Whether you lead an organization of hundreds, a team of twenty,
a volunteer group of ten or a family of five - when you are considered a leader, everyone is looking to you. How do you serve your team? As humans, we look to the person "in charge" for direction and take social cues from them. What do people see when they look at you? How do they feel after a conversation with you? Groups of any kind usually come together with a purpose - how do your actions and interactions affect those you lead? You might think that because you are the leader or the boss that others should just do what you say. And in many cases they will do what you say, but there is always a relationship between you and those you lead, what is the essence of the relationship? Does your team fulfill obligations because they "have" to? I know when I feel like I have a connection with a person and they ask me to do something i am far more inclined to do my very best because I care about that relationship and the effort at hand. Do you feel that way? I think humans are more inclined to put in more effort when we feel positive about the relationship. Do you value your team? Do you communicate that appreciation in some way? We have a need as human beings to feel accepted and valued - how does that play out in groups you lead? Always intrigued by the relationship of a manager and their employees in the workplace, I had the opportunity to do research in the field and was thrilled to see my research indeed support my hypothesis. When a person felt good about their relationship with their manager, their level of engagement increased. And, that when a person did not feel like their manager supported them, their level of engagement was lower. As leaders of people, and let me say I believe we are ALL leaders of people, we have an opportunity to make a difference. You might look at this opportunity to lead as actually serving others. Perhaps you are sharing a vision, offering direction or offering support so that those around you can do their best and be their best. Some people do this intuitively, but sometimes a bit of education and information can expand mindsets and create new opportunities to make an impact. When we are informed we are better positioned to make a difference. What kind of difference to do what to make? Understanding concepts such as human needs and emotional intelligence can put you in a position to serve your teams better. This can create not only a lasting impact but one that may grow and continue that ripple effect as your team impacts everyone they come in contact with. In my career I have worked for and with individuals who were "leaders" that motivated me and for whom I would do anything for. I have also worked for and with individuals who left me feeling unappreciated leading to disengagement. I've seen it in action in the workplace, in volunteer groups and in families. The way you lead matters. |
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCENo one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.
-Theodore Roosevelt IQ is a concept most people are familiar with, but there is another, more critical concept to understand when working with people - Emotional Intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is the foundation of creating meaningful relationships. Learn about EI with your team to improve all the lives around you. |
ONE DEAD BATTERY CANNOT START ANOTHERThe leader must make personal changes before asking others to change.
- John Maxwell If you lead a team or group and you are not engaged in your life or work, don't expect others to be. During this session we do a little looking on the inside and reconnecting with the things that excite us and bring our hearts to life. When our hearts are happy, that joy spreads no matter what the work at hand is. |
THE BEST ME CREATES THE BEST ME
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
- Eleanor Roosevelt Life without something we are personally excited about can be empty. This fun and engaging session allows participants to use their creativity to reconnect with some possibly forgotten dreams. Having this session sets a platform to build some personal life goals. When we are fully engaged in our own lives and honor and understand the value we give to the world, we are best positioned to be great teams members and leaders. |
MINDFULNESS for more FULFILLING DAYS
When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world,
we lose connection with one another – and ourselves. – Jack Kornfield The concept of mindfulness serves the purpose of reducing the energy we spend on things that we cannot control, to recognize thought patterns that do not serve us and to be more fully present to experience the gifts at hand. Learn how to reduce stress, improve focus and create more satisfaction in life. |
Comments from past sessions.....
"The session helped me recognize how my personal and professional goals are interdependent - that my worlds aren't separate but intertwined." - Lisa A. "I really found this session enjoyable and stirred an excitement about the future. It is so true, we all get caught up in life and forget to dream and then put action in order to receive a personal reward and satisfaction. Thank you!" - Janet H. |
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