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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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Checklists
I have always loved a good checklist. I have (or had) a decent memory, but why expend the energy and force myself to remember every step?...

Lisa Pickard
Apr 11, 2023
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The silence trap
Great leaders develop relationships with their teams. These deeper connections often lead to more timely communication and prevent...

Lisa Pickard
Apr 10, 2023
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Game on
A static plan implemented with tunnel vision isn't ideal. The best plans are those that create progress and allow for adjustment. The...

Lisa Pickard
Apr 6, 2023
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Appreciation and recognition
Nearly every job requires asking someone to do something and to be asked something. It is the nature of work. The ask is necessary, but...

Lisa Pickard
Apr 3, 2023
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Prioritizing Mental Health
Physical and mental well-being isn't just a corporate talking point. It should be woven into a company's fabric like laptops are handed...

Lisa Pickard
Mar 29, 2023
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Effective and Efficient Teams
Managers and employers that uphold and reward hours of work instead of efficiency promote a system of overwork. Instead of prioritizing...

Lisa Pickard
Mar 27, 2023
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Everything's Fine
Creating a positive work environment isn't smiling and telling your team everything will be fine. An actual positive environment...

Lisa Pickard
Mar 23, 2023
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Common ground
Relationships are vital in successful teams, but sometimes finding common ground on critical issues can be tricky, causing friction or a...

Lisa Pickard
Mar 22, 2023
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No clear answer
Being a senior leader often means making decisions that don't have clear answers. It may also involve a limited timeframe. The time...

Lisa Pickard
Mar 16, 2023
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Alignment
It matters when driving your car and is also essential for your team. It sounds easy, but if you were to take each team member, put them...

Lisa Pickard
Mar 13, 2023
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First dates and new teams
Are you leading a new team? There is undoubtedly apprehension for you and your team. It is like a first date where no one knows what to...

Lisa Pickard
Mar 9, 2023
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Take the hard road
Unpredictability is a part of leadership (and life), as is the need to efficiently change course and help others respond to changing...

Lisa Pickard
Mar 6, 2023
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All of us, making us better
Leadership and management are about celebrating what works, not just improving what doesn't. There are a ton of brilliant examples out...

Lisa Pickard
Mar 1, 2023
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Train the brain
We all learn in different ways. If you’ve ever seen an incredibly effective trainer or sports coach in action, they give detailed...

Lisa Pickard
Feb 27, 2023
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Problem solvers
If you solve everyone's problems, you are a doer, not a leader. Leaders in healthy learning environments inspire others to identify...

Lisa Pickard
Feb 22, 2023
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One-on-One's
Building relationships and establishing trust as a leader is crucial in developing effective teams. Adhering to a regular schedule of...

Lisa Pickard
Feb 21, 2023
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Skills, Paths→Forward Together
Leaders who value the skills of their team don't need to worry about gaining all the knowledge themselves. Ongoing learning is critical,...

Lisa Pickard
Feb 14, 2023
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Building blocks
Leadership is a never-ending learning opportunity. Each experience teaches us a new way to prepare for the next possibility or challenge....

Lisa Pickard
Feb 13, 2023
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In the moment
Every day, leaders find themselves in situations that provoke emotional responses. Stress and fatigue can heighten these responses, and...

Lisa Pickard
Feb 7, 2023
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What am I doing?
Do job descriptions and role expectations matter? YES! They create purpose and focus. Stated expectations also create a common language...

Lisa Pickard
Feb 2, 2023
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