Tag Archive for: leadership

There are people who do not feel safe at work. They don’t feel safe to speak honestly, offer ideas, or be themselves.

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There are people who do not feel safe at work. They don’t feel safe to speak honestly, offer ideas, or be themselves.

They fear that sharing concerns and mistakes will mean embarrassment or retribution; that if they are honest, they will be humiliated, ignored, or blamed. They fear asking questions when they are unsure of something. They sit on their hands, stay within the lines, underperform and become dissatisfied.

When people are afraid, they stay dangerously silent, they disengage, they lie, and they leave if they can. Or worst of all, they quit and stay.

Far too many managers – knowingly and unknowingly – believe that fear motivates. Too many managers are unaware of how unacknowledged stress and anxiety breeds fear. Brain science has demonstrated that fear inhibits learning, productivity, engagement, innovation, and fulfillment.

How can we, as leaders, create safe workplaces?

Why leadership training and development are so critical and why our teams deserve it.

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Three things I’ve learned about personal and leadership development:

  1. The greatest gift you can give someone is your own personal development. And one of the greatest gifts you can give your team is the gift of learning. Becoming a stronger, wiser, kinder person doesn’t just benefit you, it benefits those around you.
  2. Don’t mistake vertical growth for horizontal growth. I know of leaders who go on annual development courses to go deep into what we used to describe as horizontal growth. But now, podcasts, TED talks, Youtube videos and books, though useful, don’t necessarily allow you to go deeper. There’s a difference between learning “about leadership” (horizontal growth) and true leadership development (vertical growth).
  3. Development keeps us fresh, engaged, and relevant. Don’t put off developing yourself or your team. Leadership and personal development gives us perspective and strategies to navigate our world. Jim Rohn emphasized the crucial choice between discipline and regret: “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.”

Why accountability and empowerment are inseparable.

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Accountability is usually understood in terms of holding someone accountable. But what if we, ourselves, embraced being accountable for the benefit of our relationships, families, and organizations?

Empowerment is usually understood in terms of “giving power” to someone. But what if we, ourselves, embraced empowerment as taking accountability to create an organization where you enjoy working and which serves the greater good?

This means that accountability and empowerment are inseparable. Rather than being “granted” by someone else, they are virtues that come from within.

Authenticity brings peace, power, and purpose into our lives and leadership.

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A research project posed two questions to a randomly selected group:

  1. What’s it like to live your life and not be the real you? Responses included: Exhausting, depressing, sad, stressful, lonely, disengaged, empty, and lost.
  2. What’s it like to accept yourself? Responses included: Happy, confident, joyous, free, inspiring, appreciative, alive, fulfilled.

Who would you prefer for a boss or colleague: An authentic person who is at peace with themselves or an inauthentic person who isn’t?

Leadership is truly about PRESENCE, not position.

Embarking on a Journey

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This week I had the privilege of meeting with two remarkable women, my friends Tanya Koshowski and Dianne McConnell, as we begin a journey to rebrand the Authentic Leadership Academies. I’m thrilled to be working with these generous and wise individuals and look forward to keeping you posted as our renewed model unfolds.

And, if you are looking for an incredible experience in the Canadian Rockies in Nordegg, Alberta, check out Natures Getaway Mountain Resort.

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Drive of Champions Fundraiser

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It was an amazing day at Drive of Champions, a unique fundraiser hosted by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation at Spruce Meadows. All proceeds go to support children and youth by keeping them safe from crime and victimization through crime prevention, education, and early intervention programs.

Attendees, car enthusiasts, and members of the public had an opportunity to see some of the most exhilarating cars, take pictures, and meet the owners! It was great to be there with my nephew who got to ride in a Lamborghini!

Thanks Chad for making it an incredible experience for Sebastien. And thanks Calgary City Police for all you do in our community.

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