by STRONG | Apr 12, 2020 | Learn + Grow
Leadership is a word that is often tossed around and loosely used this day and time. So, what makes a good leader? Is it their ability to lead or their ability to follow? People spend millions of dollars each year in an effort to empower and equip themselves with the tools they believe are necessary to achieve their goals. However, there are usually 8 characteristics you should seek in their quest for leadership. These characteristics are not rocket science, but they are simple enough that many people forget just how impactful they can be. Grab a pen and paper during this quarantine lesson and see how many of these you can implement in your journey to enhance your leadership skills.
1. Connection : Either you have it or you don’t. Leaders speak in a language that interests their audience. They are clear about what they are offering and why it adds value to a particular area.
2. Direction : Great leaders will not dote over you following them. they want to see how what they offer gives presence to your growth. No to be confused with, taking credit for your accomplishment, but acknowledging your process in your evolution.
3. Perception : When things are implied, but not clear, true leaders speak to the elephant to find a resolution versus applying a bandage in hope that the wound will not seep through.
4. Redirection : Understanding when it is time to redirect is a leader’s trait. Leaders do not rest in the failure they use it to push them further into the pivotal direction of their next opportunity.
5. Critical Thinking : Having data and information from research is important. however, the ability to encounter situations that have not been charted before and come out on the other side is vastly more important. Leaders will not be bound to information they are given, they have to execute based on long vision.
6. Empowerment : Leaders are not opposed to building others. Creating opportunities for others to do what they do best can generate new ideas, build morale and possibly the bottom line. A leader who understands a person’s strengths can help curve weakness and inspires self-development.
7. Clarity : A leader is clear on their vision. There is no question as to the vision and what task needs to be accomplished once a direction has been given.
8. Co-Communication : Effective communication is the cornerstone of leadership. being able to convey what you mean and what needs to be done is paramount in leadership. While giving direction is often spoke about, receptive communication is not always addressed. The ability to listen and interpret what someone needs is just as important as telling someone what you need. Leaders co-communicate, meaning they do both efficiently.
After reading through these 8 characteristics what areas do you think you are strongest and weakest? What can you do this week to start improving in the areas that need work and enhance those where you currently deem yourself to be effective. Remember, leadership isn’t just about running a business, leadership is about running your life. The better you become at growing in who you are the more it spills over to other aspects of your life.
by Altimese Nichole | Feb 23, 2016 | Learn + Grow
Corporate America is full of great opportunity and deep land mines. As you climb the corporate ladder, it’s critical that you learn the career pitfalls through shared wisdom instead of personal experience. Although experience is the best teacher, learning from others can help you miss the mistakes and mishaps that could be avoidable.
Here are five words of wisdom that were passed on to me from career mentors and professionals:
- Stop asking if you can have it all. Men have been doing it for years, so the question is unnecessary. Just go after what you want and just do it.
- Balance is not only important but it’s necessary. Don’t spend so much time investing in work that you forget the ones and things that truly matter.
- Attire does matter so dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.
- If you’re in the midst of a difficult conversation via email, it’s best to type your response and hold off on sending it.Walk away or come back to it later in the day to review the draft.This will allow you the opportunity to ensure the appropriate tone and response. When in doubt, save draft.
- Do not participate in gossip. Simply don’t do it. People that you think are not paying attention, see and hear it all and your association with the drama can become detrimental to your career growth.
What are some words of wisdom that have helped you navigate your career?
XOXO,
by Altimese Nichole | Feb 9, 2016 | Learn + Grow
In the corporate world, having to deal with a hostile or difficult work environment is inevitable. The longer we work with others, the more apparent our differences become. The differences are not a bad thing but how we respond to them can be. Here are the 3 R’s to practice when dealing with a difficult work environment:
- Reflect upon your actions first.
When faced with conflict, it’s easy to play the blame game. “Why are they doing this to me? What did I do to them? Because of them, I can’t.” Sound familiar? Before seeking fault, look within yourself and see what you could possibly do to bring light to the situation. Often times, people resist change and the things (or people) they don’t understand— or can most associate with. We tend to have a lot in common with the people who irritate us the most. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but its worth considering before pointing out the flaws of another person.
- Remember your WHY.
Think of all of your dreams, desires, and goals. Now think of your family and where you envision yourself being 5 years from now. What does that picture look like? Does your workplace align with that vision? If so, remember your WHY. Along with great reward comes great responsibility. The adversity is simply preparing you for the greatness ahead (the resilience you will need once you get there). This very moment is preparing your for something, don’t fight against it. Ironically, when you begin to see it from this lens– the issues with co-workers begin to disappear, simply because it’s not important. Every company has office politics; it’s our job to find the one that we can deal with while striving for our goals . If your job doesn’t align with your WHY, run quickly to find one that does. We all have one life to live– why waste time outside of purpose? The only person dictating your career is YOU. Take ownership of your title as CEO of your life– and do what you must to get where you should be.
- Rise Above
Remember, “Birds of a feather flock together; Eagles soar alone.” Even in the midst of injustice, we must push past our desire to be understood and heard– and rise above. Take the high road and using prayer and kindness as your weapon of choice. Is this hard to do? Absolutely. Is it still necessary. Absolutely. People are always watching and its often people you least expect. The ignorance, pettiness, and gossip within the workplace is not worth stepping out of character. Rise above it all.
When you’re faced with workplace annoyances; Reflect, Remember and Rise.
Do you have any additional tips for dealing with a difficult or hostile work environment?
Share your insight with us!
XOXO
by Altimese Nichole | Jan 16, 2016 | Learn + Grow
The longer we live, the more “real” life gets. With a new year, we strive for new growth and a new perspective. However, have you noticed that through our efforts, it seems as if things continue to happen that keep us from moving forward? For every two steps taken, life happens and we’re forced to take ten steps backward.
When chaos happens in life, here are a few tips to help keep us grounded:
Prayer and Meditation
Prayer changes things and when it doesn’t change within our time table, it gives us the internal peace to remain hopeful while we wait. Through prayer, meditation follows. Worry is simply a perverted version of meditation. When we think on things and ponder on thoughts, we meditate and feed the thoughts (good or bad). For people like me, I find myself seeking the surrounding of people when I should be praying instead. Push through the desire to share with others and simply seek God.
Dive into your passion
During chaotic times, it’s very easy to meditate on your situation instead of things that make you happy or fulfilled. If you love writing– write. If you love art or music, spend time feeding that love. It will help you to not focus on the negative
Speak life
Our words are extremely powerful. When we speak about our situations, we make them larger and our faith smaller. Even in the midst of venting, we’re allowing our words to simply manifest more of the things that we’re venting about. Instead of saying “I can’t seem to get it right” say “I will get it right soon.” Instead of saying “I can’t seem to have enough money.” say– “My needs are being met in abundance and money is a resource that I receive freely.”
Did I mention, pray? Then pray some more?! Okay, great!
What are some ways you maintain peace in the midst of chao? Share with us your techniques!
XOXO
by Altimese Nichole | Jan 16, 2016 | Learn + Grow
We’re preparing for a new year that’s right around the corner! As 2015 comes to an end, many of us are setting our sights on what’s to come for 2016. As we prepare to to set new goals, here are a few tips to make those goals fool-proof:
Write out your goals
There is a very clear reason why the Word of God tells us to write our vision and make it plain. When we write out our goals, we plant the seeds into the earth. We begin to turn our dreams into tangible goals that can become reality. Additionally, the act of writing out goals helps us to wrap our minds around our desires and what the success will look like. We must first visualize success before we can walk into it.
Periodically check-in to track your goals
Many of us are great at writing goals once a year and calling them “New Year Resolutions” but how many of us actually look at those goals throughout the year (or attempt to push through the moments of quitting during the duration of the year). To see a goal manifest, we must develop in self-discipline and persistence. Reviewing goals throughout the year helps us to keep our end goals in mind.
Have an accountability Partner
It’s important for us to protect our goals and be mindful of the confidants we have as it pertains to our deepest dreams and desires. However, it’s also wise to seek an accountability partner– who can help push you to your success. Not only is this person a well-trusted advocate, but they’re intentions are purely the help you achieve the things you want to do in life. Tell your accountability partner your goals and be okay with them checking in on your progress! That’s what they’re there for:).
Use Fear, doubt, and Uncertainty as Motivation
Fear will happen as you strive to meet your goals. Life will bring curve balls and things will not go as planned. In the midst of these times, it is critical for us to stay focused on the coarse, shift our sail as needed, and use all adversity for motivation. Just because things happen that are not expected, it doesn’t mean that we will not achieve the goals we set out for. Be open to change and learn as your go.
What other tips can you add to the list for our STRONG family?
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