The Managers Toolkit Welcome to issue No. 079 of the Lever When I shifted careers from working offshore to working onshore, one of my new responsibilities was to write reports. Not just any reports; technical reports with specific criteria and guidelines that needed to be followed. I wasn't very good at it in the beginning. But I got better over time. Exposure and practice helped, sure, but the real key to improvement was the instruction and encouragement I was given by my manager. Before we...
23 days ago • 2 min read
The roadmap to success Welcome to issue No. 078 of the Lever How important is it to define your company's Mission, Vision, and Values? I believe it is the most important thing. But too often it turns into a cut & paste exercise, if it's even done at all. Here is what I've learned from leading successful MVV workshops: Before we start... Crafting a compelling vision means communicating it well. And clear communication follows the ABC's Accuracy Brevity Concise The best guide I've read on...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Welcome to issue No. 077 of the Lever Up to 60% of new leaders fail within the first 18 months in the role. Here are the top 7 reasons why this happens. But first, a book recommendation: Communication is one of the three core skills of effective leaders. The Pyramid Principle is my favorite book on the subject. It was written by a Mickinsey consultant to help people communicate complex topics in clear language. Not an affiliate link! Just a great book on communication. You finally got the new...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Welcome to issue No. 076 of the Lever The fastest way to become an effective leader isn’t tactics on how to give feedback, or keep a meeting on track. The fastest way to become an effective leader is to: • Adopt a handful of principles• Communicate them • Act accordingly This is what I mean But First... Check out this free course from 16-year leadership vet Julia Snedkova. As an ICF certified coach, Julia helps people level up and lead with impact. Get it over on X. What is a Principle? You...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Welcome to issue No. 075 of the Lever I hate the phrase "managing up". It sounds gross and prideful. Like your boss is a problem to be solved for. It implies incompetence, and that only YOU have the knowledge and skills needed to "save the day". And it gives you a convenient out when things go wrong. "I've been telling them that! If only they'd listened to ME." But the reality of your relationship with your boss is far more nuanced than that. And your upward communication needs a far less...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Leadership is Influence Welcome to issue No. 074 of the Lever Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less John C. Maxwell Maxwell’s famous quote means that the ability to influence others to achieve more than they think is possible is what defines great leadership. This also means that leadership is not determined by your title, because true leadership is earned through influence. So how do you influence people? You can tell them what to do, but if they aren’t following willingly then...
3 months ago • 3 min read
Don't sweep mistakes under the rug Welcome to issue No. 073 of the Lever Mistakes happen. People are fallible. You, me, all of us. So what do you do when somebody makes a mistake on your watch? Before we start... You don't need a title to make an impact. Regardless of your position, you can make an impact in your own way and feel good doing it. Check out this free 7-day email course from startup CEO Andrea Michalek. It will get you started quickly with the right tools, mindset, and momentum....
3 months ago • 2 min read
Welcome to issue No. 072 of the Lever Leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less. But influence to do… what? In the end it comes down to just one thing But first… Time management is a keystone skill for busy professionals. Learn how to manage your time across the big 5 areas; Personal, Professional, Life, Community, and Fitness. Achieve the balance you've been looking for. Get a copy today. You don't have to do it all. It probably feels like that somedays though. Like you are the...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Welcome to issue No. 071 of the Lever If you want to become a great leader then the first step is defining what great leadership is. But First... This is the first article in a new series I'm writing for my sister. We've been talking about leadership and I'm sharing what I know to help her succeed in her own career. I hope everyone takes something from this and welcome any and all feedback. What qualifies a person as a leader? Is it their position? Their title? Is it because they have a...
4 months ago • 1 min read