Leadership is more than a title; it’s a responsibility to cultivate a culture where people can succeed. At the heart of this lies the trifecta of trust, psychological safety, and empowerment.

A thriving team culture begins with trust. The best leaders recognize that trust isn’t given; it’s earned through consistency, transparency, and authenticity. When team members know they can rely on each other, and on their leader, they feel safe to bring their full selves to work. This safety becomes the foundation for innovation, collaboration, and growth.

Great leaders express gratitude for efforts, for results, for challenging the status quo, for providing support of overall goals.  Wondering about some different options to express gratitude for a job well done?  Here are 5 meaningful ways to do just that.

Appreciation, gratitude, and celebrating successes is something all leaders can focus on, to support individual and team contributions. Here are 10 thoughtful messages leaders can send to employees leading up to the winter holidays, promoting connection, appreciation, and well-being. 

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work in environments where appreciation wasn’t just a fleeting gesture—it was woven into the fabric of the culture. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with talented, creative, and mission-driven individuals who inspired me daily. These experiences have shaped not only who I am as a leader but also the values I hold close. My journey of professional and personal growth has been deeply enriched by the positive environments I’ve been part of and the continuous learning opportunities I’ve received, all of which have taught me the true power of gratitude.

Transformational leadership, a style that emphasizes vision, inspiration, and positive change, has been widely studied and lauded for its effectiveness in various organizational settings. My research underscores the critical role of self-awareness in achieving transformational leadership success.

Emotional intelligence has gained significant traction over the past few decades as a critical factor in leadership and organizational performance. While many leaders focus on technical skills and IQ, others research the indispensable role of EQ.  I particularly love EQ and self-awareness, in driving leadership effectiveness.

Leadership is a multifaceted construct that has been studied extensively, yet no single definition or approach to effective leadership has been universally accepted. Among the various models, the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® by Kouzes and Posner stands out as a well-researched framework that offers actionable insights into leadership behaviors that drive success.  And, this research has provided similar results over 4 decades! 

In today’s fast-paced, Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) world, leadership effectiveness is more crucial than ever. The external pressures of the global economy, technological advancements, and rapidly shifting market conditions demand that leaders not only possess technical expertise but also a deep understanding of their own emotional states and how they impact others.

In the wake of the recent hurricanes to hit the southeast, the physical damage is often plain to see—destroyed homes, downed power lines, and scattered belongings. However, the emotional and mental toll can be just as significant, though less visible. Dealing with destruction, loss of power, and the uncertainty of recovery can weigh heavily on your mental health. It’s important to recognize that emotional wellbeing is a crucial part of the recovery process.

Team learning is more than just a collaborative effort; it’s a process deeply rooted in neuroscience. When individuals learn together in a team, the brain's social and cognitive functions are activated in unique ways, enhancing the learning experience and outcomes.

Great leaders continuously learn. In the complex landscape of leadership, technical skills and strategic acumen are often emphasized as crucial elements of success. However, there is the human side, the people side of leaders that is equally—if not more—important: emotional intelligence.

In the realm of leadership, the influence of a leader can shape the culture, morale, and performance of an entire organization. While effective leadership can inspire, motivate, and empower, the presence of toxic leaders can have devastating consequences that reverberate throughout the workplace and beyond.

In the realm of leadership, influence is not measured by authority and title or position. True leaders inspire action, igniting a spark within others to strive for greatness.

Leadership is an adventure, a continuous journey of growth, learning, and empowerment. I'm thrilled to share my latest exploration into one of the most impactful frameworks in leadership development: "The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership" by Kouzes and Posner.

I’ve been thinking a lot about credibility lately.   I feel like it is similar to a company culture.  If you don’t create it, it will happen without your vision/focus. How well are you designing your brand, your reputation, your credibility?

In the latest episode of the Next Steps To Leadership Podcast, Dr. Stephen W. Oliver and I engage in a captivating conversation about helping leaders develop their emotional intelligence and self-awareness to achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives.

Many organizations are seeking ways to continuously improve as a differentiating competitive advantage. They are focusing on continuous professional development and process improvement activities to assist them in reaching their next level of competitiveness. In the Learning Organization culture, there is a core value around each employee finding better ways to do his/her job(s).