Episodes
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Leadership lessons in 2020:
Leadership lesson #1: FAITH: Time and energy spent in the application of faith based perspectives results in deeper insights and advanced hope. Uncovering timeless wisdom In difficult times takes us beyond our current leadership.
Leadership lesson #2: FAMILY: Seeing others as brothers and sisters of the human race, even when there are strong differences and ideological oppositions advances our view as leaders. We move towards being a part of a bigger picture, a bigger story.
Leadership lesson #3: CORE VALUES: There is untapped potential when core values are activated within a change process.
I can be reached www.healthyleadership.online to set up a call
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Thriving in the ebb and flow of resignations at work
A positive farewell work strategy.
Three questions when an employee is leaving:
First, how do we end it well from the perspective of the leader staying?
Second, how do we end it well from the perspective of the one going?
Third, how do we time the departure so that everyone is at the airport at the same time?
Three steps to support the most positive experience possible with a farewell work strategy:
Step one: have a plan to prepare everyone for a successful departure:
Step two: Recognize that departure is not an event but a process
Step three: for all involved, be prepared to give grace. Grace is a differentiator.
A front loading of strategy is needed into how to not only navigate the ebb and flow of departures but to learn how to thrive.
Would you like some help with this? If so, you can connect with me at www.healthyleadership.online to set up a free call. I love to chat with you and see how we can partner
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Missing episodes?
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Friends and family in business
The nuances of working in the business with friends and family
Four pairs of words that provide a balance to the nuances that exist when your work includes the close relationships of friends and family.
I. Roles and Responsibilities
II. Goals and Growth
III. Trust and Travelling On
IV. Communication and Commitment
Six questions that support conversations for leaders who want to dig into deeper into working effectively with your friends and family members at work:
1. Are we friends first or are we employee/employer or fellow employees first?
2. Are we clear on our roles and responsibilities or, over time and with familiarity with each other, has there been a blurring of the lines?
3. What happens to our trust in each other when performance falters?
4. Does our friendship waver when things are tough at work?
5. What goals do we have that are shared goals? What impact does this have on the business? On our friendship? On our family?
6. Do you see growth in our family and friend relationships? If so, who is helping who to grow and develop? If we don’t see growth, why not?
Resources:
Mark Cole
Jody Gittell
Gallup Polls in the workplace
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The Imposter Syndrome
“We Become What We Do” Seth Godin
The imposter syndrome identifies that there can be times where we struggle with being accurate, being authentic in acknowledging our own accomplishments, our own competence. With the imposter syndrome there can actually be an internal fear that we will be seen as deceiving others – as someone who doesn’t really have the skills and talents that we have been identified with. A person with impostor syndrome struggles with acknowledging just how competent they are, with feeling inadequate
In December 2019, a research article Prevalence, Predictors, and Treatment of Impostor Syndrome: a Systematic Review was published that looked at 62 different studies of over 14,000 participants looking at this idea of the imposter syndrome.
“Each time I write a book, every time I face that yellow pad, the challenge is so great. I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody and they’re going to find me out.” Quote from Maya Angelou
“We become what we do.” Seth Godin
Five actions that will move you away from falling prey to a misalignment with who you are and how you connect with your world.
1. I trust myself.
2. I persist on the journey to grow and change
3. I pursue an understanding of my daily action steps
4. I give myself room to fail.
5. I serve others without guarantee that my service will be recognized or appreciated.
What is servant leadership? Robert Greenleaf
Resources:
Godin, S. (2020). The Practice: Shipping Creative Work. New York: Penguin Random House.
Maxwell, J (2000). Failing Forward, Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success. USA: Harper Collins
You can find me at www.healthyleadership.online
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The crucible of self- discipline
The missing piece in soft skill development
With the development of soft skills, we are not in a sprint, but rather a marathon.
Four steps to get started in building those new pathways in self discipline:
#1. Get really focused.
#2. Figure out how you are going to measure small wins.
#3. Establish the guidelines you plan to follow.
#4. Pause to celebrate your successes.
Self-discipline opens up windows of opportunity whether you are looking at
physical,
emotional and intellectual
or spiritual growth and development.
You can find me at www.healthyleadership.online. I look forward to hearing from you!
Resources:
The Hechinger Report
Neuroplasticity.
Winters, J. (2019). The Science of Self Discipline. Reedsy.
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Optimizing the value of anger
Strategic growth in the presence of emotions
Anger is a relevant topic for our world today.
2020 Gallup short term poll
Gallup: What's the World's Emotional Temperature?
“ANYBODY can become angry, that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree, and at the right time, and for the right purpose, and in the right way, that is not within everybody's power, that is not easy.” Aristotle
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. The Apostle Paul, Ephesians 4:26
The emotion of anger can fuel growth, just like the emotion of passion can fuel vision, and the emotion of happiness can fuel productivity!
The five rights of Aristotle:
#1: The right person
#2: The right degree
#3 The right time
#4 The right purpose
#5The right way
Can we be angry and grow as leaders at the same time?
My response is, “Yes. If we choose to engage in the hard work of using anger for the benefit of growth and development of ourselves and those we influence.”
You can reach me at www.healthyleadership.online to set up a brief free call. I look forward to connecting.
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Add Value to your team with Peer to Peer Coaching
No-one Left Behind
Peer to Peer coaching
· Applauds how coaching each other adds value to the team
· Serves as a vehicle for moving a team upward
· Acknowledges and celebrates the presence of different learning styles
· Provides psychological safety
· Meets short term needs
· Focuses on a specific goal
· Timely
· Can be formal or informal
· Supports relevance, even more in a fast-paced environment
· Can happen between different generations and different cultures
Reach out to me www.healthyleadership.online. Let’s chat!
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Avoiding the Pitfalls of Assumptions
As We Think, So We Lead
Three things about making assumptions:
#1: Assumptions can take our minds towards the negative without need or cause.
#2” Assumptions can decrease our ability to relate well to others.
#3: Assumptions keep us all from moving forward.
Consider using RED model of Critical Thinking
“Keep reminding yourself: I get what I think about, whether I want it or not.”
Wayne Dyer
What you and I “get” when we seek to be critical thinkers:
1. We understand ourselves better.
2. We are more likely to be open to changing our minds and our opinions in light of new information.
3. We concentrate on the most important parts of a body of information.
You can reach me at www. Healthyleadership.online. If you have been considering a leadership coach, reach out for a free call so that we can talk about how I can help you in your growth and development.
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ACTION STEPS FOR A "PROGRESS THINKER"
As We Think, So We Lead
A free gift for you:
HEALTHY LEADERS CHECKLIST TO EVALUATE PROGRESS can be obtained from https://www.healthyleadership.online/pl/224884
As always, You can reach me at www.Healthyleadership.online. If you have been considering a leadership coach, reach out for a free call so that we can talk about how I can help you in your growth as a leader.
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The Impact of Positive Thinking
As We Think, So We Lead
Soft skills make a difference in lives, but, too, soft skills make a difference in the bottom line of your business. These skills are not just “nice to have” as I was once taught. They are a “need to have” if you wish to pursue success as a leader.
This is the 3rd week of hearing from 3 nursing professionals as they have shared ways during this pandemic that positive thinking as a leader has had an impact on their lives and their leadership decisions.
The story today really shines the light on the value added when a leader strategically uses positive thinking.
#1: Ask the question.
Amy identifies a question that allows her to pause and consider her choices. She thinks: “ How can I do this, I am having such a hard time?”
We have to face reality before we can change reality.
Identifying this question is often the pivot point of choosing a mind-set towards the abundance of what is possible away from the poverty of everything that goes against us.
#2: Address the question
Amy chooses to move towards positive thinking.
Research indicates that, in most circumstances, positive thinking improves problem solving and decision making, leading us to be more flexible, more innovative, and creative, and also increasingly thorough and efficient (Journal of Consumer Psychology)
Positive thinking increases our decision-making ability
It is our decisions and not our circumstances have the greatest influence on our lives.
#3: Make a decision
Amy comes to a point where she is ready to make a decision. At this point she says “Now more than ever…” She has moved from asking a question to making a decision.
#4 Recognize the role positive thinking plays in decision making
Positive thinking is a strategic choice. It is One more tool you can use with intentionality in your Leadership thinking tool kit. Don’t let it fool you. It may seem simple but your choice to add positive thinking to your strategic leadership plan can be life changing.
You can reach me at www.Healthyleadership.online. If you have been considering a leadership coach, reach out for a free call so that we can talk about how I can help you in your growth as a leader.
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Positive Thinking 2
As we Think so we lead
Positive thoughts create real value in our lives. When you expand your perspective on positive thinking, new skills and resources enter into your realm of possibilities and increase value to you and those you influence.
We can learn from this discussion:
1. A Positive thinker is willing to pressure test their purpose in times of crisis
2. Positive thinkers are able to make things happen even in the “pressure cooker” times of high intensity and increased risk
3. Positive thinkers build the kind of trust that elevates the performance of those they influence
4. Positive thinkers demonstrate with words and actions that they have learned that the value of positive thinking is “not about them” but rather the value through positive thinking comes as value is added to others.
YOU ARE INVITED TO CHECK IT OUT!
Live 2 Lead: a global leadership experience
October 9 (with content available for 3 days)
https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead-2020?ref=RP2Y8UXL
The title of this series in the Art of Leadership is called “As We Think so We Lead.” If you haven’t before, let me encourage you to consider thinking as a self-contained, autonomous activity. There is and will always be a need for thinkers. Look for me at https://www.healthyleadership.online to discuss ways to advance your own growth as a thinker. As a certified coach I would love to serve as a coach on your journey.
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Positive Thinking
As we Think so we lead
Research reveals that positive thinking is about much more than just being happy, displaying an upbeat attitude, or choosing to discover the positive that can come from a difficult situation. Positive thinking in no way minimizes the tragedy of difficult situations but can actually create real value in our lives during times of crisis.
Did you know:
· Leaders who are Positive thinkers are more often linked to better outcomes.
· Leaders who model how to experience positive thinking are intentional in enhancing positive emotions in themselves and in those they work with
· A positive leader is interested in the success of the business as well as the development of the team.
YOU ARE INVITED TO CHECK IT OUT!
Live 2 Lead: a global leadership experience
October 9 (with content available for 3 days)
https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead-2020?ref=RP2Y8UXL
The title of this series in the Art of Leadership is called “As We Think so We Lead.” If you haven’t before, let me encourage you to consider thinking as a self-contained, autonomous activity. There is and will always be a need for thinkers. Look for me at https://www.healthyleadership.online to discuss ways to advance your own growth as a thinker. As a certified coach I would love to serve as a coach on your journey.
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Big Picture Thinkers
“As we think, so we lead” Part 1
There are several ways to learn big picture thinking. One way is to learn how to lead through ambiguity.
Learning to live with ambiguity is learning to live with how life really is, full of complexities and strange surprises.
James Hollis, American psychoanalyst
Quick definition: ambiguity arises when there is uncertainty in our next steps, when the process is vague or perhaps could go in two different ways with neither being right or wrong to get to an intended outcome.
What if rather than being disheartened by the ambiguity, the uncertainty of life, we accepted it and relaxed into it?
Pema Chodron, Buddhist nun in the Tibetan tradition
Here are three things about big picture thinkers:
1. Big picture thinkers have learned how to be comfortable with the kind of ambiguity I just shared. Not because they don’t care about the details, but because they have learned that there are time when big picture thinking is essential, particularly when headed into an unknown future.
2. Big picture thinkers learn to juggle different options without having to find “the one” that is perfect or right. Not because they are indecisive, but rather they have chosen to embrace the idea that having varied experiences, taking risks, learning from and helping others along the way expands their thinking.
3. Big picture thinkers stay focused on the outcome rather than trying to control every detail – every rock, vine and root along the way. I am not in any way suggesting that this kind of thinking moves a leader away from their core values but rather this kind of grounded leadership empowers a move towards thinking differently when the situation calls for it.
The mark of a mature, psychologically healthy mind is indeed the ability to live with uncertainty and ambiguity, but only as much as there really is. Uncertainty is no virtue when the facts are clear, and ambiguity is mere obfuscation when more precise terms are applicable.
Julian Baggini, British philosopher
If you are in a place where you need to be innovative, where you are looking for ideas and solutions to big problems, or where additional creativity is needed, consider pursuing the elements that will help you learn how to be a big picture thinker. You can start today with getting comfortable with ambiguity. Real ambiguity
If you want to cultivate the ability to think big picture, then you must get used to embracing and dealing with complex and diverse idea.
John Maxwell, leadership expert and author
The title of this series in the Art of Leadership is called “As We Think So We Lead”. If you haven’t before, let me encourage you to consider thinking as a self-contained, autonomous activity. There is and will always be a need for thinkers.
Resource:
Maxwell, J. (2009). How Successful People Think. Center Street: New York, p.8.
To discuss ways to advance your own growth as a thinker, reach out to me at www.healthyleadershp.online. As a certified coach I would love to help you
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LAUNCHPAD LEADERS. Home base
A conversation with launchpad leader Kelly Ellison
Advantages of being a launchpad:
1. Sets a standard for growth and being growth minded
2. Guides the hiring process
3. Helps leaders to get to know others in the early days of their employment.
4. Affirms other’s interests:
a. Seeing their dream’s goal
b. Being inspired to hope
Opportunities for launchpad leaders:
1. Recognize the reality that people are going to leave
2. Accept that investing in people is worth the emotional and operational toll
3. Assure that those on the launch pad stay long enough for character and leadership growth while bringing value to the business.
4. Avoid carrying the weight of another’s development
“Young leaders need be hungry to launch but humble to learn.” Kelly Ellison
Bottom line:
1. Bet on leaders and bet on hope
2. Being a part of the bigger picture is worth the risk.
Virtual leadership growth opportunity. October 9
Co- hosts Niña Ellison and Brian Pearson
Speakers this year include Alan Mullaly, Former CEO of Boeing Airplanes and Former CEO and President of Ford Motor Co., Steve Harvey, comedian, businessman and award winning show host and entertainer. Kat Cole COO and President of Focus Brands, and John Maxwell #1 Leadership Expert and Best-selling author.
To register: https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead-2020?ref=RP2Y8UXL
You can find me, Niña Ellison, at www.healthyleadership.online
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A Journeyman’s education
Personal Growth Initiative Part 4b
A Journeyman’s education on how to treat people:
1. Love people
2. Value the culture of the company
3. Acknowledge and know the company history
4. Listen to the storytelling as a powerful way to see values in action
5. Appreciate how people from different backgrounds and different cultures can come together and form something new….as they center on shared values.
“You must do much more than just experience life and hope that you learn what you need along the way. You must go out of your way to seize growth opportunities as if your future depended on it. Why? Because it does. Growth doesn’t just happen – not for me, not for you, not for anybody. You have to go after it. “
Resources:
Maxwell, J. (2012). The 15 Laws of Growth. Center Street: New York. P.13.
Ricciardi, Joe. At the intersection of love and leadership
As always, you can reach me at www.healthyleadership.online
You can connect with Brian Pearson at https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/brianpearson/
Brian and Niña are co-hosts for the global leadership experience. To sign up for the local event in South Carolina go to https://www.healthyleadership.online. Information for the virtual event will be coming soon.
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Intentionality: Part I
Personal Growth
Thoughts from Brian Pearson, Executive Coach:
Intentionality is based on your core valuesBeing intentional includes understanding the process but also the relationships that go with the processWith intentionality you learn to respect the people, the assets, the customers.Intentionality, over time, can be imbedded within a personIn this process, there is reciprocity. The one adding value gains valueNot everyone sees intentionality this way if instant results are the expectation.Mentoring in leadership is an intentional partnership. It is not designed to be an adversarial relationshipNext week: A journeyman’s education on how to treat people
You can connect with Brian Pearson at https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/brianpearson/
Brian and Niña are co-hosts for the global leadership experience. To sign up for the local event in South Carolina go to https://www.healthyleadership.online
Resources:
Robitschek, C., Ashton, M. W., Spering, C. C., Geiger, N., Byers, D., Schotts, G. C., & Thoen, M. A. (2012). Development and psychometric evaluation of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale – II. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 59, 274-287. doi: 10.1037/a0027310
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Using Resources
Personal Growth Initiative: Part 3
It becomes more and more evident that to stay the course – to become a sustainable healthy leader - personal and professional growth need to pursued. Both are needed to compound the consistent delivery of excellence during times of unprecedented change and perhaps, chaos.
Using resources:
The WHO: understanding the value of a reference group
The WHAT: test the choices of your resources
Jane Mandalios, published a tool that can help you. It is called RADAR
R: relevant
A: authority
D: date
A: appearance
R: reason for writing.
This week consider how you, as a leader, use resources to advance your growth.
We all know that when we are growing, we are healthier.
Everyone wins with a healthy leader.
Connect with Nina Ellison at https://www.healthyleadership.online/
Resources:
Hazledine, S. (n.d.). MedWorld. Five steps to creating a peer group that lifts you up. Retrieved December 16, 2018, from http://www.medworld.org/surround_yourself_by_people_who_fill_you_up_not_empty_you.
Mandalios, J. (2013). Radar: An approach for helping students evaluate internet resources. Journal of Information Science, Volume 39 (4). Page 470 – 478.
Offit, P. (2010). The Lancet retracts 1998 study linking autism to MMR vaccine. Infectious Diseases in Children. Retrieved from https://www.healio.com/news/pediatrics/20120331/the-lancet-retracts-1998-study-linking-autism-to-mmr-vaccine
Robitschek, C., Ashton, M. W., Spering, C. C., Geiger, N., Byers, D., Schotts, G. C., & Thoen, M. A. (2012). Development and psychometric evaluation of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale – II. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 59, 274-287. doi: 10.1037/a0027310
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Planning for Personal Growth
Personal Growth Initiative
No matter your profession or your role as a leader, it is well known that personal growth and professional growth are linked. Yet, what is not as well understood is the significance of the lag in your personal growth on the outcomes you deliver as a professional.
Just as balance is needed in your technical skills, called hard skills, and your people skills, called soft skills, so is balance needed in personal and professional growth.
Researcher Chris Robitschek and her colleagues have validated 4 elements critical to personal growth. Last week we talked about “Readiness for Change”. This week we are going to talk about a second skill validated through research that makes a difference in your personal growth: “Planfulness”.
In his book, How Successful People Think, Leadership expert John Maxwell shares several reasons why strategic thinking will help you to grow. Here are three:
#1: strategic thinking simplifies the difficult
Consider the exercise: STOP, START, and CONTINUE
#2: strategic thinking prompts you to ask the right questions
Consider the exercise: Clarify, Reflect, Confirm
#3: strategic thinking prepares you today for an uncertain tomorrow
Consider your core values
Some examples of core values:
Faith IntegrityCommunityAppreciationCreativityKnowledgeBalanceCompassionSuccess CompetencyGrowthExcellenceLet what you value drive your decisions.
You can reach me at https://www.healthyleadership.online/. On this webpage you’ll see a free 15-minute call. Reach out to me and let’s discuss how I can best support your growth and development.
Resources:
Maxwell, J. (2009). How Successful People Think. Center Street: New York.
Robitschek, C., Ashton, M. W., Spering, C. C., Geiger, N., Byers, D., Schotts, G. C., & Thoen, M. A. (2012). Development and psychometric evaluation of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale – II. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 59, 274-287. doi: 10.1037/a0027310
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Readiness for Change
Personal Growth Inventory: Part 1
Dr Chris Robitschek and her colleagues have validated 4 skills found in personal growth. And if all 4 are present then what these researches have demonstrated is that we can increase our personal growth. This is where we can have a powerful impact on our lives.
The first of these four skills is “Readiness for Change”.
The reality is that personal growth can only continue as you and I continue to be ready for change.
Here are 3 things I believe:
#1. Readiness for change never ends
#2. Change fatigue happens
#3. Your core values matter
Harvey, R. (2020). Turning Point Leadership Round Table. Global Core Strategies and Consulting. Connect with Ron at https://www.gcs.consulting/
Robitschek, C., Ashton, M. W., Spering, C. C., Geiger, N., Byers, D., Schotts, G. C., & Thoen, M. A. (2012). Development and psychometric evaluation of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale – II. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 59, 274-287. doi: 10.1037/a0027310
Sinek, S. (2019). The Infinite Game. Penguin Random House: USA.
Find me at https://www.healthyleadership.online/home
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The Age of Personalization
In leadership, the first person we learn lead is ourselves!
Four essential unique skills that have been validated within intentional personal growth by the work of Chris Robitschek, PhD and her colleagues are:
Readiness for ChangeUsing ResourcesPlanfulness Intentional behavior.Whether you are an entrepreneur, a leader with a formal title, or an individual who is engaged in making a difference in the work you do today, you can have an impact within this shift towards the Age of Personalization through your own personal growth.
You can find Niña Ellison at www.healthyleadership.online.
Resources:
De Freitas C.P., Damásio B.F., Tobo P.R., Kamei H.H., & Koller S.H. (2016). Systematic review about personal growth initiative. Anales de Psicologia, 32(3), 770-782. Retrieved from https://revistas.um.es/analesps/article/view/analesps.32.3.219101/196771
Robitschek, C., Ashton, M. W., Spering, C. C., Geiger, N., Byers, D., Schotts, G. C., & Thoen, M. A. (2012). Development and psychometric evaluation of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale – II. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 59, 274-287. doi: 10.1037/a0027310
