“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

George Bernard Shaw, Nobel Prize-winning playwright

This quote is a favorite of mine for a few reasons, but one of the main ones is that we often walk away from a meeting or a conversation and think we are all on the same page. But more often than not, that's not the case!

Sometimes we assume everyone thinks the way we do or has the same takeaways. But there are certain things we as leaders can't leave to chance. We can't allow assumptions to override good communication.

Effective communication is more important than ever. Whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or casual interactions, how we communicate can significantly impact our understanding, connections, and outcomes. Understanding the four types of communication—active, accepting, thoughtful, and questioning—can enhance our ability to engage meaningfully with others.

Let’s explore these...

As leaders, we don't want to just be positional leaders...we want to be EFFECTIVE leaders!

Effective leadership begins with self-awareness. By understanding our unique strengths and leadership style, we can better leverage our talents to inspire and guide our teams.

In the decade I have had working with leaders, I have noticed that self-awareness is not a given. There are many leaders who lack this and it creates a giant obstacle between them and their team.

What does self-awareness have to do with leadership?

Self-discovery matters because it allows us to lead with authenticity, because we can align our actions with who we are. If we don't know who we are, then how do we know we are showing up authentically? How can we serve others from a place of honesty and to our highest potential if we don't have a clear understanding of what that looks like?

Self-awareness helps us understand ourselves and expands our ability to make well-informed, strategic decisions that...

Have you ever had a mentor?

While there are many ways to define one, I tend to love Bob Proctor's definition the best:

"A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you."

Being a mentor isn't about telling someone how to do their job, though sharing advice is important, but it is more about helping someone to see their potential.

Whether you are someone looking to become a mentor or someone wanting to be mentored, here are some important things to know about why mentorship holds so much power.

1. Knowledge Transfer

Mentors provide a wealth of knowledge and experience that can significantly shorten the learning curve for emerging leaders. By sharing their successes, failures, and insights, mentors help mentees avoid common pitfalls and adopt best practices more quickly. This transfer of knowledge is invaluable, allowing mentees to build a strong foundation based on real-world experiences. It's been...

When you think about conflict, what comes to mind?

You probably think of arguments, misunderstandings, and disagreement. But conflict on a team is actually a sign that your team is working towards success not failure! It’s a natural part of human interaction when it's done in a HEALTHY way.

In fact, research has shown that constructive conflict within teams can lead to increased creativity and innovation. According to a study by Charlan Nemeth, a psychology professor at the University of California, Berkeley, groups that engaged in healthy debate generated more original ideas than those that did not.

Yes, you read that correctly: healthy conflict can lead to greater creativity, but also improved problem-solving and stronger relationships! That's because conflict encourages teams to evaluate different perspectives and ideas critically. While conflict may initially create tension, resolving it can also strengthen relationships and foster a sense of unity within the...

When you think of a leader, what comes to mind?

Sure, we all envision a high-ranking CEO or a boss in the workplace.

But what about a parent? A volunteer? They're leaders, too!

Knowing and believing we are leaders in some capacity throughout our daily lives, it's important to be continually asking those you lead one question:

"What support do you need today?"

Making this question a part of your regular conversation opens the door for a more genuine connection and mutual support that we all want in a group setting. Whether you're leading a group or you are a part of one, understanding the level of support needed for success is crucial. So why is this question so impactful?

First, it shifts the focus from assuming that we have all the answers, to being open to the idea that there are some unanswered questions and that more support is needed. How many times have you been in a situation where the outcome wasn't what another person in that group wanted, but it...

Leadership is the cornerstone of success in any organization. A great leader not only drives the company's vision and mission but also fosters an environment where high-performing teams can thrive!

Meanwhile, high-performing teams are the lifeblood of any successful business, and their creation and maintenance depend on the leadership's ability to inspire, guide, and empower their members. No pressure, right?

Former First Lady Eleanore Rosalynn Carter said it best:

“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” 

So how does a leader find the right people, get them in the same room, working towards the same goal, and get them into high performance mode? Here are some key strategies: 

1. Vision and Goal Alignment

A high-performing team begins with a clear and compelling vision. Leaders must articulate the organization's goals and mission in a way that resonates...