April 2020 Leadership Development Carnival

Welcome to the April 2020 Leadership Development Carnival! We’re excited to share posts from leadership experts from around the globe on the topics of  communication, development, engagement, motivation, productivity, team building, and more.

Communication

John Stoker of DialogueWORKS contributed Managers, here's your guide to effective feedback. John shares: "Sometimes it is helpful to think about the critical skills for giving feedback to others. Taking a moment to be more deliberate about how we offer feedback to others can help to improve the way that we deliver our messages more effectively." Connect with John on Twitter at @JohnRStoker.

Paula Kiger of Big Green Pen shared Overcome social distance with empathy in leadership. Paula writes: "Although we are all being required to be socially distant in one way or another, that doesn't mean leaders can't try to bring people together with a common purpose. Empathy is one of the keys to making this happen." Connect with Paula on Twitter @biggreenpen.

Eileen McDargh provided How Not to Screw Up Communicating. Eileen explains: "Human language separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom, but too often, we respond to the wag of a dog’s tail instead of the message given by the CEO. Learn four sure-fire ways to get a message across, remembered, and repeated." Connect with Eileen on Twitter at @macdarling.

Bill Treasurer of Giant Leap Consulting contributed Now That the Conflict Is Over, How Do I Recover?. Bill summarizes: "Conflicts and struggles aren't new. It's how we respond to them that differs. Right now, as a leader, focus on your response because everyone else will be, too." Follow Bill on Twitter at @btreasurer.

Karin Hurt of Let's Grow Leaders provided How to Connect Better with Friends and Family Over Video. Karin shares: "One of the true delights during this challenging time of social distancing is watching the creative use of technology—not only as we work from home, but in our personal lives as well. The world is proving that connecting with your friends and family over video is an easy and inexpensive way to bring a bit of joy and connection during these scary times." Follow Karin on Twitter at @letsgrowleaders. 

Crisis Leadership

Steve DiGioia contributed Keep Moving Forward Through These Difficult Times. Steve writes: "Politicians bicker about what’s the best course of action during this Coronavirus shutdown and how much financial support to give each American. Has-been musicians pontificate while sitting in their rose petal-strewn bathtubs. The tone-deaf 'influencers' still post bikini photos, and 20-somethings frolic on the Florida beaches. Everyone handles situations differently. But someone must carry the load and be ready when the world gets back to 'normal.' Will it be you? Will it be me?" Find Steve on Twitter at @stevedigioia.

Julie Winkle Giulioni shared A Manager's Guide to Navigating High-Stress Times. Julie explains: "Given current events and the unprecedented anxiety facing employees today, leaders need some tangible behaviors and approaches for connecting with others. This article and video offers actionable strategies for working with others during these stressful times." Follow Julie on Twitter at @julie_wg.

Lisa Kohn of Thoughtful Leaders Blog shared How to lead Thoughtfully in these times of fear and uncertainty. Lisa shares some essential tips for bringing us all together to find solutions and to lead–and live (and love)–Thoughtfully going forward. Connect with Lisa on Twitter at @ThoughtfulLdrs.

Mary Ila Ward of Horizon Point Consulting shared 4 Keys to Leading through Crisis. Mary writes: "We are experiencing unprecedented times. It is scary and unnerving for everyone, especially those leading during this time of crisis. Here is what I’ve learned leaders need to do during all situations of leadership, but most especially when leading through a crisis." Find Mary on Twitter at @maryilaward.

Liz Weber of Weber Business Services provided Can You Lead When Your Team is in Crises?. Liz writes: "This new reality we're facing as a country is a BIG change. How you lead your team through this change will speak volumes about your leadership." Connect with Liz on Twitter at @lizwebercmc.

David Grossman of The Grossman Group provided Stay Calm and Lead On. David asks: "How do we as leaders rise to the occasion during unprecedented times like these and help lift our people up, instead of sinking them into more uncertainty and despair? Here are a few thoughts to consider." Follow David on Twitter at @ThoughtPartner.

Ken Byler of Higher Ground Consulting Group contributed Optimism or Hope? Choose Wisely. Ken writes: "In times of crisis, leaders should model hope, not optimism. Hope accepts reality. It acknowledges our fears. But more than that, hope calls on the power of the human heart to choose love and compassion in the face of despair and cynicism." Connect with Ken on Twitter at @kenbyler.

Development

Chris Edmonds of The Purposeful Culture Group provided Culture Leadership Charge (Video): Build a Stress-Purging Culture. Chris shares: "Workplace cultures riddled with stressed-out people are environments built on uncertainty—not healthy uncertainty, which can fuel ownership, engagement, creative problem solving, and high performance—but fear that arises when people aren't sure they will continue to be valuable. Here's help." Follow Chris on Twitter at @scedmonds.

Joel Garfinkle of the Career Advancement Blog shared Balance your Workload on High-Visible Projects. Joel summarizes: "If you've been working to take on increased responsibilities, you might find yourself asking if you've bitten off more than you can chew. Whether you're still preparing to take on increased responsibilities or you've already taken that step, answering these questions will help you tame the chaos in your schedule." Find Joel on Twitter at @JoelGarfinkle.

Ann Howell of Science of Working contributed Cumulative Disadvantage. Ann asks us to consider: "Women face a series of small biases and injustices at work that add up to a significant cumulative disadvantage. Do you experience any of these issues?" Follow Ann on Twitter at @drannhowell.

Sean Glaze of Great Results Team Building shared Three Astonishing Productive Questions to Ask YOURSELF in Adversity. Sean writes: “If you are facing adversity, you can either suffer through it and wait for things to change, or you can lead by asking yourself these three astonishing questions – and then acting on the answers your mind provides.” Find Sean on Twitter at @leadyourteam.

Motivation & Productivity

Rich Brandt of RDR Group provided Calming Fear and Enjoying Happiness. Rich asks us to consider: "How is it possible to not panic when you are facing potential disaster? The answer: brain chemistry, and knowing what brings happiness. Here are 3 simple tips to help you start enjoying happiness a bit more."

Susan Fowler shared Strategies for thriving when emotionally hijacked. Susan writes: “How do you avoid being emotionally hijacked when dependence on fear as a motivator is so deeply embedded in the leadership psyche? How do you create the positive and sustainable energy to overcome negative emotions, counterproductive behavior, sadness and depression—all proven enemies of the health and well-being you are trying preserve? Now more than ever, we need to invoke peace by practicing three truths of motivation.” Connect with Susan on Twitter at @fowlersusann.

Neal Burgis of Successful Solutions contributed Leaders Cultivating Curiosity. Neal explains: "Every day offers opportunities to listen to new ideas, learn new things and try something different. Stay ahead of your competition with being curious and explore the world around you." Follow Neal on Twitter at @exec_solutions.

Jim Taggart of Changing Winds shared Effective Leaders Begin With the End in Mind. Jim considers: "Taking the time for reflection and strategic thinking now requires concerted self-discipline. For those people leading teams, whether project-based or intact, and especially for those leading organizations, now is the time to reassert your leadership." Follow Jim on Twitter at @72keys.

Wally Bock of Three Star Leadership provided Leadership’s Dirty Little Secret. Wally summarizes: "You may have great reasons to want to lead, but if you want to succeed, you’d better love the work." Connect with Wally on Twitter at @WallyBock.

Remote Work

Shelley Row of Insightful Leadership shared The Over-Thinker's Guide to Working at Home Effectively. Shelley considers: "Extended periods at home offer two challenges: productivity and connection with colleagues. Here are four areas to master to remain productive and connected when working from home." Connect with Shelley on Twitter at @shelleyrow.

Beverly Crowell of Designed Learning shared A Practical Guide for New Work-at-Homers. Beverly writes: “To help you survive and maybe even thrive in this 'new normal,' here are some of my most practical (and real) tips for working from home.” Connect with the Designed Learning team on Twitter at @FlawlessWrkshps.

Randy Conley of Leading with Trust shared 4 Areas to Address in Your Coronavirus Working Virtually Strategy. Randy shares: "The desire to contain the spread and impact of the COVID-19 virus has led many organizations to require their employees to work from home. However, there’s a big difference between occasionally working from your kitchen table and setting up shop in your home for an extended period of time (or permanently)." This post considers four key areas to help your employees succeed in the virtual environment. Connect with Randy on Twitter at @RandyConley.

Team-Building

Ken Downer of Rapid Start Leadership provided Team Rituals: 35 Pretty Good Ideas to Strengthen Your Culture. Ken shares: “One of the oldest and most powerful ways to strengthen team culture and strength is through team rituals. Here’s an example of one such team ritual, and 35 other ideas to help you strengthen the bonds of your team.” Follow Ken on Twitter @RapidStartLdr.

Marcella Bremer of Positive Culture contributed Culture: working with idiots?. Marcella considers: "When you're in virtual meetings, different behavior styles may surface even more than in-person. If it feels like you're working with idiots—check yourself. What’s your preferred style ? Does that match the culture? Accommodate your style to better collaborate with others." Follow Marcella on Twitter at @MarcellaBremer.

And More...

Jon Lokhorst of Lokhorst Consulting shared How to Make the Business Case for Change. Jon explains: “McKinsey & Company’s research suggests that 70 percent of change efforts fall short of their objectives or fail altogether. That creates a challenge for you as a leader to obtain approval for change initiatives, when you are not the ultimate decision-maker. Increase the likelihood of getting approval from your superiors by making a strong business case for your change proposal.” Find Jon on Twitter at @jonlokhorst.

Heather Stagl of Enclaria contributed How to Approach Change-Resistant Groups. Heather considers: “Are there groups of people in your organization who are known for being resistant to change? Or perhaps your whole organization is change-averse? What you do next makes a huge difference on whether or not you'll get anything done.” Follow Heather on Twitter at @heatherstagl.

Lisa Fain of Center for Mentoring Excellence shared 4 Ways to Test Mentoring Assumptions. Lisa writes: "When mentoring partners make assumptions about one another or about their mentoring partnership without checking them for accuracy, it can lead to misunderstandings and erosion of trust and communication. Here's how you can start your relationship the right way." Connect with Lisa on Twitter at @lzfain.

Thank you to everyone who submitted articles for this month's carnival! If you would like to be added to the distribution list for submission calls, please fill out this form and we'll be happy to add you to the list.