![\"Leadership](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.karlbradley.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Leadership-sythesis-Wordle.png?resize=676%2C440&ssl=1\")
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Leadership can definitely be puzzling at times with the myriad of people & stuff issues we encounter each & every day. \u00a0It’s more art than science! \u00a0The world is changing at a speed faster\u00a0than humans have ever experienced before due\u00a0largely to technological advances. \u00a0This fact alone makes our leadership foothold paramount to balancing the needs of the people & enterprise we\u00a0serve. \u00a0In taking notes on the leadership sessions, books, videos & podcasts, some of the same themes keep\u00a0appearing (some are listed in the wordle). \u00a0These soft skills\u00a0are so interconnected we often don’t realize when we’re utilizing\u00a0them. Awareness is the key for those who’ve decided to focus on helping others. \u00a0Here are some ideas on the “C’s”…Coach, Communicate, Courage, Care, Compassion & Character.<\/p>\n
Coach<\/span><\/p>\n Think about the best boss you ever had. \u00a0My bet is they never lost faith in you. \u00a0They gave you their best so you could be at your\u00a0best. \u00a0Whatever their personal style, they knew how to connect with others in order to help develop their talents into strengths. \u00a0Figuring out our individual approach is critical. \u00a0Asking for meaningful feedback can be hard but taking it to heart proves even more difficult. \u00a0When are we at our best? \u00a0Remember the best you experienced & discover how you’re going to be the best. \u00a0Strive to be the best coach you ever had or wish you had!<\/p>\n Communicate<\/span><\/p>\n How we come across to others can sometimes be a mystery. \u00a0After all, we are only responsible for how we deliver messages. \u00a0We are not responsible for how others understand what’s being delivered. \u00a0However, knowing our audience is something we can know & adjust to. \u00a0Public speaking is a skill that everyone can learn. \u00a0It’s utilized each & every day with all kinds of different size groups & dynamics. \u00a0This skill alone helps us be true to our word & know how to become comfortable when anxiety hits. \u00a0Additionally, e-mail is not communication, it’s information dissemination & you can’t derive tone from it. \u00a0You can’t lead from this medium either. \u00a0True communication happens\u00a0eyeball to eyeball. \u00a0Preparing for this takes dedicated thought, ensures we stay impeccable to our word & is a natural extension of the other “C’s”!<\/p>\n Courage<\/span><\/p>\n It takes a lot of this to navigate todays work\/life balance challenges. \u00a0The ability to truly embrace change with an open mind can be tough. \u00a0Great ideas have a shelf life & the things we are doing now were great ideas once. \u00a0Creating the environment to listen & accept new conceptual thoughts that challenge old great ideas is the key to moving forward. \u00a0Some routine has to be in place so we\u00a0can’t change everything but a little now & then won’t hurt, it will help immensely. \u00a0Avoid being jealous, especially if it’s your great idea that is being questioned, everyone appreciates it when we take the high road!<\/p>\n Care<\/span><\/p>\n A mentor of mine shared this thought a few years ago. \u00a0When a coach\/teacher stops being actively involved with a person’s\u00a0development\u00a0it’s not that they don’t care it’s just that they know the person has stopped caring. \u00a0There are many reasons for this of course. \u00a0But this realization doesn’t mean the coach has given up on the individual. \u00a0There’s simply an\u00a0engagement issue or they are ready for someone else to provide meaningful growth focus. \u00a0They need a new mentor or a new challenge. \u00a0Hook them up with their next great coach or opportunity & time will show them not only the value you had on their development but that you actually did care. \u00a0Courageously caring for another is always worth the energy expended\u00a0for both parties!<\/p>\n Compassion<\/span><\/p>\n Everyone we come in contact with is struggling with something we know nothing about unless we ask. \u00a0Displaying this trait along with some empathy will provide the glue to keep the team together. \u00a0For me, it’s slowing down to listen. \u00a0Listening as intently as we desire to share will show kindness & it always works. \u00a0Seek first to understand then be understood. \u00a0Displaying a degree of gratitude can also show we appreciate their efforts. \u00a0Connecting what they’re good at to the work equals maximum engagement. \u00a0After all, we are human beings not human doings, right?<\/p>\n Character<\/span><\/p>\n From a very early age our foundation for life is forged. \u00a0This is often referred to & described as our character. \u00a0This is where we must stand tough for what we truly believe in. \u00a0Discover & re-discover what it is we\u00a0really value & model it in everything we\u00a0do. \u00a0This will lead to what & how we’ll stand up for in our dealing with people. \u00a0These intellectual differences are the true diversity we need to have patience to understand. \u00a0The perseverance to find mutual connection points leads to trust in any organization.<\/p>\n The farther away from “doing” we get in our careers the less relevant we become to the enterprise we serve. \u00a0Not being relevant can be scary because we tie so much of our worth to\u00a0knowledge gained & accomplishments of yesterday. \u00a0For organizations to survive long after we’ve gone creating & inspiring new leaders must be the goal. \u00a0No matter if they stay or go off & do their own thing somewhere else it’s making work\/life better. \u00a0And that’s worth it for sure!<\/p>\n There are so many other aspects of the “C’s” to delve into. \u00a0For now, these are my thoughts\u00a0& I’d love to hear yours if you feel inclined. \u00a0Michael Jordan said, “I can’t accept not trying!” \u00a0So…take some\u00a0shots. \u00a0You’ll miss a few along the way but what we learn will inspire others to do the same!<\/p>\n The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there!<\/p>\n All the best,<\/p>\n