Leadership Archives -

Embracing Diversity to Foster Unity and Inclusion

My Journey with International Women's Day While International Women's Day (IWD) is a time for celebration and reflection, I confess that my relationship with it is complex. I love celebrating our achievements as women and using the platform to inspire and empower other women, because it is a worthy cause and still extremely necessary. However, it also serves as a reminder that leadership should consistently honor the uniqueness of all individuals, acknowledging that we are all minorities in some aspect, whether it pertains to gender, race, culture, interests, learning styles, behavioral preferences, values, experiences, or family traditions. It's easy to…

Living Your Eulogy: Leadership Lessons from a Life Well-Lived

In the quiet reflection that follows the loss of a loved one, we often find ourselves contemplating the essence of life and the legacy we're building with each passing day. My father, John Eastwood, was a successful ‘gentleman’, whose recent passing has profoundly reminded me of the values that underpin not only my personal life but also the foundation of our company, E Equals Why. Our commitment to authentic leadership, treating people with dignity and respect, and achieving meaningful results is a direct reflection of the lessons my father provided throughout his 84 years. John's life was a testament to…

The Success Formula for Leaders to Always Remember the Basics

Introduction In the relentless pursuit of excellence and progress, even the most seasoned leaders can find themselves veering off course, caught in the whirlwind of day-to-day operations and unforeseen challenges. This deviation is not a reflection of their capabilities but the consequence of navigating the complex landscape of leadership. It underscores a fundamental truth: every leader, irrespective of their experience or success, needs periodic reminders of their core responsibilities and best practices. Imagine leadership as a journey on a vast, dynamic sea. To navigate these waters, a captain relies not only on their seasoned instincts but also on their compass…

Maximizing Impact with Face-to-Face Meetings: A Tactical Guide for Modern Managers

In today’s professional landscape, dominated by remote work and digital communication, the role of face-to-face (F2F) meetings has evolved significantly. For modern managers, these meetings have transformed from routine team gatherings to strategic opportunities for individual and small group engagements. This article explores practical steps for effectively planning and conducting 1:1 and small group F2F meetings, turning them into a competitive advantage and a cornerstone of effective leadership. Understanding the New Dynamics of Work The onset of remote work has not only altered our daily routines but also fundamentally changed how we connect and collaborate with our teams. The physical…

Navigating Layoffs and Difficult Conversations

The Crucial Role of Leadership Development Layoffs are among the most challenging aspects of leadership, demanding empathy, clarity, and resilience. These situations not only impact those leaving the organization, but also deeply affect the team members left behind. Effective leadership development is the key to managing such scenarios with compassion, transparency, and skill. As organizations strive to excel in managing these transitions, it’s crucial to invest in preparing leaders to lead through layoffs, ensuring both departing employees and the remaining team receive the support they need to move forward. Caring for the Human Side of the Employee Being Laid Off:…

Stop Micromanaging and Start Empowering: Embracing a Two-Way Street for Success

The concept of micromanagement has lost its effectiveness. Instead, a paradigm shift is underway towards empowering employees and nurturing a culture of autonomy, accountability, and creativity. The transformation from micromanagement to empowerment is not just a one-sided endeavor; it is a two-way street where leaders and team members play integral roles in achieving success. 🚀 FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY: Empowerment is not about loosening the reins without any oversight; rather, it’s about providing a sense of freedom that is balanced by individual responsibility. When employees are granted the autonomy to make decisions and explore innovative solutions, they become more engaged, motivated,…

The Art of Leadership Balance

Trust is the North Star of strong and high-performing teams, guiding them through the darkest challenges and keeping them on course. It's like the foundation of a sturdy building, built brick by brick with unwavering faith in each other's reliability, truth, ability, and strength. However, trust doesn't come pre-packaged; it's not something leaders can order up like fast food. Instead, it's an ongoing investment that requires consistent effort to earn and protect. Effective leadership takes the role of a skilled architect, constructing trust through intentional, transparent, and impactful communication, ensuring the team stands tall against any storm that comes its…

How prepared is your leadership team to weather the storm?

The uncertainty of the market, the lingering effects of the Great Resignation, the recent trend of “quiet quitting,” and the increasing rate of change is creating a higher-than-ever level of uncertainty in the workforce. This uncertainty lowers morale, kills productivity and growth and can lead to people looking for safer waters. Leaders find themselves distracted by current conditions instead of focusing on the real work of supporting and developing their people. And most companies don’t have the infrastructure to ensure their leaders are well equipped to deal with this situation. Addressing these gaps through Leadership Development as a Service (LDaaS)…

A LEADER’S STORY ABOUT ACHIEVING SUCCESS IN A CHALLENGING YEAR

Think Idealistically, Not Realistically In May 2021, during an E3 Aspiring Leadership course, I asked Mark and the cohort to close their eyes and fast forward to imagine it was New Year’s Eve 2021. “Think about where you are, who you are with, what you are doing and how you are feeling. Imagine you are celebrating everything you have accomplished this year. Think idealistically, not realistically! Don’t worry about what is or isn’t possible. Take your magic wand and consider any outcome you would love. Allow your chest to fill with pride. Revel in what you’ve accomplished. Take a deep…

Aware leaders impact diversity through inclusion

Dear Unaware Leader, The lack of diversity on your team or within your company is not because there are not enough of a certain race, gender, etc. available to fill a position. It is because you have not done your part to seek them out, make them feel included or encouraged them to stick around. The answer is easy, the execution is hard. Are you ready to step up? I am going to assume that since you are reading this you have good intent. You genuinely believe that gender, race, sexual orientation, personality type, etc. does not hinder someone from…