July 2020 Leadership Development Carnival

Welcome to the July 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

Paula Kiger of Big Green Pen shared How businesses can repair the chasm created by racism. Paula writes: "It can be difficult to figure out where to start when trying to eliminate racism in the workplace. Starting with recognizing and eliminating microaggressions is a good beginning point." Connect with Paula on Twitter @biggreenpen.

Eileen McDargh contributed How to Move from Reactive to Proactive. Eileen explains: "In our current upheaval of anger, pain, confusion, and fear, the admonishment to stop, look, and listen could keep us from hurling invectives and instead, begin seeking understanding." Connect with Eileen on Twitter at @macdarling.

Mary Ila Ward of Horizon Point Consulting shared Do Only the Really Smart (or Stupid) Fly Without PowerPoint? Mary writes: "PowerPoint seems to be the default when we want to present ideas to a group. But what if we ditched the slides all together in favor of another way? Is it smart or just plain stupid ditching PowerPoint during a presentation?" Find Mary on Twitter at @maryilaward.

Diana Peterson-More shared (How to Avoid) Assuming Facts Not in Evidence. Diana explains: "It may sound overly formal, however “assuming facts, not in evidence,” is a common term used in the practice of law that has resonance in our daily communications. How often do we assume what someone else meant to communicate and then respond without first checking to see if we were correct? This is particularly problematic in the era of COVID-19 when many are feeling out of sorts. Uncertainty abounds, sensitivities are heightened, virtual meetings are ubiquitous, and the opportunities for miscommunication are multiplied. " Find Diana on Twitter at @DianaPMAuthor.

Jennifer Moreau-Chick of World For Good shared The Future of Sustainable Events Could Be Gamification. Jennifer writes: “As we adapt to our current situation, we are altering our habits and switching from face-to-face interactions to online connections, working remotely, and managing virtual meetings with business partners. This shift in behavior is laying the groundwork for the future of sustainable events. Event planners and corporations will want to protect the well-being of their stakeholders, as well as their financial investments by creating high-end and hyper-connected digital experiences that offer a way for stakeholders to foster relationships, make money, and have a one-of-kind experience – all from the safety of their homes.”

Inspiration

Ken Byler of Higher Ground Consulting Group contributed Why Leaders Need Imagination. Ken writes: "Many of today’s leaders lack imagination. They seem to believe that those they serve are too stupid or lazy to understand how to solve the world’s most pressing problems. Instead of engaging with them in a search for new possibilities, they seem content to blame, threaten, and label those who oppose or disagree." Connect with Ken on Twitter at @kenbyler.

Jesse Stoner of Seapoint Center shared Leadership Legacy and Vision – Recent Interviews. Jesse writes: "In these two interviews, Jesse Stoner discusses how the pandemic has thrown us into reactivity, that refocusing on a positive vision will allow us to move forward intelligently, and how collaborative processes empower us to take collective action to create a world that works for all." Follow Jesse on Twitter at @JesseLynStoner.

Development

Julie Winkle Giulioni shared Why ‘No Thanks’ is an Unacceptable Response to Development Today. Julie explains: "In the current environment, growth is not optional; it’s essential to surviving today and thriving as we enter the next normal. Emerging from this recession, reopening businesses, jumpstarting production and service streams, and responding to quickly evolving customer needs demands a deep and daily commitment to learning and development." Follow Julie on Twitter at @julie_wg.

Bill Treasurer of Giant Leap Consulting contributed The Question We All Must Answer. Bill explains: "Throughout your life and career, there is a critical question each person must continually ask themselves. It’s a question that forces personal responsibility and accountability." Follow Bill on Twitter at @btreasurer.

Marcella Bremer of Positive Culture contributed Positive Culture and Ego Needs. Marcella considers: "We have learned to obey, to excel, to compare, to know the answers, to love praise, to fear exclusion, to fit in, to judge, to look good, to aim for power, sensations, and money. Your Ego might need some work to contribute to a positive culture at work. Do you catch yourself wanting these 8 things?" Follow Marcella on Twitter at @MarcellaBremer.

Joel Garfinkle of the Career Advancement Blog shared 6 Vital Workplace Skills You'll Need to Succeed in the Future. Joel summarizes: "As AI, robotics, and machine learning take on increasingly central roles within organizations, employees will need to focus more on skills in the interpersonal and decision-making realms. You may already be considering how to upgrade your own skillset in order to stay relevant. " Find Joel on Twitter at @JoelGarfinkle.

Ann Howell of Science of Working contributed One Safety Net for Leaders During a Crisis. Ann writes: "In these troubled times, coaches provide a safety net for leaders by helping them bring their best selves into crisis situations." Follow Ann on Twitter at @drannhowell.

Jon Lokhorst of Lokhorst Consulting shared Be the CEO of your career. Jon explains: “It’s imperative to take ownership of your career trajectory. This was true prior to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s even more true now as we face continued uncertainty during the long recovery that lies ahead. Think of your career as a business and you are the CEO.” Find Jon on Twitter at @jonlokhorst.

Neal Burgis of Successful Solutions contributed Are You a Big Picture or Detail Oriented Leader? Neal explains: "The CEO is the big picture person within the company, yet it’s the second-in-command who works out the details and makes sure the tasks or projects the CEO wants is implemented. Working together needs both to work to get the work accomplished." Follow Neal on Twitter at @exec_solutions.

Linda Fisher Thornton of LeadinginContext contributed Leadership Lessons We Can Learn From Isolation. Linda shares: “Some people may think that the change we are experiencing as a result of COVID-19 is a temporary inconvenience, but it’s much more than that. It’s a wake-up call that we have been living too close to the edge, rushing through precious moments.” Find Linda on Twitter at @leadingincontxt.

Engagement

Marcia Reynolds of Covisioning Transformational Leadership provided Can You Just Shut Up? Marcia shares: "When uncomfortable, we often talk too much. If you just shut up, open up, and listen with compassionate curiosity, you can better understand what people need. You can learn what to say. Read for tips on how to receive instead of offer ideas." Connect with Marcia on Twitter at @marciareynolds.

David Grossman of The Grossman Group provided 6 Steps to Be More Empathetic. David shares: "In today’s world, we’re faced with a number of new challenges both in the workplace and at home – whether it’s our new working arrangements, impacts from COVID-19, looking inward as we shine a spotlight on societal issues, or something else – and our people need empathy. Here are 6 critical steps to demonstrate empathy in the workplace and better connect with your employees." Follow David on Twitter at @ThoughtPartner.

Diana Peterson-More shared Black Lives Matter - Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way: Actions to Take Now! Diana explains: "How do we change hearts and minds? We, consultants, deal with actions individuals can take in the service of a better individual, workplace, society, and world. By following the proffered advice and taking those actions, hopefully, the hearts and minds will change. This post depicts five actions leaders can take and have proven successful: some are from a national diversity task force I had the privilege of leading in my final corporate post, while others proved successful while working with diverse employee populations as a consultant." Find Diana on Twitter at @DianaPMAuthor.

Productivity

Steve DiGioia contributed 18 Ways to Stop Chasing Low Price Shoppers. Steve writes: "Leaders know how to lift a business up from its vicious cycle of mediocrity. They don't let past failed attempts stop their continued efforts to improve and low price shoppers and bargain hunters won't throw them off course. Here are 18 ways how to do it." Find Steve on Twitter at @stevedigioia.

Bernd Geropp provided How to stay focused at work when everyone wants your attention! Bernd shares: "Today it is difficult to stay focused at work especially as a manager. Everyone wants your attention: clients, colleagues, your employees, your boss! How can you stay focused and work on the most important things without distraction?” Find Bernd on Twitter at @moreleadership.

Wally Bock of Three Star Leadership provided Why and How to Become a Helpful Boss. Wally explains: "When you're a helpful boss, your wellbeing goes up and so does your effectiveness. Talk about a win-win!" Connect with Wally on Twitter at @WallyBock.

And More...

Jim Taggart of Changing Winds shared Are You Frozen by Too Much Collaboration and Teamwork? Jim considers: "It’s the human condition that thrives on individual uniqueness yet the desire to connect with others that makes us so complex. Trying to shove human beings into organizational holes slotted for pre-measured job descriptions and expectations is a fool’s errand." Follow Jim on Twitter at @72keys.

Lisa Kohn of Chatsworth Consulting Group shared Ways to build compassion into your culture and lead your team, now when it’s getting even tougher. Lisa presents: "Key steps leaders can take now to strengthen their work culture and break down old ways of doing things to allow for needed change." Connect with Lisa on Twitter at @ThoughtfulLdrs.

Randy Conley of Leading with Trust shared Do You See Me? A conversation among friends about bridging the racial divide. Randy shares: "In the midst of the protests about racial inequality, social justice, and police brutality, I held a conversation with four of my friends, all African-American men, to learn more about their personal experience with racism. The discussion was rich, educational, humbling, and impactful. I encourage you to watch, listen, and reflect on what you can do to keep this conversation alive in your own sphere of influence." Connect with Randy on Twitter at @RandyConley.

LaKay Cornell of Champagne Hippies shared The Intersection of Activists: BOLD Insights from Catalyzing Sustainability. LaKay considers: “Creating a sustainable culture requires more than reusable straws and organic food. It’s an All In strategy. These humans are doing just that - going all in for the planet + the people who inhabit it.”

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.