The Coach’s Corner Newsletter #91
You often discover what a key principal is in your life – when you observe the opposite.
Getting ready to interview a sports figure for a radio show more than a decade ago, I had notes from the previous game, a highlight to refer to and talking tips from conversations with my colleagues and producer. I was prepared.
Minutes before we were set to go live on the air the athlete arrived, without saying a word he walked to the table in front of us. He then put his head down on his forearms, and might have gone to sleep had it not been for his ‘handler’ reminding him he was leading off our show.
Thankfully, he did lift his head and we went ahead with the interview. For the record, not the best for any of us!
Reflecting on this moment, I know how critical it is to show up. Taking that a step further, showing up as a leader for your team, your org or your classroom requires that you demonstrate an interest in those around you, you engage with team members and you offer a solid direction. When that’s lacking, your leadership suffers.
Save the date:
Hey – I would love to see you at my free webinar: “How do you show up?”
Friday, February 28th from 9:00am – 9:30am CT. Sign up here.
THIS WEEK’S INSIGHT
Your leadership matters
When you think of a good leader, there are more than a few essential traits that may come up for you. And using an AI tool, you can instantly discover some awesome attributes:
Someone who demonstrates qualities like strong communication skills, integrity, empathy, a clear vision, the ability to inspire others, actively listens to their team, is accountable for their actions, and can adapt to changing situations while fostering a positive and productive work environment; essentially, they lead by example and prioritize the needs of their team while working towards a shared goal.
These might resonate because you’ve been led by some amazing men and women, or you’ve been disappointed in their leadership.
Wherever you are in your professional/life journey, whether you’re leading a company, a team, a classroom or a family – how you show up and engage with your people matters.
When you observe a group of people hitting their stride and achieving their goal, there’s often a strong leader in the mix.
Once you’re in the midst of a great leader, you get to witness first-hand what it’s like to work with integrity through their efforts to create, collaborate and partner with their team.
Effective leaders are those who go for it, following through on what they set out to do. They invite people to join them in their movement.
The result? You remember these individuals and how they make you feel, how they inspire you to take your work to the next level. Their leadership matters.
THIS WEEK’S TOOL
Be curious, communicate clearly, connect with others
- Be present
- Listen
- Ask questions
- Define a message
- Know your audience
- Keep it simple
- Be intentional
- Be vulnerable
- Meet regularly
- Demonstrate empathy
My takeaway
There is no question I have embraced the leadership qualities of those who walked with me through my life and professional journey.
From the high school speech and debate coach who led me to find my voice, to the university communications chair who directed me to find my profession. From the news directors, general managers, co-anchors and colleagues throughout my broadcasting career who partnered with me through thick and thin, to the ICF master coach whose course challenged my perception of what it means to coach and coach well. Leadership matters.
I carry nuggets of wisdom, courage and creativity from every one of these folks.
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
John Quincy Adams
Save the date:
Friday, February 28th, 9:00am – 9:30am CT, for my free webinar: “How do you show up?” Have you signed up to attend? Here you go 🙂
