Posts in Leadership

When I realized that this month is celebrate diversity month I decided to write a blog about it. The problem I encountered, though, is that the word diversity has many meanings, depending on context and experience. It also has negative connotations because some look at it as if you are for diversity, you must be anti-white male.

It should not be that complicated! Here is the thing, humans are ALL different and diverse. So, instead of getting caught into the whole controversy about diversity as mandated, encouraged, trained, etc., I decided to candidly share what it means to me.

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Why leaders need brain awareness

This past week was International brain awareness week. Many leaders coast through life on automatic pilot and never stop to become aware on how they can optimize the power of their brains tp be better leaders.  

It turns out that the brains of effective leaders exhibit similar electrical patterns. Subjects rated "inspirational" by their employees generate high levels of coherence in the right frontal part of the brain. That's the region which is responsible for interpersonal communication and social relationships. It's the region where language and interpersonal capabilities such as empathy, co-operation and strategizing happens.

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On March 8, numerous countries around the world – from Algeria to Vietnam, from the USA to Australia – will observe International Women’s Day. Although great strides have been made, and 2017 saw the #metoo movement bring abuse issues to the forefront, and the need for more equality more urgently felt, recent studies project that we are far from reaching equality.

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How Leaders Can Build Relationships at Work

Leaders who try to go it alone seldom accomplish much. Only until they build productive relationships with the people they lead can they begin to tap into the true potential of the group. But what does it take to build those relationships at work? On this blog post Dr. Ada is summarizing the most relevant findings from recently published research. It includes specific ideas on how to build relationships. 

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Do you need to change anything?

Many times we talk about our desire to change. As the last month of the year progresses, we start taking inventory and thinking about what we need to change in the new year. We go back and forth between wanting to change and dreading the idea of change. You know deep down there are some things you really need to change, but how do you get ready to change? How can you get to that transformation that will signal you have really changed?

Unless your mind is ready to make a focused, no barrels hold, commitment to change, you are not ready. Do you know where you are in the continuum of readiness to change? December is a good month to contemplate the need for change. Keep reading to learn how to get ready.

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Share gratitude

It’s the time of year in the US when we all remember to give thanks for our many blessings. It’s a good practice. Yet, it seems to me that designating only one day a year to giving thanks is not enough given the power of gratitude!

According to Cicero, "Gratitude is not only the greatest of the virtues but the parent of all others." Multiple studies have shown the correlation between gratitude and increased wellbeing not only for the individual but for all people involved. At present there is an impressive body of research showing the benefits gratitude has for the health of our brain and heart, our level of happiness, the contribution to a positive work environment, and increased productivity. Find out how you can express more gratitude.

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How much would you pay for a smile?

How much do you think a smile would cost?  What value would you assign to a smile given to you?  How would you calculate the residual effect of seeing a smile, or giving a smile? What if your life depended on smiling?

This world is full of people who run around full of negativity– frustration, anger, disappointment. As their frustration piles up, they become contagious spreading it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets, making many around them miserable too.  Frowns abound, smiles are scarcer. 

Few people would argue that smiling is bad for you, but new research is showing just how many ways smiling is beneficial to your career and well-being. Here is a short rundown.

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Leadership Words that matter: Responsibility

At the end of the day, if you are irresponsible, you can't expect anybody else to be responsible. It is Responsibility what qualifies you to show up at a higher level of leadership. When you model responsibility, you will also get more responsibility from the other leaders under you and from everybody in the organization.  

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Leadership words that matter: Collaboration

Collaboration has evolved in its meaning. In older times it had a negative connotation. A collaborator was a spy, someone that was collaborating with the enemy. For some leaders it would seem that collaboration is still a negative word!  

Yet, a current working definition of collaboration, shared by several different disciplines is: joining together to make possible that which cannot be accomplished alone. The present business environment demands that kind of collaboration. 

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