Welcome to issue No. 077 of the Lever Up to 60% of new leaders fail within the first 18 months in the role. Here are the top 7 reasons why this happens. But first, a book recommendation: Communication is one of the three core skills of effective leaders. The Pyramid Principle is my favorite book on the subject. It was written by a Mickinsey consultant to help people communicate complex topics in clear language. Not an affiliate link! Just a great book on communication. You finally got the new...
18 days ago • 3 min read
Welcome to issue No. 076 of the Lever The fastest way to become an effective leader isn’t tactics on how to give feedback, or keep a meeting on track. The fastest way to become an effective leader is to: • Adopt a handful of principles• Communicate them • Act accordingly This is what I mean But First... Check out this free course from 16-year leadership vet Julia Snedkova. As an ICF certified coach, Julia helps people level up and lead with impact. Get it over on X. What is a Principle? You...
27 days ago • 2 min read
Welcome to issue No. 075 of the Lever I hate the phrase "managing up". It sounds gross and prideful. Like your boss is a problem to be solved for. It implies incompetence, and that only YOU have the knowledge and skills needed to "save the day". And it gives you a convenient out when things go wrong. "I've been telling them that! If only they'd listened to ME." But the reality of your relationship with your boss is far more nuanced than that. And your upward communication needs a far less...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Leadership is Influence Welcome to issue No. 074 of the Lever Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less John C. Maxwell Maxwell’s famous quote means that the ability to influence others to achieve more than they think is possible is what defines great leadership. This also means that leadership is not determined by your title, because true leadership is earned through influence. So how do you influence people? You can tell them what to do, but if they aren’t following willingly then...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Don't sweep mistakes under the rug Welcome to issue No. 073 of the Lever Mistakes happen. People are fallible. You, me, all of us. So what do you do when somebody makes a mistake on your watch? Before we start... You don't need a title to make an impact. Regardless of your position, you can make an impact in your own way and feel good doing it. Check out this free 7-day email course from startup CEO Andrea Michalek. It will get you started quickly with the right tools, mindset, and momentum....
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Welcome to issue No. 072 of the Lever Leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less. But influence to do… what? In the end it comes down to just one thing But first… Time management is a keystone skill for busy professionals. Learn how to manage your time across the big 5 areas; Personal, Professional, Life, Community, and Fitness. Achieve the balance you've been looking for. Get a copy today. You don't have to do it all. It probably feels like that somedays though. Like you are the...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Welcome to issue No. 071 of the Lever If you want to become a great leader then the first step is defining what great leadership is. But First... This is the first article in a new series I'm writing for my sister. We've been talking about leadership and I'm sharing what I know to help her succeed in her own career. I hope everyone takes something from this and welcome any and all feedback. What qualifies a person as a leader? Is it their position? Their title? Is it because they have a...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Welcome to issue No. 070 of the Lever Good writing leads to good thinking. And a little revision leads back to great (well, at least better) writing. When you write, write. Don't edit, correct, or second guess. But when you are done its time to revise, using the ABC's of writing as a guide. Nothing should go to press without a second run through to ensure that the 3 criteria are met. Accuracy Facts. Get them right. Misreporting factual evidence destroys your credibility and there is no excuse...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Welcome to issue No. 069 of the Lever Ever feel like things aren’t going your way? You’ve done big things but lately are feeling burnt out, stressed, and depressed. Like, what’s the point? You are having trouble getting out of your own way and catching a gear. Or you’ve hit a point in your life where, looking back, you realize that you aren’t happy with where you are now but don’t know what to do about it. Everyone else seems to have it figured out, so why can’t I? I’ve been there and know...
8 months ago • 4 min read