Advice for transforming leadership, culture, Curiosity, and communication from Beth Wonson
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Do you wonder why you aren’t awesome at strategic thinking? It’s pretty simple: The best strategic thinking happens when a group comes together who can negotiate, speak their truth, not take things personally, and leave a meeting speaking with one voice. These four factors shape the space for powerful strategic thinking. Watch this video to discover what my client learned about how to practice these skills. http://BethWonson.com/bit-of-beth
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The Isolated Leader
Isolation is a common thread among leaders who wish they hadn’t gone into leadership. The higher you move up in an organization, the less time there is to work in your area of passion and strength, the more you become the guard dog and keeper of secrets, and the fewer people you can talk to about decisions that weigh on your heart.Listen in for six characteristics of isolated leaders plus three simple strategies they can use to re-engage with their work, their life, and the people around them.
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Anger Bubbling Below the Surface
Can you really check your personal baggage at the office door? I believe that is unrealistic, and when you try to suppress what you are feeling, it will bubble up and come out sideways when you least expect it – which doesn’t serve you (or anyone else) well. http://BethWonson.com/bit-of-beth
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Shirt on Inside Out
If simple feedback is so uncomfortable, how can we possibly engage in high-stakes feedback? Next time you see me with my shirt on inside out (and you probably will someday), just let me know. I promise I won’t make you feel bad, and I will be very grateful. Where do you avoid important conversations because you fear feeling yucky? http://BethWonson.com/bit-of-beth
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Listen Up!
Hearing what someone said isn’t always enough – you may need to actually listen. Active listening takes a bit more work but will save you time and energy in the long run.Listen in (or read on) for: an explanation of active listening, three questions you can ask to encourage a deeper conversation, how little of your undivided attention is needed to satisfy others, and how one of my daughters taught me all this when she was just two-and-a-half years old.
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Find Joy in the Possibility
Not every opportunity that comes our way works out as we hoped – that is life. But what if, instead of holding back our joy just in case things don’t work out, we celebrated the possibility? When you consider how much time we spend in the possibility space, I’m thinking enjoying it could be the way to go!
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Shut the Dang Door!
“I have an open door policy.” Oh my gosh, those words just make me shudder. Why am I opposed to an open door policy when it’s often pushed as the way to be a “connected leader”? Because an open door policy has the opposite effect. When you have an open door policy, you’re not connected to or present for anything.Listen in (or read on) for how an open door policy hinders your productivity, robs the people around you of learning opportunities, and nibbles away at your time, plus 5 simple tips for setting things right.
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The Only Person I Can Manage Is Myself
Today I’m sharing one of the key mantras by which I live my life. Why? Because, frankly, I got sick of chaos and drama. How about you?
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“You can only call me for three reasons…”
Exhaustion and fatigue are common themes with many of my clients, and I’ve realized they haven’t given themselves permission to set boundaries. In fact, the tendency is quite the opposite. Somewhere along the way, we get the message to give all of our kindness, time, and energy to others and to keep none for ourselves. But nurturing ourselves first is the only sustainable way forward. Listen in for the surprising boundaries that set me free, a few words that create space, and one word that takes it away.
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Start With Strawberries: Lessons and Reflections from New CEO Cara Crye
A special treat: An interview with Cara Crye, new CEO of the Farm Supply Company. Cara began working at Farm Supply fresh out of college and worked her way up through the ranks to follow the prior CEO’s 52-year tenure. If you’re looking to move up within your organization, or even tap into a leadership position in a new organization, you are going to hear some invaluable tips and areas to begin working on so you can increase your self-awareness and become a charismatic, engaging, and successful leader.
Leveling up Leadership and Culture Through Healthy and Candid Communication
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