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Leadership and Life Blog
Quick tips, ideas, and stories that won't take much time to read and might help you consider new ways forward. We will cover leadership and life topics, which will be honest, vulnerable, and, at times, probably controversial. Feedback is welcome. The views expressed are those of the authors, and while we encourage debate, we ask for respect in any comments. If there are topics you'd like covered, we take suggestions too!
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Managing yourself
Leaders are tested during times of adversity. It can feel like many days are filled with nothing but tough decisions and employees...

Lisa Pickard
Jul 17, 2023
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Overcome
We all make mistakes. When we're honest about what went wrong and dig in to adjust the process, we can overcome most mistakes by...

Lisa Pickard
Jul 12, 2023
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Creating Opportunities
Some people are great at ideas. Others are masters of execution. Opportunity doesn't magically appear because an outstanding product has...

Lisa Pickard
Jul 5, 2023
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Is the train on the right track?
Feeling stuck with no control is a path to disengagement for good employees. Leaders who grant autonomy with support by encouraging new...

Lisa Pickard
Jun 27, 2023
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The full story
Leaders often keep more on their plates because it is easier to do it themselves than to teach others. Sometimes, an effort is made to...

Lisa Pickard
Jun 13, 2023
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Plan and Pivot
Every project needs a clearly communicated plan. It must also be ready to pivot for the greatest chance of success. Plans are like...

Lisa Pickard
Jun 12, 2023
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Momentum
Leaders that set clear expectations and direction while regularly communicating with their team often create more momentum. They have a...

Lisa Pickard
May 30, 2023
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Face it head on
The same standard of conduct should apply to everyone in an organization. No one should get a pass because of position, personality, or...

Lisa Pickard
May 24, 2023
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Leadership boundaries
I used to think that saying yes, and taking on anything and everything was the best way to show I was ready for the next promotion. In...

Lisa Pickard
May 23, 2023
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A different way through
There are many ways to do most things, even if we can only see one. Surrounding ourselves with people who complement our strengths, then...

Lisa Pickard
May 11, 2023
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Riptide
When new leaders join established organizations, the transition can sometimes feel uneasy. There's a melding of new and old ideas, but...

Lisa Pickard
May 10, 2023
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Blame or reframe?
Sometimes we have to rely on other people's actions to complete a project. Good planning and attention to detail can get you close to the...

Lisa Pickard
May 9, 2023
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Leading courageously
It isn't always easy to lead courageously. It requires self-awareness, acknowledgment of mistakes, and the ability to ask for help....

Lisa Pickard
May 4, 2023
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Scenarios for the win
There are various ways to acquire new skills. Books and online training are readily available, but the chance to problem-solve and...

Lisa Pickard
May 3, 2023
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In the mix
It might be easier to comment on the fringe of a meeting, to a colleague in a corner, or after the discussion, but that's not where the...

Lisa Pickard
May 2, 2023
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Fear not
Mistakes are going to happen; we're all human. As leaders, the best response is to remove the emotion as best we can and focus on the...

Lisa Pickard
Apr 27, 2023
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Is your company's past also your future?
Emerging leaders often look at senior executives as the standard to succeed. They'll emulate behaviors and sayings and structure their...

Lisa Pickard
Apr 19, 2023
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Messaging matters
Messages are only effective if received as intended. Consider multiple distribution channels: Email: Keep it brief, without emotion, and...

Lisa Pickard
Apr 18, 2023
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Awareness and fairness
Leaders who want consistent communication can schedule regular check-ins to provide all team members with clear, honest, positive, and...

Lisa Pickard
Apr 17, 2023
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Creating ownership
Employees feel valued when they are given ownership of the tasks under their control. If a learning culture is in place to ensure proper...

Lisa Pickard
Apr 12, 2023
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