Posted on

Cognitive and empathic responses

Leadership requires moving between both cognitive and empathic responses. Think about things deeply and make decisions. Your staff also need to feel your emotions if you want them to follow you.

Did you know 80% of patients with diabetes don’t follow doctor’s instructions? So who does? Those who feel the doctors believe in them to do the right thing. They need to feel connected to the doctor.

How does your staff know that you believe in them? Have you talked to them lately and given them heartfelt support?

Some leaders say that they just leave their staff alone so that they can grow and develop. This is a cop out. Staff at all stages of development needs your connection to them. Set the vision and keep up the connection. Share what’s in both your heart and mind and watch your team blossom.

Posted on

Leaders need to percolate with new ideas… it’s worth it.

Often, leaders have great new ideas. They attend conferences, network and read and sometimes get very excited about implementing these ideas in their organization.  They bring these ideas to their team and wonder “why are they not as excited as I am about this new idea?” Why does there seem to be such resistance? This is so confusing for the leader who really believes this is the right thing to do.

Has this leader achieved any buy-in from the team?  Or does the group feel like this new idea is another in a long list of commands from the boss? It was just a suggestion but because you are the boss, some feel they have no option but to do what you are suggesting. These same people will get behind the leader if you take the time for an important process called “buy in”.  So how about just planting the seed?

Mention you heard about a new idea that might really help your organization. Ask for some of your staff to learn about the idea and then bring their thoughts to the next meeting. Be patient while they learn and maybe get excited themselves. Be open to their feedback. Maybe they will love the idea or have some different ideas.

Let others share your passion. Collaborative leadership builds strong teams. Are you up to giving this a try?