By Kevin Eikenberry Have you ever heard someone say (or maybe you have said or thought it yourself): “That book changed my life.” While I do believe reading is important, I believe that statement is, by definition, false. A book cannot change your life (or my life). Only you can make that change. There are many books that have had an impact on my life as a … [Read more...]
Is Conflict Avoidance a Good Leadership Strategy?
By Kevin Eikenberry Conflict avoidance, as a general statement isn’t a good idea. Left unchecked and unaddressed, conflict tends to grow, not recede. But the question here is about you, as a leader, and whether conflict avoidance is a good idea. The answer is, it depends. If someone on the team is coming to you, telling you about what someone else is doing wrong -and … [Read more...]
What is the Best Way to Build My Leadership Skills?
By Kevin Eikenberry What is the best way to build my leadership skills? It is a question I hear often. It is an understandable question that comes from a great intention. And I hate the question. I don’t hate the intention behind it – in fact I love it. But the question itself? Not so much. Let me explain. This question is like so many other questions that I frame as the … [Read more...]
Stop, Drop, and Role: Putting Out Fires
By Kevin Eikenberry I’ve worked with well-meaning, highly-principled leaders for years. When I talked to these leaders about coaching and developing their team, I kept hearing that, although they know that coaching and developing their team is important, there are too many things that get in the way. They want to coach more, but they don’t have time because they are too busy … [Read more...]
When Does Leading Get Easier?
By Kevin Eikenberry Leadership is hard work. You may have heard or read me say it – and chances are you have experienced it – the transition to being a leader is likely the hardest transition of your professional life. To do it well requires dedication, discipline, attention, and a lot of skill. Then, the natural question is – when does it get easier? I’ll … [Read more...]
Be Nice: It’s a Leadership Skill
By Kevin Eikenberry I have noticed a theme in my life, and this theme has a great deal to do with your ability to lead your team successfully. The theme is stated simply on a t-shirt that I have that I wore at Halloween. It said: "Just Be Nice" I love the shirt and the message because I believe that we all need to be reminded sometimes of the importance of … [Read more...]
5 Ways You Can Recharge: Mind, Spirit, and Productivity
By Kevin Eikenberry Experts say that people are truly complex bundles of energy. Therefore, it makes sense to think about how we can manage, use, and increase the amount of energy in our bodies and minds. Why? Because when we are better energy managers, we can create better results in all areas of our lives. The topic of personal energy is much larger than can be covered … [Read more...]
After the Congratulations Stop
By Kevin Eikenberry You’ve gotten the promotion – perhaps the one you have dreamed of for a long time. You have moved from individual contributor to leader. While some might be jealous, mostly you have been congratulated on your new role. But after the congratulations fade the reality sets in – you have a new job, and you aren’t exactly sure where to start. If you are asking … [Read more...]
What Do I Do First?
By Kevin Eikenberry You've got questions and we've got answers. Hi, I'm Kevin Eikenberry answering the questions that new leaders ask us. Actually, it's our goal to help all leaders be more productive successful and confident. And the question I get asked often is what I'm answering today. And the question is, what do I do first? Are you ready Let's get … [Read more...]
The Six Secrets You Need to Boost Your Confidence
By Kevin Eikenberry Have you ever seen the movie or stage musical The Sound of Music? If so, you probably remember Maria leaving the Abbey to become a governess. As she winds her way through town toward the von Trapp mansion, she sings about her lack of confidence in her ability to succeed in this role. In the course of the song, she convinces herself that she can be … [Read more...]