Leadership

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Are You A Fixer Or A Coach?

Recently, I’ve had conversations with business owners and leaders about the challenges they have helping employees solve problems. These conversations led to discussions on the difference between consulting and coaching, and what this means for leaders.

In simplest terms, consultants are often hired to help companies solve problems, and are brought in to provide answers to those problems. Coaches approach problems and challenges in an entirely different way; recognizing that most times, the client or employee already knows the solution but doesn’t see it.

As A Leader, Where Do You Stand?  

Most leaders have a choice to make each day.

Consultant or Coach?

Fixer or Developer of People?

Two of the leaders with whom I spoke mentioned recent, specific instances when they acted as Fixers. Employees approached them with problems, and the leaders fixed the problem.

In our conversations, both leaders realized Read more

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Why People Follow

If I were to ask you what four words best describe the reasons people follow leaders, what would you say?

Perhaps, strategic vision? Maybe resilience? What about strengths and emotional intelligence?

Certainly, these are important, but they don’t quite get it, according to Gallup. 

Research, Research, Research

As you know, Gallup has been on a quest to research strengths and leadership for many years. They have studied more than 1 million work teams, conducted over 20,000 interviews with leaders and have interviewed more than 10,000 followers across the globe to see exactly why they followed the leaders who were most important to them in their lives.

They asked one key question for the study:  Read more

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Lessons from Ice Cream and Snorkeling

Earlier today, I was gearing up for a sweet chocolate sundae in my kitchen. You know the kind – vanilla, Hershey’s chocolate, cold, smooth…with an open bowl and a handy spoon.

I tugged and tugged at the top of the Double Vanilla, Private Selection, almost-half-gallon-container, but,

It just wouldn’t come off.

It finally dawned on me that this particular brand of ice cream has what seems like a top-secret entry point on the lid. There’s one corner that allows easy access, and all it takes is a gentle, Read more

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Stick Your Head Under Water

I was at Spring Grove cemetery the other day – a common stopping point for me. It’s beautiful, quiet and my character strength of curiosity is always in full swing there.

I had just finished a short run, and as I was standing by the water, a couple of ducks snuck up behind me. There was no clucking or quacking, but the white duck started looking for something to eat in the green muck. As it searched, Read more

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Creating the Future

I recently had the great pleasure of helping to plan and co-facilitate an event positioned to share learning and create action for change here in Cincinnati! As part of the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Cincinnati program, this was the execution of my Leadership “class project.” But it was really so much more!  After seven months of planning and with over 100 registrants, you can imagine Read more

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