It's the start of a new decade and what we need from our leadership is different than in the past. At Be Leadership, we describe this emerging style as social leadership. Social leaders are collaborative, networked professionals, who proactively use both technology...
In his book The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg describes three steps to forming a new habit: We pick a “Cue” (or reminder), choose a “Reward” for when we are successful with our new behaviour, then execute the “Routine” or in simple terms, we practice the behaviour to...
When we listen, we often are trying to think of the next clever question we can ask. Or worse, our minds are wandering on to new topics. Practice active listening today. Focus on really understanding what is being said and try repeating back what you hear. #becurious...
Nonverbal communication makes a big difference in how people perceive and relate to you. Uncross your arms. If you keep your posture relaxed, inclusive and open, your team will respond by being more positive, aligned and productive. #beinclusive #connectionchallenge
Before you head into your next important meeting or conversation, take a deep breath, in through your nose and out through your mouth. In addition to providing other health benefits, it will release the tension in your neck and make you appear less aggressive....
Smiling lowers our heart rate, reduces stress levels and boosts our endorphins, putting us in a better mood and eliciting smiles from those around us. #begiving #connectionchallenge
Toddlers ask their parents an average of 100 questions a day. But by adulthood, we have nearly stopped asking questions altogether. In school and work, we are often rewarded for having the answer, but actually questions not only increase creativity and innovation,...
Do you know two people who would benefit from knowing each other? Making introductions can both help those in your network and create value. First ask permission, then take the time to craft an email sharing the unique strengths of each person and explaining why you...
Asking for feedback may make us feel vulnerable, but it also can increase trust levels in an organization. Opening up also may accelerate our development: When we share the skills we’re focused on building with others, research says we improve more quickly....
How often do you eat at your desk or on the run? Or skip lunch altogether? Eating lunch not only stabilizes our blood sugar levels and increases our energy, it can also provide time for socializing with our colleagues. Find someone you haven’t talked to properly in a...
Many of us feel we should keep our personal and work lives separate. But sharing what’s going on for us personally can give needed context to our colleagues and make them feel comfortable sharing in return. Vulnerability increases trust, and ultimately also improves...
As leaders we are often expected to be experts and have all the answers. This not only creates false expectations of each of us, it disengages our teams and increases business risk. Getting earlier input around plans and proposals makes for better decisions and...
We are in a hurry and we often will interrupt people when they are speaking, either to try to finish their thoughts for them or to make our voice heard. Resist this urge. Wait. Listen. Hear someone out. #bepresent #becurious #connectionchallenge
When we give to others, they are more likely to give back, and this creates a foundation for stronger relationships. Reflect back on the times in your life when you were most generous; experts say this will motivate you to be more generous today. #begiving...
Yale University psychologists have found that people judged others to be more generous and caring if they had just held a warm cup of coffee. Invite a colleague for a cup of tea or coffee and strengthen your connection. #begiving #connectionchallenge
Do you have an old colleague or manager you’d like to acknowledge for past support? Take the time today to let them know: Send an email, make a call or send a message via social media. Or maybe even write an old-fashioned card. #begiving #betransparent #beauthentic...
Sharing a laugh with your colleagues exposes vulnerability that can increase trust and subsequently improve productivity, learning and team effectiveness. #beauthentic #beinclusive #connectionchallenge
Before making a decision today, go ask the opinion of someone who is likely to have a different viewpoint. Not only does this help encourage better, more creative solutions, it helps build trust. #beinclusive #betransparent #becurious #connectionchallenge
In business we are often rewarded for taking decisive action. But when we keep our minds open slightly longer and ask questions to learn more, we often find we come up with better solutions. Try to pause before deciding today. #beinclusive #becurious...
Just 20 minutes of moderate daily exercise can make you happier and more productive. If possible, squeeze a walk, run, cycle ride or other workout into your schedule today. If not, add something active to your diary for the coming week. #bepresent #connectionchallenge