I was training a group of managers who had been through a difficult time in their organization. I asked the question, Why is it that you all were able to move forward when others couldnt? What is the difference between those who can overcome adversity and those who get stuck in it?

The answer is simple but worth highlighting. The leaders who overcome obstacles are those who are able to focus on the positive. This doesnt mean that they minimize problems or dont acknowledge difficulties, its simply that they are able to focus on actually doing positive things.

Leaders have an amazing ability to move in any direction they want to. Right this moment you could start doing something to change your workplace if you wanted to. It just requires making a conscious decision that you are going to do something, anything. Being positive is about focusing on the things you can change and that you have control over.

You are able to make any changes you choose to because you decide how to focus. The next time you feel like there is no hope try taking action to interrupt those thoughts and that will move you in a positive direction. Time after time Ive had leaders tell me that all it took to change their organizations was thinking positively about something they used to think of negatively and taking action to make it happen. What will you do to use the power of positive thinking?

Take care,

Guy

When I help leaders figure out how they want to lead their organization a common theme arises time after time: that change in their workplace starts with them. This seems like a basic concept but it can have profound implications. You can choose to move in a different direction at any time but you have to start. Think of the following ideas as you plan your next leadership step:

1. Think of something you want to achieve in your workplace.

2. Think of one thing you can do today to achieve your goal.

3. Take action and do that thing.

4. Praise yourself for the actions you complete.

5. Ask yourself, What did I learn about myself?

6. Repeat.

Leaders just like you create amazing changes in their workplaces by taking action. Its remarkable how much control you have over your leadership style and workplace results when you consciously do things that create change.

Take care,

Guy

Its easy to focus exclusively on our own perspective when were dealing with conflict in the workplace. We tend to deal with disputes in our organizations in ways we are familiar with and this often means we keep repeating the same patterns and acting the same way we always have. This works well if we get great results but what happens if our behaviors always lead to less than satisfactory outcomes?

We all know people who can never quite resolve their differences with someone else and we watch them repeat the same pattern over and over. Ive noticed that it is helpful to let in some new information and get a fresh perspective. When we let new information in its like opening a window in a stuffy room, we can breathe better and think more clearly. Think about some of the following ideas next time you feel like you will never resolve an ongoing conflict.

1. Who can I turn to that is not involved in my situation and can give me impartial advice?

2. Am I willing to let an outside person offer me advice?

3. How open am I to talking about difficult issues with an outside person?

4. How open am I to doing the work necessary to move in a different direction?

5. What actions will I commit to doing?

Think about these questions and keep in mind that none of us has all the answers but we all have the ability to acquire new information if we are open enough. Let some air in, enjoy a fresh perspective and start moving in a new direction.

Take care,

Guy

Many leaders stare blankly when I mention diversity, to the point where I wonder whether they even realize that diversity is all around them. Think of your regular workplace. Are there two people who think exactly alike? Do any two people look exactly the same? Does everyone have the same leadership style? Does everyone have exactly the same knowledge? Did everyone grow up exactly the same way?

Every workplace is made up of people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This isnt due to some cosmic plan, its just that no two people are alike. So why is it that people get all bent out of shape about diversity?

Perhaps its just that we dont like to think about new and different things. Humans are generally resistant to change but are amazingly capable of assimilating it over time.Why should you care about diversity? It really comes down to getting stuff done. Imagine if everyone on your team felt included. Think about what would happen if you could get rid of much of the problems related to people not getting along at work. What would your business look like if people trusted each other and worked as a team?

Diversity can be a powerful tool for businesses and individuals to succeed. It allows you to harness and use the wide range of talents and experience of your workforce. Best of all it makes sure that everyone is part of a thriving team rather than the alternative.

Take care,

Guy

Micromanaging is the act of inserting yourself into every task you employee is doing. At its most basic, micromanaging is the inability to let other people do their jobs. Why does this happen? Often it is simply that we dont know any other way to manage people. You can enjoy even better results from you employees if you keep the following tips in mind:

1. Let employees do tasks alone and only help if they ask. 2. Give people the opportunity to show you what they do well. 3. Provide education only when employees ask you. 4. Figure out why it is you choose to micromanage. 5. Picture what you could do with your business if you werent micromanaging.

They myth in business is that you have to be a hands on manager to get results. Regrettably, this approach does not allow employees to grow or to experience the learning that comes from doing things oneself. True growth occurs on the job when we are allowed to learn from our mistakes and our successes.

Take care,

Guy

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