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7 Unconventional Ways to Build Leadership Skills
Are you looking to enhance your leadership skills in innovative and effective ways? Traditional methods have their place, but to truly stand out as a leader, it’s time to think outside the box. In my latest article on LinkedIn, I explore seven unconventional strategies that can elevate your leadership game. From embracing the art of storytelling to cultivating mindfulness, these techniques can help you connect with your team on a deeper level and make more impactful decisions. One of the standout methods is the power of play—integrating playfulness into your leadership style can boost creativity and improve team dynamics. Additionally, practicing reverse mentoring, where younger team members share their insights…
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Reverse Mentoring: What Can You Learn from Younger Employees?
In my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with many extremely smart and talented individuals. I’ve always valued the wisdom and guidance of my mentors and gained stories, strategies, and perspectives that could fill volumes. Having been in senior marketing roles for a while myself, I enjoy opportunities to mentor newer marketers. In doing this, I’ve discovered an equally valuable yet often overlooked source of knowledge: younger employees. This is where reverse mentoring comes in. You might wonder, “Why would someone with decades of experience seek advice from someone just starting out?” It’s not always the easiest shift in perspective, but once I embraced the concept of reverse mentoring,…
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The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on leadership qualities, and especially thinking about what skills make an effective leader. One thing that keeps coming up in my mind is emotional intelligence (EQ), and its immense impact on effective leadership. When you understand what emotional intelligence really is and how you can leverage it to be a better leader, it’s a game changer. When I started my career, I thought being a good leader was all about technical skills, strategic thinking, and decisiveness. Don’t get me wrong, those things are important. But as I’ve grown in my career and experience and have taken on more leadership roles, I’ve realized that EQ is what…
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Strategies for Building a Flexible Marketing Team That Can Pivot with Precision
Agility is more than a buzzword; it’s a vital component of successful business operations. For small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the ability to quickly adapt to changing consumer preferences and market conditions can provide a significant competitive edge. A flexible marketing team, adept at responding to these fluctuations seamlessly, is crucial in this dynamic environment. This post explores how to structure such a team and emphasizes the strategic role of a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). The Imperative for a Flexible Marketing Team Trends change rapidly, and consumer behaviors evolve just as quickly. For SMBs, swiftly and effectively adjusting marketing strategies is crucial for success. The ability to scale marketing…
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How Humor at Work Enhances Professional Relationships
Sometimes I wonder if I missed my calling as a stand-up comic. Okay, maybe I’m not quite that funny, but I think I’m pretty clever. Witty, snarky, facetious… call it what you will, but I have a knack for making people laugh. I mean, if I can get a smirk or even a suppressed giggle out of my angsty teenagers on a regular basis, I think we can consider this proven fact. My relationship with humor has not only helped with raising kids and in my personal life, but it’s an integral part of forming relationships with my clients. And no, adding some levity does not detract from your professionalism.…
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How Modern Leadership Roles Transform Traditional Businesses
Let’s face it: traditional leadership roles aren’t enough anymore. To stay competitive in an era of rapid technological advancements and swiftly changing customer expectations, businesses must embrace modern leadership roles. This evolution is crucial not just for maintaining agility, but also for aligning with contemporary business practices. Clinging to outdated models can hinder progress, leaving companies trailing behind. Instead, adopting modern leadership roles is key to successfully navigating these constant changes and staying ahead in the market. Meet the New Innovators To navigate these shifts, forward-thinking companies are embracing modern leadership roles by adding some innovative titles to their executive lineup: Modern Leadership Roles Drive Change Modern leadership roles are…
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Mastering Delegation When Being a Doer Is In Your DNA
If you are a roll-your-sleeves-up-and-get-it-done doer like I am, this topic might make you twitch a little: delegation. I know, I know, doing things yourself can feel like the fastest (maybe even the only) way to get things right. But here’s the scoop: mastering delegation can be a game-changer, boosting your productivity and setting you up for continued career growth. Let’s break it down and see how you can become a pro at delegation, even if every fiber of your being screams to do it all yourself. What’s the Real Deal with Delegation? Think of delegation not as dumping tasks you don’t want, but as a strategic move to better…
