Be a Better Executive Leader

In the Media: ForbesFive Ways to Be a Better Executive Leader

Executive leadership is challenging and not everyone is cut out for it. Even if they don’t have what it takes, many want to make it to the C-suite because it means more opportunities, bigger paychecks and increased influence. Having been a CEO for more than a decade, I’ve learned much about what makes an executive leader good. And what makes one, well, not so good.?In fact, I started out as a pretty insufficient executive and had to learn how to lead a high-performing team and company through trial and error.

There is no doubt that executive leaders are under a lot of pressure. They work long hours and have a heavy workload. They have to make the right decisions quickly, often without complete information. The overall success and well-being of the company fall on their shoulders, including developing and executing strategy, managing financial resources and ensuring that the company is meeting its goals. They must be effective communicators and create shared understanding. And most importantly, they have to develop and build teams, inspiring them to do their best work and show up as their whole selves—not an easy task. All of this is to say that performing at this level is consequential and executive leaders should take their roles and responsibilities seriously.

So how do you go about being a better executive leader?

Executive leaders have a significant impact on their companies' success and their employees' satisfaction. Here are my top five suggestions to improve your executive leadership capabilities.

??Develop a plan to get things done

??Communicate effectively

??Practice critical thinking and then make a decision

??Foster a positive work culture and build strong teams

??Practice good time management and take care of yourself

Check out my latest article on?Forbes?for more.

Book Launch: The Ownership Mindset

I am thrilled to share that my book,?The Ownership Mindset: A Handbook to Transform Your Life and Leadership, will launch on October 17th, 2023. Be on the lookout for more information. I am booking keynotes in preparation for the book launch, so if you are interested in discussing a speaking engagement, please book some time to chat with me?here.

Reflect Forward Podcast Spotlight: Focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing to Create a High-Performing Workplace

Guest:?Paula Allen believes leaders should focus on mental health and wellbeing to create a high-performing workplace. Paula is the Global Leader, Research and Total Wellbeing and a Senior Vice-President at Telus Health. In this role, she manages the research agenda for Telus, which includes primary research conducted by LifeWorks, exploratory data science, research collaborations and meta-analyses.

Episode in a Tweet: A big misconception is that if you focus on employee mental health and well-being, you will somehow have a soft and unproductive workplace. This is categorically false. Promoting health and well-being gives people the energy and fuel to step up to the plate and do an exceptional job.

Background:?During this episode of Reflect Forward, Paula Allen and I discuss the importance of mental health and well-being in the workplace. Paula is passionate about the current and emerging issues impacting health, productivity, and related costs, and her scope includes all areas of well-being — social, physical, financial and mental. Paula shares insights from the 2022 Mental Health Index (spoiler alert: mental health is on the decline, significantly impacting your employees and overall workplace).?Paula also boldly states that one of the top ways to address a lack of productivity and engagement in the workplace is to focus on mental health and well-being.

Subscribe and listen on all major podcast platforms or visit my?website?to access the interview.

Advice From a CEO: How to Navigate Complexity and Uncertainty

As a leader, learning how to navigate complexity and uncertainty can feel like trying to sail a ship through a stormy sea without a map or compass. In this week’s episode of Reflect Forward: Advice From a CEO, we discuss navigating complexity and uncertainty. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, complexity and uncertainty are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Leaders must be able to navigate these challenges to succeed and thrive.

So, how do you navigate complexity and uncertainty as a leader?

Embrace the chaos:?Instead of fighting or controlling the complexity and uncertainty around you, try embracing it. Recognize that it’s a natural part of the business world and that you can learn and grow from it.

Develop a growth mindset:?Approach complexity and uncertainty as opportunities to learn and grow rather than obstacles to overcome.?

Build a strong network:?Surround yourself with people who can help you navigate complexity and uncertainty, including mentors, colleagues, and experts in your field.?

Stay focused on your goals:?Stay focused on what you’re trying to achieve, and be willing to adjust your approach as needed.

Communicate clearly and frequently:?Ensure you’re communicating clearly and frequently with your team, stakeholders, and customers and that you’re listening to their concerns and feedback.

What's the?most important leadership attribute you must possess to lead well through uncertainty??Adaptability. Ultimately, adaptable leaders can lead their teams through uncertainty with confidence and clarity, keeping everyone focused on the end goal while navigating the twists and turns of the journey.

If you like this and want more detail, check it out on this?YouTube episode of Advice From a CEO.?Be sure to subscribe!

Leadership Tip: Be an Influential Leader

To be?influential, you must show that you know what you are talking about—credibility matters.?If you want to persuade people to see something your way or to make a change, you better be knowledgeable about what you are asking them to do. Before you try to persuade someone, make sure you know the pros and cons, the risks and rewards, and the potential tradeoffs. Speak confidently about the change you want, including the risks and the desired outcome. People are more likely to be persuaded when they perceive you as an expert and believe you have their best interests at heart.

For more tips on how to be a more influential?leader, read?my blog?here.

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Or email me at?[email protected]

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