Has it dawned on you yet that... - Dennis' Blog

Has it dawned on you yet that...

"Can a Leader Be Too Collaborative?"

12/26/2014

     I certainly advocate a collaborative style of culture. For leaders who do not naturally know how to engage collaboratively, I teach them.
     However, "Can a Leader be Too Collaborative?" Unfortunately, yes. The optimum leader is able to function extremely well in both directive and collaborative styles and has the good judgment to determine which is preferable based on the conditions and the people involved!
     Dennis

Exit Interviews Yield Valuable, Sometimes Surprising Information

11/28/2014

     Are you conducting exit interviews when employees leave? You probably should be.
     Leaders of healthy organizations seek feedback any way they can obtain it. And some individuals are more willing to provide explicit feedback when they know there is no possibility of negative repercussions.
     If you are already conducting exit interviews for individuals who leave, "Exit Interviews Yield Valuable, Sometimes Surprising Information" is likely to be simply a reinforce for you.
     Dennis

"Do You Let Them Vent?"

11/13/2014

     You, like many leaders, may prefer to not have to deal with "feelings." Maybe you prefer to keep your dealings logical, practical, and tangible.
     Ah, but those human beings; sometimes their negative feelings just get in the way. What do you do when someone--a peer or a team member--is so consumed with some situation that he or she can't focus logically?
     Consider the suggestions offered in "Do You Let Them Vent?"
     Dennis Hooper

"Successful Succession"

11/3/2014

     Okay, so you're a leader today. Some day, you are going to die.
     And when you do, what will happen to your organization?
     Even before then, you might want to start another business, or do some missionary or philanthropic work, or spend some more time with the grandkids and other family members.
     Perhaps you should begin now to think about how you are going to transition your legacy. Perhaps the article "Successful Succession" could help you start your thinking.
     Dennis

"Why Build Future Leaders?"

10/21/2014

     Isn't it easier to just hire needed leaders from the outside? "We let our competitors develop their leaders, and then we hire them away!"
     Yes, some organizations adopt that strategy, intentionally or otherwise. I think that's a poor long-term plan!
     For many reasons, it is far better to prepare for future growth by building your future leaders internally. Why? Take a look at the article entitled, "Why Build Future Leaders?"
     Dennis Hooper

"Do You Want to Be More Effective?"

9/11/2014

     As I work with my clients, I frequently ask, "What was your objective in that effort? And how effectively do you believe you achieved your objective?"
     When Stephen Covey entitled his book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, there's a very explicit reason he did not choose a different adjective.
"Effective" carries with it the connotation not only of success, but also of fostering relationships such that additional success with the same people is possible into the future!
     As I work with my clients, enhancing their effectiveness is my prime objective. So, what's involved in that? My start to answering that question is right here in "Do You Want to Be More Effective?"
     Dennis

"What's the Big Deal about Insights?"

8/25/2014

     My clients are working to enhance their leadership skills. They each have a personalized plan, crafted especially for him or her. We talk every week or so about progress being made.
    I start the conversation by asking about insights they've gained since we last spoke. Sometimes they are excited and looking forward to sharing what they've learned and how they are applying the new perspectives.
     Some clients, however, are a bit slow on the uptake. They don't seek feedback or paradigm shifts, and they just do their work without intentional awareness about what happens around them, to them, or because of them.
     For those individuals, I crafted this article: "What's the Big Deal about Insights?" I hope it makes a difference for them---and for you!
     Dennis

"Does Your Amygdala Hijack Your Rational Thinking?"

8/24/2014

     Most leaders probably think of themselves as logical, rational decision makers. However, our emotions are far more powerful than we like to acknowledge.
     Further, our response to emotional triggers is far faster than our cognitive thinking. Being aware of the triggers for your emotion is very beneficial for leaders.
     Take a look at "Does Your Amygdala Hijack Your Rational Thinking?" Then do some reflection about when you've made decisions based on your emotions.
     I welcome your thoughts--please share your insights, questions, and alternative perspectives with me!
     Dennis

"Executionary Evidence" vs. "Reporter Talk"

8/23/2014

     I'm sure we could list dozens of differences between running some kind of organization and being a coach. However, one of the most obvious (though I only recently applied a name to it), is the difference between "'Executionary Evidence' vs. 'Reporter Talk'."
     You can read the article, of course, to see more of the difference, but here's a quick distinction. "Executionary evidence" is when you witness a person's actions (and usually some of the effect of that action). "Reporter talk" is simply when someone tells you about what he or she has done.
     As a coach, I deal mostly with "reporter talk." Most of the time, I don't have the privilege of observing my client's behaviors. (It would probably help me--and my clients--a lot if I did!)
     Dennis

The Duplicity of 'Have a Nice Day'

7/12/2014

     A genuine desire to serve can't be reduced to a formula. However, far too many organizations have taught their customer service folks that "Have a nice day" is a requirement.
     Avoid being duplicitous with people you influence! Read "The Duplicity of 'Have a Nice Day'." Then do a self assessment (and hopefully celebrate!).
     Dennis