Monthly Archives: September 2014

Collaboration, Leadership, Teamwork

Not an Army of One

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“As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people’s ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” —Amy Poehler

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

Are You Going it Alone?

It’s easy to think that you will be better off if you just do everything yourself. Many times it is fear that prevents you from asking for help. You may fear that you will give more than you get, or that you will share more about yourself than you would like. You may fear having to share your success with someone else. The problem is, you can’t possibly know everything or see situations from every angle. The more you learn, the more you realize there is so much you don’t know. Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” You are limiting your chance of success when you insist on going it alone. So where should you start?

 Great ideas

Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “I welcome and seek your ideas, but do not bring me small ideas; bring me big ideas to match our future.” The best ideas come from sharing and combining ideas from a diverse, variety of sources. Use technology to access the information and expertise you need from individuals from around the world. Develop a supportive atmosphere that encourages the sharing of ideas without fear of judgment. Ask the question “what if?”. Give everyone the chance to share; you never know where the next great idea will come from.

Relationships

Build relationships. Joyce Meyer explained, “We can improve our relationships with others by leaps and bounds if we become encouragers instead of critics.” Much of your success is dependent on developing strong, authentic relationships. Get to know those you work with on a personal basis. Always be forthcoming and respectful in your interactions. Use the relationships you develop to foster the spirit of cooperation, encouragement, and support that leads uncovering great ideas.

Collaboration

Antony Starr told us, “Collaboration is the best way to work. It’s the only way to work, really. Everyone’s there because they have a set of skills to offer across the board.” Without collaboration, you can get stuck. You need skills and expertise beyond your own to continue to move forward. You have experts from around the world accessible right at your fingertips. The sky is the limit when you learn how to connect and collaborate with others. This collaboration is not about competing against each other, but innovating together to co-create something far beyond your individual capabilities. Identify a need, and then focus on who you need to help you find a solution.

Common ground

Improve your ability to collaborate successfully by finding common ground. Madeleine Albright recognized, “No matter what message you are about to deliver somewhere, whether it is holding out a hand of friendship, or making clear that you disapprove of something, is the fact that the person sitting across the table is a human being, so the goal is to always establish common ground.” People want to work with other people who they know and feel comfortable with. Find commonalities between you and your team members. Collaboration is not self-serving; think about the well-being of the whole not just the few. Create a shared vision where everyone wins. Finding common ground helps you break down interpersonal barriers and reduce the fears that prevent collaboration and block creativity. Learn to embrace the diversity that builds a strong team and encourages the discovery of great ideas.

Not an Army of One

Stephen Covey reminded us, “Synergy is what happens when one plus one equals ten, or a hundred, or even a thousand! It’s the profound result when two or more respectful human beings determine to go beyond their preconceived ideas to meet a great challenge.” Great challenges require great partnering. There is extraordinary power in people working together toward the same goal. Use diverse perspectives to change the way you view the need and the goal. Develop relationships with others; find common ground where you can share your expertise for mutual benefit and discover great ideas together. You never know where the next great idea might be found. You are not an army of one; build a network of experts to share in your exploration new ideas and great possibilities.

 

 

 

© 2014 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Elizabeth Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Elizabeth holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.

 

 

Collaboration, Flexibility, Structure, Work

The Way We Work is Evolving: Are You Ready?

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“The biggest mistake that you can make is to believe that you are working for somebody else. Job security is gone. The driving force of a career must come from the individual. Remember: Jobs are owned by the company, you own your career!” —Earl Nightingale

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

The Way We Work is Evolving

The way we work is changing. Millennials will soon make up 50% of the workforce. This generation is used to being connected, collaborative, and operating on the move. They are used to using social platforms to share and communicate. They want the ability to work from anywhere, to have a voice, and to be allowed to learn about things that interest them. We’re all going to have to jump on the bandwagon. We can no longer work in the fragmented environment of the past. The evolution of work now allows us to be more connected and engaged. This new work environment offers us the opportunity to thrive if we are ready to step up and take control of our own career. Are you prepared for the new work paradigm?

Social media

Amy Jo Martin explained, “Social media is changing the way we communicate and the way we are perceived, both positively and negatively. Every time you post a photo, or update your status, you are contributing to your own digital footprint and personal brand.” Social media is changing the way we behave. In this new age, small actions can have a big impact. A “like” from the right person or a critical review can have far reaching implications. Social media is creating communities and enhancing transparency.

The evolution of work utilizes these social avenues to promote organizations, monitor public opinion, and stay connected to customers and colleagues. You must learn to be conscious of the impact your posts, status changes, pictures, likes, and shares have both personally and professionally. If you are going to be responsible for steering your own career path, you have to care about your digital footprint and your personal brand.

Flexibility

Will Smith said “And where I excel is ridiculous, sickening, work ethic. You know, while the other guys sleeping? I’m working.” New technology gives you freedom and flexibility to work anytime, anywhere, with anyone, and on any device. Shifting to the cloud now allows you to access the software technology you need for almost any task. You no longer need to work 9-5 or spend hours commuting to the office every week.

The evolution of work allows you the flexibility to work where and when you want. You must develop the discipline to ensure that you can complete your work without a set schedule or consistent work environment. You must stay up-to-date on the latest advances in technology. And, with the accessibility of connecting to your work anytime, anywhere, you must make sure maintaining a healthy work/life balance is a priority.

New ways to collaborate 

Bill Gates tells us, “The PC has improved the world in just about every area you can think of. Amazing developments in communications, collaboration, and efficiencies. New kinds of entertainment and social media. Access to information and the ability to give a voice to people who would never have been heard.” New collaborative technologies allow you to easily share information and ideas. The ease of collaboration breaks down barriers. You now have access to people with expertise in any field from around the globe. Any information you desire can be found at your fingertips. You can connect with colleagues and collaborators on an international scale.

In a world with access to so many people and so much information, you must learn to filter the important information and focus on the task at hand. In this new world of increased collaborative ability, you lose much of the traditional face-to-face communication. You miss the little cues such as handshakes and body language. You must learn to compensate by building strong relationship where you can gauge conversational understanding based on tone and content. Always make sure your collaboration is a win-win situation for every participant.

Flatter structures

Steve McQueen said, “I can’t work in an environment where it’s a stiff hierarchy; that’s not my kind of way.” The hierarchical organizational structures of the past are being flattened. The evolution of work presents you with the opportunity to have a voice without needing to climb the corporate ladder. You now have the opportunity to serve as a leader without holding a formal position of authority through your influence and expertise.

Your work is now becoming self-directed. You are able to share your expertise and interests in a public arena. This offers the chance to be recognized for your contributions and to become a subject matter experts and thought leader. You must develop the skills, knowledge, and discipline necessary to work autonomously. You must be ready to speak up and share your voice. You must also be willing to listen to others to understand their point of view and not to judge.

Are You Ready?

The way you work is changing and the future looks much different from the past. Are you ready? Do you have a clear understanding where you want to take your career? Are you ready to embrace new technology and social platforms on a continual basis? The way we work is evolving, are you ready to evolve with it?

 

 

© 2014 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Elizabeth Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Elizabeth holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at

stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.

 

 

Focus, Mission, Motivation, Why

What is Your Personal Mission?

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“Outstanding people have one thing in common: An absolute sense of mission.” —Zig Ziglar

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

You Are on a Mission

Maya Angelou told us about her mission, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Whether you have given conscious thought to it or not, you are on a mission. Others come to know your mission by watching your behaviors. Your mission serves as your guiding light. It helps people understand who you are, what is important to you, and what you want to accomplish. It guides your values, vision, and goals. Make sure you are following your mission by design and not default. Give some thought to the following factors.

Why

Simon Sinek explained, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Your “why” is as important to you as it is to others. Your “why” is the foundation with which your decisions and actions are based. Make sure you have given it some real thought. What is important to you? Do you understand why you’re doing what you’re doing? Are your words and actions in line with your “why”? Your “why” provides the underpinning for your mission.

Motivation

Lou Holtz said, “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” What is your motivation? Our dreams come true when we are motivated enough to take action. What do you want bad enough to put in the hard work necessary to achieve or acquire? Why is it so important to you? Knowing your personal mission will provide you with motivation and strength to keep you going when times get tough.

Focus

Tony Robbins tells us, “One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular.” Identify where you are focusing in every area of your life. Where is your family focus? Your educational focus? Your community focus? Your career focus? Identify where you are, where you want to go, and where your focus needs to be to get there. Your mission should guide your focus.

 Legacy

Jan Brewer stated, “My mother always told me that as you go through life, no matter what you do, or how you do it, you leave a little footprint, and that’s your legacy.” Intentional or not, you are leaving a little footprint. What would you like people to associate with your name? When you have a clear picture of the legacy you would like to leave you are more engaged in creating it. When you live your mission, you create your legacy.

What is Your Personal Mission?

Viktor E. Frankl understood that each of us has a personal mission when he said, “Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone’s task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.” You are important. Your personal mission is important. Your mission should emphasize who you are not just what you want to accomplish.

Jan Bruce explained, “Purpose is the thing that will keep you afloat no matter how the tide turns.” You can’t build something meaningful without a sense purpose and a mission to guide you. Your mission serves as a moral compass to help you make the right decisions about what to do and why to do it. Remember, you are on a mission. Make it a good one.

 

© 2014 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Elizabeth Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Elizabeth holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.

 

Change Management, Leadership, Opportunity, Success

Challenging the Status Quo

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“The riskiest thing we can do is just maintain the status quo.” —Bob Iger

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

The Status Quo

As Marshall Goldsmith said, “What got you here won’t get you there.” What is sufficient for success today will not be sufficient tomorrow. You must learn to be agile. Evaluate where you are today and where you want to go. Will continuing on your current route get you there? If you are seeking long-term success you must constantly challenge the status quo.

What is your mission?

Your purpose should provide a clear mission. Who needs you? What do they need and why? What must you do to meet those needs? When you have a reasoned mission, you have a clear picture of where you are going and how you will behave on your journey. This clarity allows you to remain calm during times of adversity. It helps you view the lessons of past experiences with an eye for the future. With a clear mission you will find it easier to stay true to your values. Colin Powell reminds us, “Fit no stereotypes. Don’t chase the latest management fads. The situation dictates which approach best accomplishes the team’s mission.” Continually challenge the status quo in light of your mission.

 Innovation

John Emmerling tells us, “Innovation is creativity with a job to do.” Innovation allows you to create something new that meets an unmet need and provides value. The ability to innovate requires that you overcome our fear of challenging the status quo. When you take all of your small ideas and combine them, you often come up with one, great idea. Focus on looking for ways to innovate everywhere. Listen to the needs of your customers, employees, and stakeholders as you consider challenging the status quo.

Opportunity

When you challenge the status quo you open yourself to seeing opportunity where you least expect it. Ask questions. What is working and what isn’t? How can I make it or do it better? Milton Berle said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” Constantly step outside your comfort zone. Take on challenging situations. Be willing to look at situations from a new perspective. Welcome opportunities to collaborate in new and creative ways. Look to the work of others for inspiration and opportunity to reevaluate the status quo.

Change

Change is a necessity; we must change or we become obsolete.  William Pollard said, “Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.”Learn to question the status quo and then embrace the change that is required to achieve success today, tomorrow, and into the future.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Howard Schultz believes that, “Any business today that embraces the status quo as an operating principle is going to be on a death march.” It would be foolish to think that you can continue to be successful by doing the same things tomorrow that you did yesterday. You must learn to adapt your thinking to embrace new challenges, strategies, and ways of approaching your work. Clarify your mission, pursue innovation, seek opportunity, and embrace change. Challenge the status quo and move your business forward.

 

© 2014 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Elizabeth Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Elizabeth holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.