Chris March’s Post

Which book has influenced how you? How you lead, show up, live your life? I was asked to share some book recommendations. Over my 14 years of coaching senior leaders and their teams, I have amassed a repository of books, and my dilemma then became which one! Here's a small selection, which I have referred clients to ( not in any order !) Brené Brown: Dare to Lead...fostering brave workplaces through vulnerability and authentic leadership 📚 Michael Bungay Stanier: The Coaching Habit…master the art of asking powerful questions to transform your leadership approach and empower your team Marshall Goldsmith: What Got You Here Won't Get You There… 20 common behaviours that can hinder success with strategies for addressing them The Arbinger Institute: Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box….how self-deception impacts leadership effectiveness and offers a path towards greater authenticity and influence. L. David Marquet: Turn the Ship Around!... real-world experiences and practical principles for shifting leadership paradigms from top-down command to decentralised decision-making, enabling individuals at all levels to take ownership and contribute effectively Liz Wiseman: Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter … amplify the collective intelligence of your team for greater productivity and innovation Patrick Lencioni: The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team …practical insights to identify and address common team dysfunctions, fostering collaboration, trust and high performance James Clear: Atomic Habits… actionable strategies to cultivate positive habits and eliminate negative ones Daniel Coyle: The Culture Code…what makes successful groups tick with practical advice on how to create a positive and high performing culture within your team Ray Dalio: Principles: Life and Work… unconventional principles for achieving success in work and life, emphasising radical transparency and truth. Pema Chodron: Welcoming the Unwelcome: Wholehearted Living in a Broken hearted world… embracing life's challenges with mindfulness and compassion, fostering resilience and wholehearted living in a fractured world. Clayton M. Christensen: The Innovator's Dilemma…. the challenges that disruptive innovation poses and strategies for navigating these disruptions. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson et al....how to handle tough discussions in high-pressure situations. ❓Leaders, which books have had an impact on how you lead? ❓Coaches, which books do you recommend to clients? V Vera Woodhead Help leaders and their teams to navigate transitions, amplify leadership effectiveness, progress careers, empower women into senior roles, foster inclusive cultures 🔄 Share to help more 📞 Schedule a no obligation call https://lnkd.in/e3-9Xkhw 📧 Newsletter https://lnkd.in/e2P5da2Q #ExecutiveCoach #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamDevelopment #Thrive

🌟 Leading with Passion: Staying Motivated on the Leadership Journey 🌟 The honor, privilege, and responsibility of leadership are rewarding but come with their own set of challenges. Staying motivated and inspired helps spread motivation and inspiration among our teams and certainly, the clients we serve. 🔥 Embrace the Purpose: Our work as leaders is not just about achieving targets or hitting milestones. It's about the greater purpose behind our actions. When we fully embrace the impact of our work and connect with the transformative change we create, it becomes a powerful source of motivation. 📚 Continual Learning: As leaders, we must be committed to continuous learning and personal growth. Staying curious, seeking new perspectives, and acquiring new skills not only keeps us motivated but also equips us to lead with more effectiveness and adaptability. 🌱 Nurture a Supportive Network: Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, and advisors is essential. These relationships can provide valuable insights, encouragement, and a sense of community during both the highs and lows of leadership. 💪 Don't Be Afraid of the Challenges: Challenges are inevitable in any leadership role, but they also present opportunities for growth. Take on these challenges with a positive mindset, see them as learning experiences, and remember that overcoming obstacles can lead to even greater achievements. 💬 Communicate with Clarity: Clear and transparent communication is key to fostering a motivated team. Sharing the vision, setting clear goals, and providing feedback are essential to keep everyone aligned and engaged in the mission. 👩💼 Lead by Example: As leaders, we are role models for our team. Leading by example and demonstrating the values we uphold fosters trust and inspires others to give their best efforts. 🌟 Celebrate Successes: Take the time to celebrate successes, both big and small. Recognizing achievements and milestones, and acknowledging the hard work of your team, helps create a positive and motivated work environment. 🧘♀️ Prioritize Well-being: As leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the demands of the role. However, it's crucial to prioritize self-care and well-being. Taking care of ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically allows us to lead with greater clarity and resilience. 💡 Stay Innovative: Encourage innovation and creativity within your team. Being open to new ideas and fostering an innovative culture keeps the excitement alive and ensures that the organization keeps evolving. 🙏 Gratitude: Lastly, practicing gratitude for the opportunities we have as leaders, the impact we make, and the team that supports us can be a powerful motivator. Let's continue to lead with passion, inspire our teams, and make a positive impact in our organizations and communities. #LeadershipJourney #MotivatedLeader #LeadingWithPurpose #GoodwillImpact #Goodwill #PeopleFirst

The Art of Leading from Behind Leadership, a topic that has been explored from every angle imaginable, is often associated with charisma, decisiveness, & taking charge of situations. However, what if I told you that one of the most effective leadership styles isn't about standing in the spotlight but rather leading from behind? Yes, you heard that right! Leading from behind! In the world of leadership, it's almost counterintuitive to think that leading from behind could be an effective strategy. Yet, this approach has its roots in the idea that leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the room but rather about empowering others to shine. It's about creating an environment where your team can flourish & make decisions while you offer support & guidance from the shadows. Let's delve into some research & data to back up this seemingly paradoxical concept of "leading from behind." 1. HBR suggests that leaders who empower their teams & lead from behind are more likely to foster creativity, innovation, & overall team satisfaction. It turns out that when employees feel valued & trusted, they're more likely to go the extra mile. 2. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that leaders who exhibit a more servant-leadership style, which often involves leading from behind, can lead to higher levels of team commitment & performance. Servant leaders prioritize the needs of their team members over their own. 3. According to a report by the Center for Creative Leadership, leaders who adopt a coaching mindset rather than a directive one tend to be more effective. Coaching involves guiding & mentoring from the background, allowing employees to take the lead in their own development. Now, let's explore the humorous side of this leadership approach. Leading from behind can offer several benefits: 1. Fewer PowerPoint Presentations: Forget about those marathon PowerPoint presentations that seem to never end. Leading from behind means you can delegate those tasks to your team members who may enjoy them more (or at least not dread them as much). 2. More Time to Perfect Your Coffee Brewing Skills: Leadership can be a demanding gig. When you lead from behind, you'll have more time to work on important skills, like perfecting your latte art or mastering the art of making a perfect cup of tea. 3. Embrace the Art of Delegation: Leading from behind forces you to become a master of delegation. You'll become the maestro of assigning tasks to the right people at the right time, allowing you to focus on the bigger picture. While "leading from behind" may seem counterintuitive, research & data have shown that this approach can be highly effective in fostering creativity, innovation, & team satisfaction. So, dear leaders, it's time to embrace the irony, step back, & let your team shine while you lead from behind. & who knows, you might just become the master of both leadership & coffee brewing in the process! #leadership #management

𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 In today’s fast-paced business environment, leaders are often judged by their ability to hit targets and improve the bottom line. However, there's another critical aspect of leadership that goes beyond mere numbers - the profound impact leaders have on their employees' lives and careers. 𝟭. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 A leader's influence in shaping an employee's career trajectory cannot be overstated. The right guidance, support, and opportunities provided by a leader can ignite a passion, foster growth, and lead to remarkable career advancements. Conversely, a lack of support or negative influence can hinder career progress and dampen morale. 𝟮. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 Throughout my career, I've witnessed firsthand how leaders can either make or break careers. There are countless stories where a leader’s mentorship propelled an individual to new heights. On the flip side, there are unfortunate tales of potential stifled under poor leadership. These stories serve as powerful reminders of the impact leaders hold. 𝟯. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Leadership is not just about managing workflows; it’s about managing people's aspirations, dreams, and well-being. Ethical leadership means recognizing this responsibility and acting in a way that not only benefits the organization but also supports and nurtures the team. 𝟰. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 So, how can leaders ensure their impact is positive? Here are a few practical tips: - 𝘔𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩: Take an active role in mentoring your team members. Offer guidance and constructive feedback. - 𝘌𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 ���𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩: Create opportunities for learning and advancement. Encourage your team to pursue their career goals. - 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘌𝘹𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦: Set a high ethical standard and model the behavior you want to see in your team. - 𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵: Be approachable and supportive. Listen to your team’s concerns and aspirations. Leaders have a unique opportunity to influence the course of their employees’ careers. By embracing this responsibility and leading with empathy, integrity, and foresight, they can make a lasting positive impact that extends far beyond the bottom line. Aspire to be the kind of leaders who is remembered not just for the results achieved, but for the positive influence you have on the lives of those you led. #Leadership #CareerDevelopment #EthicalLeadership #Mentorship #EmployeeGrowth #PositiveImpact #LeadershipResponsibility #TeamDevelopment #EmpathyInLeadership #LeadershipMatters #leadership #businessleadership #leadershipmatters

Hello, LinkedIn community! Let us continue our discussion of leadership, a subject close to our hearts. Many people claim to be leaders, but what does it truly mean to be one? Let us take a closer look at leadership characteristics: **1. Invest in Your Team:** A leader understands that an organization's success is dependent on the well-being and motivation of its employees. They invest in the development of their team and keep them motivated. **2. Take Charge and Collaborate:** When goals are not met, a leader accepts responsibility. They work with the team to determine what went wrong, identify the causes, and implement solutions to prevent future failures. **3. Practice Empathy:** A leader treats their team with respect and dignity, acknowledging their shared humanity. This approach fosters a sense of belonging, respect, and value among team members. **4. Set SMART Objectives and Collaborate:** A good leader collaborates with the team to set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) objectives. When objectives aren't met, they work with the team to enhance capabilities rather than blame. **5. Be a Servant Leader:** A leader doesn't stand on the sidelines but walks alongside the team, experiencing their challenges and achievements firsthand. 6. Embrace Teamwork: True leadership means prioritizing "we" over "I." Leaders appreciate the diverse ideas their team brings to achieve objectives. **7. Avoid the "My Way or the Highway" Approach:** A leader doesn't practice this style but fosters accountability and is open to justification for decisions. They understand the importance of team involvement from the start. **8. Show Interest in Well-Being:** A leader checks in on team members, not just to assess progress but also to inquire about their well-being and concerns. Demonstrating interest and concern for their lives fosters trust. **9. Recognize Individual Strengths:** Leaders appreciate the unique strengths each team member brings and allocate responsibilities accordingly. Everyone is valued for their contributions. **10. Lead by Example:** Leadership is defined by work and the team, not just a position. Leaders don't need validation; their actions and management prowess speak for them. **11. Empower and Mentor:** Leaders empower and mentor others, fostering growth instead of diminishing those who excel due to insecurity. **12. Avoid Micromanagement:** True leadership involves giving the team space to learn and implement. Leaders allow team members the freedom to practice their trade, trusting in the skills they were hired for. I'm Tom Otieno, and I work with Cordaid in South Sudan, collaborating with a dedicated team and communities for sustainable outcomes. #Leadership #LeadershipAttributes #LinkedInCommunity

Stepping into the Shoes of Leadership: Becoming the Mentor You Always Yearned For 👑 Have you ever looked up to someone in your professional journey and wished you had a leader who truly understood, guided and inspired you? Well, guess what? You have the power to be that leader for others. In a world where leadership is not just about titles, but about influence and impact, it's time to step up and be the leader you wish you had at pivotal points in your career. Imagine the difference it would have made if someone had believed in your potential, offered guidance without hesitation, and empowered you to unleash your full potential. So, what does it take to be the leader you wish you had? Authentic Empathy: Understanding the struggles, challenges, and aspirations of your team members is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Show genuine empathy and create a safe space for open conversations. Guided Mentorship: Be the mentor who provides constructive feedback, supports growth, and is a constant source of wisdom. Remember, you're not just shaping careers, but also helping individuals build a life they're proud of. Lead by Example: Your actions speak louder than words. Showcase the work ethic, dedication, and enthusiasm that you wished your past leaders embodied. This will inspire your team to give their best. Nurture Diversity and Inclusion: Create an environment where diverse voices are not just heard but celebrated. The leader you wish you had embraced different perspectives, and you can do the same. Encourage Innovation: Foster a culture where creativity is encouraged, mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, and innovation thrives. This is how great leaders drive their teams and organizations forward. Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of your team. The leader you yearned for understood the importance of recognition, and you can motivate others by doing the same. Stay Curious and Adaptable: Just as you desired a leader who embraced change and stayed curious, remains open to new ideas, and adapts to evolving landscapes. Invest in Development: Provide opportunities for continuous learning and growth. Be the driving force behind your team members' professional development journeys. Remember, the impact you make as a leader extends far beyond the confines of the workplace. You have the chance to shape individuals' lives, influence their perspectives, and create a legacy that transcends your time in any specific role. So, let's embark on this journey together. Let's redefine leadership by being the beacon of support, guidance, and inspiration that we wished for. It's not just about managing tasks; it's about nurturing potential, building character, and leaving an indelible mark on those we lead. Join me in becoming the leader you wish you had. We can inspire a new generation of empowered and enlightened professionals. 💪🌟 . . #LeadershipMatters #MentorshipMatters #EmpowerAndInspire #manager #humanresources #hr

The True Essence of Leadership: Trust Beyond Words 🌟 Recently, I had a thought-provoking conversation with a former colleague over drinks. She touched on a topic that resonated deeply, and to sum it up went something like this: "There's a stark difference between being led by someone who genuinely trusts and supports you🤝, as opposed to someone who only appears to trust you until things go awry." This got me thinking about the concept of 'false trust' in leadership. How often do leaders claim to trust their team, only to withdraw their support when challenges arise? This kind of conditional trust creates an undercurrent of uncertainty, stifling creativity and risk-taking🚫. Real trust - the kind that fosters innovation and problem-solving - isn't just about delegation; it's also about offering support, even when mistakes happen. Renowned leaders like Simon Sinek emphasize this, saying, "A team is not a group of people who work together. A team is a group of people who trust each other." This trust is the bedrock of a resilient and adaptive team👥. Research in organizational psychology supports this. A study in the 'Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology' found that when employees feel trusted, they're more likely to exhibit innovative behaviours and higher performance levels (Mayer & Gavin, 2005 (an oldie but a goldie)). So, how do we build this genuine trust? It starts with a leader's willingness to stand by their team, especially in the face of setbacks. It's about creating a safe space where taking calculated risks and experimenting with new ideas isn't just allowed; it's encouraged🚀. Leaders like Brené Brown advocate for this vulnerability in leadership. She asserts, "Daring leaders who live into their values are never silent about hard things." This openness and support are crucial parts of what transforms an average team into an extraordinary one💪. As a leader (or team member), your challenge is to practice trust that's consistent and unconditional. It's about backing your team not just in success, but more importantly, in failure. This cultivates an environment of confidence, creativity, and true problem-solving🧠. Be the leader who not only entrusts responsibilities but also has the courage to support your team through thick and thin. After all, it's in the moments of challenge and uncertainty that we might look to our peers, and hope that true leadership shines through✨. And speaking of inspirational leaders, don't miss the chance to see Brené Brown at the Oslo Business Forum 2024. It's a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights from one of the most influential voices in modern leadership! #OsloBusinessForum2024 #Leadership #Trust #Teamwork #Innovation

Absolutely, authenticity in leadership is indeed a game-changer. One authentic leadership trait that has had a profound impact on my experience is the willingness to admit mistakes and take ownership. When a leader acknowledges their own errors openly, it creates an environment where everyone feels safe to do the same.   This culture of accountability not only encourages personal growth but also leads to improved problem-solving within the team. It allows us to learn from our mistakes collectively and move forward more effectively. It's refreshing to work in a space where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth rather than failures.   To share a mistake I made recently, I was planning for a field day for one of the projects I am assigned to manage. I mistakenly forgot a zero on the budget—just one zero, but out in the field, it caused so much chaos. Unpaid and unsatisfied field workers came to me with their concerns, ( oh they were not gentle about it ), and it became a significant issue in the office. My boss was remarkably calm in handling the situation, allowing me to explain and acknowledge my mistake, even highlighting her own past errors. I learned a valuable lesson, and I now make sure to double-check those zeros.  

💎💎Leading with Inspiration: The Essence of Effective Leadership💎💎 Leadership isn't just about delegating tasks or making tough decisions; it's about inspiring those around you to reach greater heights. As a leader, understanding the power of inspiration can be the catalyst for driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and achieving sustainable success. Let us delve into the essence of leadership through the lens of inspiration, exploring what it means to inspire as a leader. **The Power of Vision:** As a leader, your ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision ignites passion and purpose among your team members. A visionary leader not only sees the big picture but also communicates it in a way that resonates with others, painting a vivid picture of the future they are collectively striving to achieve. **Leading by Example:** Inspiration often stems from authenticity and integrity. Leading by example means embodying the values and behaviors you wish to instill in others. Whether it's demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, embracing transparency in communication, or showing empathy and respect towards team members, your actions speak volumes. By consistently modeling the traits you want to cultivate in your team, you inspire trust and respect, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. **Empowering Others:** True leadership is not about exerting control but about empowering others to realize their full potential. By providing support, guidance, and opportunities for growth, you create an environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to take ownership of their work. **Cultivating a Culture of Inspiration:** Building a culture of inspiration requires intentional effort and commitment. It's about creating spaces for open dialogue, recognizing and celebrating achievements, and fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. As a leader, you play a pivotal role in setting the tone and cultivating an environment where creativity flourishes, collaboration thrives, and individuals feel inspired to bring their best selves to work every day. **The Ripple Effect:** Inspiration has a ripple effect that extends beyond the immediate impact on individuals and teams. When leaders inspire others, they create a ripple effect that cascades throughout the organization, influencing behavior, attitudes, and outcomes at every level. Inspired employees are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to go above and beyond to contribute to the success of the organization. **Conclusion:** By embracing your role as a source of inspiration, you have the power to ignite passion, foster innovation, and cultivate a culture of excellence within your organization. As you lead with vision, integrity, and empowerment, you not only elevate the performance and morale of your team but also leave a lasting legacy of inspiration that transcends boundaries and transforms lives.

Micro Managing vs Empowering   Empowering and Micromanaging are two distinct leadership approaches, and the decision to employ one over the other often depends on the situation, the individual, and the nature of the task.   Here are some of my personal considerations, on how to choose the right approach:   When to use the Empowering approach? Skill and Competence: Empower individuals who have the necessary skills and competence to handle a task. Trusting their abilities fosters a sense of ownership and boosts confidence.   Creativity: When the task allows for creativity and individual initiative, empowering is often more effective. This is especially true in roles that require problem-solving or innovation.   Development: Use empowerment as a tool for professional development. Allowing individuals to take on challenges can contribute to skill enhancement and career growth. The best time is during the start of the year while setting up the goals for your team member   Team Morale: Empowerment can contribute to a positive team culture, fostering a sense of responsibility and collaboration.   When to use Micromanaging approach:   New or Critical Tasks: In situations where a task is new, critical, or involves high risk, micromanagement may be necessary to ensure that it is executed precisely according to expectations. It helps your team members to feel confident that you are there for them.   Learning Curve: If someone is new to a role or task, a certain level of guidance and direction may be needed until they become familiar with the responsibilities. When you handle a newcomer to your team and most importantly if this the first job of his life, you will need to guide them on every step.   Quality Control: When the task requires strict adherence to standards or quality control, micromanagement can be necessary to ensure consistency and accuracy. Regulatory, Financial , Reputation are others to name it.   Crisis Management: In times of crisis or urgent situations, a more hands-on approach may be necessary to address immediate issues. Production issues are a very good example.   Balancing Act:  Leaders often find success in a balanced approach. Empowerment builds trust and fosters growth, while micromanagement provides necessary guidance and assurance. Understanding the needs of the task, the capabilities of the team, and the overall goals of the organization helps leaders strike the right balance between empowerment and micromanagement.   Remember! There is no successful leader with a single style. Flexibility and adaptability in leadership style are key to success.    #InnovationMinds #DigitalPioneers #LeadersOfTech #FutureTechLeaders #TechInnovators #LeadershipInTech #StrategicTechLeaders #DigitalVisionaries #TechLeadershipJourney #LeadingTechChange #TechInfluence #EmergingTechLeaders #LeadershipTechStyle #TechLeadershipInsights #InnovateAndLead #TechStrategists #LeadershipByTech #TechTrailblazers #FutureForwardLeadership