Our daily Field Notes email is just the kind of jumpstart you need. A fast read. Maybe less than a minute. Because sometimes it just takes one insight to change the trajectory of the day.
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Leading Those Who Can’t Tolerate Ambiguity
Good leaders create clarity. They know the ability for others to perform consistently at the highest level depends on a clarity of roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Sometimes, clarity can be elusive. Leaders don’t always have the desired facts or data from which to ground their decisions, actions, and choices. Ambiguity is more common than clarity…
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Support the Personal Goals of Those You Lead
Supporting the personal goals of those on the team creates a deeper connection and more resilient relationship. Other forms of encouragement pale in comparison. Team members come to believe they can do anything when they have the full support of their leader. Leaders who extend this backing to the personal goals and pursuits of others…
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Overcoming the Doubters
Believing in their own abilities and moving boldly toward their goals is what successful people do. Turning dreams into a reality requires hard work and deep commitment, but also the inner confidence to stay the course. Having those around you who believe in your ideas, talents, and pursuits is like having the wind at your…
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Encouraging Referrals From Customers and Clients
Perhaps nothing influences people more than a referral from a trusted source. That’s why referrals are so highly coveted by anyone who does work for customers or clients. Referrals aren’t given easily. But by priming the pump with gratitude and endorsements on their behalf, the resistance to refer your work begins to melt away. Great…
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Build Something From Every Project
Bringing a project to successful completion is highly satisfying. Great enterprises and teams are built project by project. Good leaders applaud great work and make sure the team takes the time to celebrate the victory. But before moving on to the next task, they also know there is an important step in making the most…
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The Optimism of Relentless Pursuit
We prefer to follow optimistic leaders. When leaders project optimism toward people and events, everyone feels better about what’s around the corner. Optimistic leaders provide the energy that fuels progress and achievement. Team members draw confidence from the optimism and can-do attitude displayed by leaders who understand the importance of this intangible quality. Looking for…
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Don’t Pay a Bad Mood Forward
Unexpected negative episodes can put any leader in a sour mood. No one is immune to having their attitude altered by events that unfold in an unpleasant way. The only question is how long leaders let a gloomy moment endure. There are 86,400 seconds in each day. It’s amazing how many leaders allow 30 unfavorable…
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Teasing People to Send a Message
When feedback is repeatedly ignored by a long-standing colleague, it may be time to pull out a different rabbit from your bag of tricks. Teammates who fail to respond or course correct after consistent feedback need a stronger message. While confrontation may work to pry them loose from their resistance, many leaders take an entirely…
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The Defensive Attribution of Poor Performers
Good leaders can only rarely convince low performers that they hold a highly inaccurate view of themselves. Persuading a weak performer that they own their results just like everyone else is a bridge too far. Poor performers become deeply committed to the idea that factors beyond their control explain their weak output. Attempting to shake…
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How Do I Get a Seat at the Table?
Too many voices yield low-quality decisions. Yet, the desire to include strong performers in the process is of real interest and concern. The best leaders solve this dilemma by distinguishing between input and advocacy within the organization and team. When team members offer input, they do so up against a problem or opportunity of importance.…