't decide you're the leader; your team or company does. Second, your only focus is your team or company. Customers will show up if you create a culture of collaboration, respect, and strong internal customer service. Since most are working remotely, this makes the challenge of leadership even more important to master.
A great leader never has to remind people they are the leader.
__________________________________________________________________
Showing posts with label coach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coach. Show all posts
April 1, 2020
January 1, 2019
What Makes a Great Leader?
I've been reading about this and thinking about this for years. I have been fortunate to work with amazing collaborative insightful and giving leaders; I have also had some bosses. I think there is a definitive list somewhere but the way I view leadership is from the inside. Each of us has a different interpretation of what they need in their leader or how they want to lead.
In a time when we have 3-4 generations in a workplace, the one size fits all model won't work. Sales managers yelling at reps to make more calls, Marketing directors steadfast on their design over others, CEO's accountable to shareholders without focus on their employees to make those financial successes a reality.
Read The Room
And that room can be as granular as every single person in the organization. For some, they need a coach akin to the defensive coordinator who yells at their guys for missing the tackle. For others, they require a more personable calm approach.
The key to being a great leader, in my opinion, is twofold. First, you don't decide you're the leader; your team or company does. Second, your only focus is your team or company. Customers will show up if you create a culture of collaboration, respect, and strong internal customer service.
A great leader never has to remind people they are the leader.
__________________________________________________________________
In a time when we have 3-4 generations in a workplace, the one size fits all model won't work. Sales managers yelling at reps to make more calls, Marketing directors steadfast on their design over others, CEO's accountable to shareholders without focus on their employees to make those financial successes a reality.
Read The Room
And that room can be as granular as every single person in the organization. For some, they need a coach akin to the defensive coordinator who yells at their guys for missing the tackle. For others, they require a more personable calm approach.
The key to being a great leader, in my opinion, is twofold. First, you don't decide you're the leader; your team or company does. Second, your only focus is your team or company. Customers will show up if you create a culture of collaboration, respect, and strong internal customer service.
A great leader never has to remind people they are the leader.
__________________________________________________________________
June 2, 2018
Mentors Wanted
I've been fortunate to have had a couple of excellent mentors in my career and been even more fortunate to be a mentor. It's a special relationship that can't be mandated by any company initiative. It just happens over time and in many important patient steps and it's vastly different than training or taking a course.
Teacher
There must be trust. Your mentor has to care about you and your success not simply put their theories and goals on you. My most influential mentor was my boss Stewart. In just five years, I learned more about leadership and myself than I could have in twenty. He was a student of human behavior and not only understood we were different but accepted and embraced it.
He said leadership was 10% about the work and 90% about life, relationships, and people. It's important to do good work but without human connection, company culture won't be strong and your business will struggle. Stewart knew this and created it in our organization. And he's still doing it today.
Student
Stew understood human systems, team dynamics, and the importance of pushing people to be their best. His biggest gift as my mentor was to find those moments to explain how he did what he did and allow me space to find my own style and process. Oh, and if you know him, don't tell him I wrote this, he isn't the look-at-me type.
I connected with his ability to set the course but also explain how he arrived at the plan and how I could find my own way to lead my team, and years later, even bigger teams. He gave me another view of how to find my own way. I didn't realize at the time, but he gave me the foundation for my work today.
Graduate
Mentors are priceless yet the relationship is often not evident at first. You don't see "mentor" on an org chart or job board. It happens when it happens and can't be forced. But as the mentor relationship develops, it will garner immeasurable results.
If you've been fortunate to be a mentor, are one now, or become one in the future, cherish the opportunity to help someone find their way.
Enjoy the relationship.
__________________________________________________________________
Teacher
There must be trust. Your mentor has to care about you and your success not simply put their theories and goals on you. My most influential mentor was my boss Stewart. In just five years, I learned more about leadership and myself than I could have in twenty. He was a student of human behavior and not only understood we were different but accepted and embraced it.
He said leadership was 10% about the work and 90% about life, relationships, and people. It's important to do good work but without human connection, company culture won't be strong and your business will struggle. Stewart knew this and created it in our organization. And he's still doing it today.
Student
Stew understood human systems, team dynamics, and the importance of pushing people to be their best. His biggest gift as my mentor was to find those moments to explain how he did what he did and allow me space to find my own style and process. Oh, and if you know him, don't tell him I wrote this, he isn't the look-at-me type.
I connected with his ability to set the course but also explain how he arrived at the plan and how I could find my own way to lead my team, and years later, even bigger teams. He gave me another view of how to find my own way. I didn't realize at the time, but he gave me the foundation for my work today.
Graduate
Mentors are priceless yet the relationship is often not evident at first. You don't see "mentor" on an org chart or job board. It happens when it happens and can't be forced. But as the mentor relationship develops, it will garner immeasurable results.
If you've been fortunate to be a mentor, are one now, or become one in the future, cherish the opportunity to help someone find their way.
Enjoy the relationship.
__________________________________________________________________
March 13, 2017
Meet Sue Austin
Like you, I’ve seen and read plenty of content on how to get out of our heads or push through adversity, and more will be required as we live our lives, but I wanted something different, something that would be a good stiff kick in the butt.
Leadership isn't about being in control when the road is straight and dry but rather handling difficulties and unforeseen curves along the way.
This is Sue Austin
__________________________________________________________________
Leadership isn't about being in control when the road is straight and dry but rather handling difficulties and unforeseen curves along the way.
This is Sue Austin
__________________________________________________________________
February 18, 2017
Do You Have a Mentor?
I've been fortunate to have had a couple of excellent mentors in my career and been even more fortunate to be a mentor. It's a special relationship that can't be mandated by any company initiative. It just happens over time and in many important patient steps and it's vastly different than training or taking a course.
Teacher
There must be trust. Your mentor has to care about you and your success not simply put their theories and goals on you. My most influential mentor was my boss Stewart. In just five years, I learned more about leadership and myself than I could have in twenty. He was a student of human behavior and not only understood we were different but accepted and embraced it.
He said leadership was 10% about the work and 90% about life, relationships, and people. It's important to do good work but without human connection, company culture won't be strong and your business will struggle. Stewart knew this and created it in our organization. And he's still doing it today.
Student
Stew understood human systems, team dynamics, and the importance of pushing people to be their best. His biggest gift as my mentor was to find those moments to explain how he did what he did and allow me space to find my own style and process. Oh, and if you know him, don't tell him I wrote this, he isn't the look-at-me type.
I connected with his ability to set the course but also explain how he arrived at the plan and how I could find my own way to lead my team, and years later, even bigger teams. He gave me another view of how to find my own way. I didn't realize at the time, but he gave me the foundation for my work today.
Graduate
Mentors are priceless yet the relationship is often not evident at first. You don't see "mentor" on an org chart or job board. It happens when it happens and can't be forced. But as the mentor relationship develops, it will garner immeasurable results.
If you've been fortunate to be a mentor, are one now, or become one in the future, cherish the opportunity to help someone find their way.
Enjoy the journey!
__________________________________________________________________
Teacher
There must be trust. Your mentor has to care about you and your success not simply put their theories and goals on you. My most influential mentor was my boss Stewart. In just five years, I learned more about leadership and myself than I could have in twenty. He was a student of human behavior and not only understood we were different but accepted and embraced it.
He said leadership was 10% about the work and 90% about life, relationships, and people. It's important to do good work but without human connection, company culture won't be strong and your business will struggle. Stewart knew this and created it in our organization. And he's still doing it today.
Student
Stew understood human systems, team dynamics, and the importance of pushing people to be their best. His biggest gift as my mentor was to find those moments to explain how he did what he did and allow me space to find my own style and process. Oh, and if you know him, don't tell him I wrote this, he isn't the look-at-me type.
I connected with his ability to set the course but also explain how he arrived at the plan and how I could find my own way to lead my team, and years later, even bigger teams. He gave me another view of how to find my own way. I didn't realize at the time, but he gave me the foundation for my work today.
Graduate
Mentors are priceless yet the relationship is often not evident at first. You don't see "mentor" on an org chart or job board. It happens when it happens and can't be forced. But as the mentor relationship develops, it will garner immeasurable results.
If you've been fortunate to be a mentor, are one now, or become one in the future, cherish the opportunity to help someone find their way.
Enjoy the journey!
__________________________________________________________________
September 24, 2015
The Idea Begins…
It was 5th grade. I got my book report back from Mrs. Parrot. She gave me a B then wrote a long note on the back of the page below some of my doodling and writing. I don’t remember what it was about but I showed it to my parents and they were overjoyed. I thought they were happy I actually got a passing grade. I was the kid who got distracted by the squirrels and drifted off into my mind of imagination and worlds yet to be discovered. I was the kid who identified with Walter Mitty.
For most of my life, I’ve been called an extrovert but all the while I’ve needed my alone time to think and create and be quite and dream. I would facilitate a day long workshop and skip the dinner claiming I had emails to answer or another project to work on, but it was my time to unplug and get calm.
On the Air
I was a radio guy for more than two decades constantly surprised when a listener would remark on a new song I played or idea I shared. I was on the radio, after all, yet it was a solo experience in a studio talking into a microphone. I then got to build stuff and do more consulting and writing and teaching. I still felt it was a passion I followed alone. All the while, I have been speaking and writing about leadership, teamwork, culture, and our collective need to belong.
I was approached by a prominent publisher a few years ago and didn’t pursue it. There are beloved friends and colleagues who have encouraged me to pick it up again and give it a shot. I have finally shed the fear of it not turning out that well. And as I write this post – alone with my thoughts to then share with you – I realize it’s not about the success or failure of this idea, it’s the importance of doing it. My dad recently reminded me that not doing it would be a regret; a feeling he has often about the ideas he didn’t pursue in his life.
Keep Writing
Mrs. Parrot gave me an A+ on a short story I had written on the back of my 5th grade book report. She encouraged me to keep writing – I was 10! I had no idea at the time I’d become a writer, a coach, a consultant, a media guy, and all the while letting that kid who used to spend hours alone in his room reading books about far off lands to come along for the ride.
So yes, I have begun work on my first book. I don’t have a clue where this process will go or the result or the release date. I do know that sharing this with you will keep me on it and make it more real.
Thanks! I’ll keep you posted.
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | People + Priority = Profit
New Book out in 2016 – Details soon!
For most of my life, I’ve been called an extrovert but all the while I’ve needed my alone time to think and create and be quite and dream. I would facilitate a day long workshop and skip the dinner claiming I had emails to answer or another project to work on, but it was my time to unplug and get calm.
On the Air
I was a radio guy for more than two decades constantly surprised when a listener would remark on a new song I played or idea I shared. I was on the radio, after all, yet it was a solo experience in a studio talking into a microphone. I then got to build stuff and do more consulting and writing and teaching. I still felt it was a passion I followed alone. All the while, I have been speaking and writing about leadership, teamwork, culture, and our collective need to belong.
I was approached by a prominent publisher a few years ago and didn’t pursue it. There are beloved friends and colleagues who have encouraged me to pick it up again and give it a shot. I have finally shed the fear of it not turning out that well. And as I write this post – alone with my thoughts to then share with you – I realize it’s not about the success or failure of this idea, it’s the importance of doing it. My dad recently reminded me that not doing it would be a regret; a feeling he has often about the ideas he didn’t pursue in his life.
Keep Writing
Mrs. Parrot gave me an A+ on a short story I had written on the back of my 5th grade book report. She encouraged me to keep writing – I was 10! I had no idea at the time I’d become a writer, a coach, a consultant, a media guy, and all the while letting that kid who used to spend hours alone in his room reading books about far off lands to come along for the ride.
So yes, I have begun work on my first book. I don’t have a clue where this process will go or the result or the release date. I do know that sharing this with you will keep me on it and make it more real.
Thanks! I’ll keep you posted.
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | People + Priority = Profit
New Book out in 2016 – Details soon!
April 29, 2014
The Leadership Project
May 30-31: Camp Harbor View – Boston
We are living in a time where 3-4 generations can be collaborating in a single group or company. Cultures are mixing, opinions are melding, and the results are quite remarkable. The span of ages and perspectives has never been so wide yet there is a way to converge and collaborate if we adopt an open-mind policy.
Let's Inspire Together
Westwood International is launching a pilot program on May 30-31 at Camp Harbor View in Boston called The Leadership Project. The purpose is to help young leaders work on their leadership journey through a discussion and a 90-day challenge. This will be their challenge focused on their plan which will include how to build something new, build stronger relationships, and become a better leader now.
Leadership is not a topic to be reserved for those in their 40's and 50's. It's imperative to give new graduates and young professionals in their 20's access to the skills and knowledge now. It's critical that business and young leaders learn from each other.
This will be will be a unique customized session where young leaders will work with experienced mentors while established business executives will learn from millennials.
The Leadership Project – May 30-31 in Boston
Join us as a participant. Join us as a sponsor. Join the conversation.
Keynote Speakers and Presenters
Betsy Myers – Founding Director of Women and Business at Bentley University
Jamil Mahuad – Harvard Law Professor and Former President of Ecuador
Lisa Fenn – Six-time Emmy winning feature producer for ESPN
Curt Cronin – Expert on Peak Performance and Former Navy SEAL
Greg Zlevor – CEO and President of Westwood International
Mentors, Facilitators, and Coaches
Christine Burych – President of StarlingBrook Leadership Corporation
Marlene Lepkoski – Regulatory Innovation Design Leader at Johnson and Johnson
Tim Kavanagh – Business Development Manager at Champlain College
Cara Gould – Executive Director of Camp Harbor View
Torli Krua – Founder of YOUNG-Africa
Shannon Griesser – Program Manager at Westwood International
Tyler Kellogg – Creative Mind at Tyler DoGood
Jay Ferraro – Co-Founder and Senior Partner at Mastery Technologies
Dina David – Senior Project Manager of StarlingBrook Leadership Corporation
Kneale Mann – Leadership Strategist at Westwood International
If you have questions, I'm here to help.
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | Leadership Strategist, consultant, writer, speaker, executive coach facilitating performance growth with leaders, management, and teams.
Westwood International
April 26, 2013
What's Your Excuse?
I was looking for something inspirational this morning. Like you, I’ve seen and read plenty of content on how to get out of our heads or push through adversity, and more will be required as we live our lives, but I wanted something different, something that would be a good stiff kick in the butt.
Leadership isn't about being in control when the road is straight and dry but rather handling difficulties and unforeseen curves along the way.
Meet Sue Austin
TED | Sue Austin
Leadership isn't about being in control when the road is straight and dry but rather handling difficulties and unforeseen curves along the way.
Meet Sue Austin
TED | Sue Austin
April 17, 2013
The Importance of Mentors
I was chatting with a friend recently and we got on the topic of mentors. I have been extremely fortunate to have had several outstanding ones in my career. She lamented she couldn't name one in her life. Then she asked why these people had so profoundly helped me which got me thinking about the attributes of a great mentor.Teacher
There must be trust. Your mentor has to care about you and your success not simply put their theories and goals on you. My most influential mentor was my boss Stewart. In just five years, I learned more about leadership and myself than I could have in twenty. He was a student of human behavior and not only understood we were different but accepted and embraced it.
He said leadership was 10% about the work and 90% about life, relationships, and people. It's important to do good work but without human connection, company culture won't be strong and your business will struggle. Stewart knew this and created it in our organization. And he's still doing it today.
Student
Stew understood human systems, team dynamics, and the importance of pushing people to be their best. His biggest gift as my mentor was to find those moments to explain how he did what he did and allow me space to find my own style and process. Oh, and if you know him, don't tell him I wrote this, he isn't the look-at-me type.
I connected with his ability to set the course but also explain how he arrived at the plan and how I could find my own way to lead my team, and years later, even bigger teams. He gave me another view of how to find my own way. I didn't realize at the time, but he gave me the foundation for my work today.
Graduate
Mentors are priceless yet the relationship is often not evident at first. You don't see "mentor" on an org chart or job board. It happens when it happens and can't be forced. But as the mentor relationship develops, it will garner immeasurable results.
If you've been fortunate to be a mentor, are one now, or become one in the future, cherish the opportunity to help someone find their way.
That’s leadership!
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture Strategist, Writer, Speaker, Executive Coach engaging leaders to build successful talent and profitable business.
kidsknowcanada
August 6, 2010
Are You Roger Federer?
Roger Federer is the real deal. He is a solid dude. Happily married to the lovely Mirka Vavrinec with twin girls Charlene and Myla. In 2003, he started his own charitable foundation to help disadvantaged children, has done work with UNICEF and organized a charity initiative with other top players entitled Hit for Haiti.
The Guy Is A Phenom
His work ethic is resolute and until some injuries in the last couple of years, his winning streak was not of this world. He was consistently winning or at the very least in the semis or finals of virtually every tournament.
Fed was the world’s dominant number one tennis player and it seemed he could stay there for as long as he wanted. He has slipped to number three but clearly won’t settle for that. Go Rafa!
One For The Record Books
Roger Federer has won 62 titles including 16 grand slam singles and 8 grand slam doubles championships. His lifetime professional match winning record is 701-168 and let’s lob in a gold medal from the Beijing Olympics.
The man is not just a professional tennis player; he is an elite athlete and will forever be on the best of all time list. But until recently, he was alone in one curious category.
Calling Your Own Plays
Throughout his career, he has gone long stretches without a full-time coach. Fed has agents and trainers and lawyers and other staff but often not a coach.
Who at this level doesn’t have a coach? What individual or team member, playing at the peak of performance in the highest level of sport, does not have another pair of eyes on them? Just imagine the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks winning this past spring without Joel Quenneville behind the bench.
But Things Have Changed
The only elite athlete on the planet, who didn’t have a coach, now has one, for now. Paul Annacone was Pete Sampras’ long time coach and also coached Tim Henman who made it to number four.
As a pro, Annacone made it as high as number twelve in singles’ rankings. After his playing career he was the managing director of the USTA then the head coach of the Lawn Tennis Association and the British Davis Cup Team.
Give It A Shot
Federer has asked Annacone to work with him on a trial basis. An accomplished coach has the biggest challenge of his career and the best tennis player in history is now paying someone to tell him how to improve his game and get back to number one.
Have a look at your career. Who is your coach?
knealemann
strategy. marketing. media.
image credit: wilson
July 8, 2010
Can You Help Me?
Four Simple Words
Why do most of us have trouble saying them? Most people I know are good at offering a hand but tend to be more reluctant to ask.
This is about gaining a new perspective on a certain area of your business or career. You may need others to hit the restart for you and clear your vision.
Online Etiquette
We can get stuck in a world where we are supposed have our act together. If you travel in the social web, you know that you can't go online and complain about prospecting or revenue or being stuck. No one likes a whiner. Conversely, the fine line gets finer because few like anyone who brags about themselves all the time.
This is why a personal advocacy group is essential. Find five people who can give you real advice, clear direction and objective perspective. In return, offer that help back to others. This needs to be taken seriously and people's time must be respected.
This is not a dumping ground for grievances.
This week, I sent a note to seven people and simply asked for fifteen minutes of their time. All seven agreed. Thanks guys! The help has proved invaluable. It was tough to ask for help but as a friend of mine who is a psychologist reminds me - asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.
The little things become the big things and your advisers can help you keep them small and manageable. Suffering in silence or pretending you have it all covered will significantly affect your career and business in a negative way. It will also affect those around you. Been there, done that.
Where are you stuck? Who can you call? Who can you help?
@knealemann
Helping you integrate all you do with all you do.
photo credit: teacherinthemaking
Why do most of us have trouble saying them? Most people I know are good at offering a hand but tend to be more reluctant to ask. This is about gaining a new perspective on a certain area of your business or career. You may need others to hit the restart for you and clear your vision.
Online Etiquette
We can get stuck in a world where we are supposed have our act together. If you travel in the social web, you know that you can't go online and complain about prospecting or revenue or being stuck. No one likes a whiner. Conversely, the fine line gets finer because few like anyone who brags about themselves all the time.
This is why a personal advocacy group is essential. Find five people who can give you real advice, clear direction and objective perspective. In return, offer that help back to others. This needs to be taken seriously and people's time must be respected.
This is not a dumping ground for grievances.
This week, I sent a note to seven people and simply asked for fifteen minutes of their time. All seven agreed. Thanks guys! The help has proved invaluable. It was tough to ask for help but as a friend of mine who is a psychologist reminds me - asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.
The little things become the big things and your advisers can help you keep them small and manageable. Suffering in silence or pretending you have it all covered will significantly affect your career and business in a negative way. It will also affect those around you. Been there, done that.
Where are you stuck? Who can you call? Who can you help?
@knealemann
Helping you integrate all you do with all you do.
photo credit: teacherinthemaking
June 8, 2009
Can You See The Trees For The Forest?
It seems to be everywhere: bad news and poor economy. The big question is – what will you do about it? Facts and Garbage
There is a great analogy about dealing with bad stuff. Imagine a friend walks into your house and dumps a big bag of garbage in the middle of your living room.
That bag of garbage is bad news and negative thoughts. What do you do? Thank them? Hang on to the garbage? Or get them to clean it up? We have a choice to own the garbage or discard it.
Anytime After Now
Humans are the only beings on earth that can conceive of the past and the future. Every other being can only live in the now. Something we humans should do more often!
If you run a business, what can you do about yesterday? What can you do about tomorrow? What you can control is what you do right now.
You Probably Know The Answer
If you have inefficiencies, staff in the wrong positions, product lines that need improvement, communication issues that need to be dealt with – deal with it right now. Tomorrow will never get here. You have today.
There is a theory that the best psychologists or coaches simply show us the path to the answer we already know. You know what you need to do. You know how you can improve your business. And it may be as simple as opening up your mind to your co-workers and staff for the answer.
Sometimes we forget that the thick lush forest is made up of many trees.
@knealemann
photo credits: www.nanps.org | www.boston.com
June 2, 2009
Clock Management
Minutes To Go - Time Out.It’s amazing what can happen in the last minute of a sporting event. This is when the coaches on either side of a basketball game seem to call endless time-outs. It’s when we expect heroics during the last ditch effort from the quarterback.
One team pulls their goalie for an extra attacker and often it works to tie the game and send it in to overtime.
You are reviewing your presentation in the hotel room before hitting the showers. The same presentation you have been working on for days, if not weeks. And you just want to have one more look at it.
Why do we do that? Why do we wait?
Why don’t we manage the clock better when we have hours, days, weeks, even months to prepare? Why does the coach not call a time-out and get his team pumped for a 90-second touchdown drive in the third quarter?
Why doesn’t a coach pull the goalie in the second period to see if it can boost her team? Why don’t we trust our abilities in the presentation and have a calm breakfast before heading to the client’s office?
Because we are human.
Think back to school and how many times you crammed for exams or did the project on the Sunday night before the deadline. We do it to ourselves and cause additional unneeded stress. Or is it the juice we need to get the job done right?
Can Convenience Help?
I can remember when I first started banking online. A bill would come in the mail and I would immediately pay it. In the “olden days”, I would have to find a stamp and write a check to the company. Inevitably, I would be writing it a day or two before the deadline hoping the mail service had a monumental day and got it to the payee in record time.
So if we know that most of us operate like this, how do we increase our chances as business partners and colleagues? What can we do to help each other manage the clock better?
@knealemann
