Monthly Archives: December 2014

Culture, Employee Morale, Engagement, Habits, Leadership, Morale

Developing a Healthy Culture in 2015

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“Businesses often forget about the culture, and ultimately, they suffer for it because you can’t deliver good service from unhappy employees.” —Tony Hsieh
By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

Why Culture?

As we approach the start of a new year, it’s the perfect opportunity to set a goal for developing a healthy culture in your organization in 2015. Now, of course, merely setting a goal is not nearly enough, but laying out a plan is a great starting point. While many leaders view culture as the latest buzzword in organizational leadership, the truth is, your culture may have a bigger impact on the performance of your organization than any other single factor. Culture drives success; your culture impacts your level of engagement, growth, and innovation. Your culture determines the on-the-ground actions, behaviors, and decisions of your employees. A healthy culture does not happen by accident, it is intentionally developed. So, what can you do to start developing a healthy culture in 2015?

Set the example

Rupert Murdoch told us, “In motivating people, you’ve got to engage their minds and their hearts. I motivate people, I hope, by example – and perhaps by excitement, by having productive ideas to make others feel involved.” As the leader, you are the one responsible for creating the culture in your organization. Focus on the positive behaviors you want to see in your organization and then set the example for others to follow. Show people that you value the employees at every level of the organization. Help them see that their actions and decisions have value. Communicate respectfully and authentically. Then, celebrate small achievements.

 Help them grow

Benjamin Franklin believed, “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” If you want to have a healthy culture you must invest in the development of your employees. This shows them that they are valued. Help them to build positive self-identities. Offer them the opportunity to design their own work. Make learning something to be celebrated. Show them the trust it takes to allow them to learn from mistakes without fear. Encourage them to participate in the decision-making in your organization.

Share your values

Your culture is based on group norms of behavior; shared values are what keep those norms in place. Roy E. Disney said, “When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” Share your values with your employees. Help them see how these values play into the long-term focus of the organization. Then, help them understand the importance of the role they play in that focus. Once you share your values you can start to develop shared, healthy organizational habits.

Healthy Culture/Happy Employees

James Sinegal explained, “When employees are happy, they are your very best ambassadors.” Develop a healthy culture that will keep your employees happy. Set the example, help them grow, and share your values. Connect meaning and value to them as individuals and to the tasks they perform for your organization. Remember, your culture will influence the actions, behaviors, and decisions of every employee. Make intentionally developing a healthy culture in 2015 a priority and see what success you can achieve.

 

 

 

© 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.

 

Communication, Engagement, Leadership, Respect

Do You Really Want to Communicate?

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“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” —Tony Robbins

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

Communication

Just because you are talking doesn’t mean you are communicating. Are your conversations one-sided? Are you listening with judgment? Are you so busy formulating a response that you miss the message? The point of communication is to try to create a shared perception of the world. Develop the habit of really engaging in conversation. Learn to show respect when communicating. And, recognize that, while there may be differing points of view, you can still communicate effectively.

Engage

Nelson Mandela said, “A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger.” You and the other side will never get closer to the same understanding if you do not engage in good, two-way communication. It’s difficult to have a productive conversation that is confrontational, demeaning, or judgmental. To have constructive conversations, try asking questions that will draw on a positive memory or feeling; this deepens the sense of well-being and trust. When we feel at ease we are more likely to be open to having productive conversations. Interact directly whenever possible. Make others feel like they are part of the conversation and that their input is valued. In a successful conversation both parties walk away feeling that they have been heard and have a better understanding of where the other is coming from.

Respect

Bryant H. McGill believed, “One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” Ask others for their perspectives or personal opinions; this shows you have respect for them and their input. Share the floor. Don’t act as if it’s your way or nothing. Be confident but not arrogant when you’re communicating. Learn to paint the big picture for others and help them to see how they fit in. Have enough respect to give credit where it is due. Only speak for yourself and remain genuine and receptive. Make it clear how much you care about the success of others and that you respect and value their opinions.

Two views

Harper Lee explained, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.” If you want to really communicate you must acknowledge that there are differences in how any two people view reality and situations. Learn to focus on what others are saying at the moment without interrupting or passing judgment. Then, confirm your understanding and ask follow-up questions. Don’t dance around uncomfortable questions, answer first and then elaborate if necessary. This open give and take is what allows you to create a shared understanding of the situation.

Make the Effort

Truman Capote stated, “A conversation is a dialogue, not a monologue. That’s why there are so few good conversations: due to scarcity, two intelligent talkers seldom meet.” In order to have good conversations you must learn to engage not lecture. You must show respect. And, you must recognize that there are two differing points of view involved in every conversation. We all find it difficult to communicate sometimes but, good conversations can happen if you are willing to make the effort.

 

 

 

© 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.

 

Gratitude, Leadership

Are You a Grateful Leader?

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“Often people ask how I manage to be happy despite having no arms and no legs. The quick answer is that I have a choice. I can be angry about not having limbs, or I can be thankful that I have a purpose. I chose gratitude.” —Nick Vujicic

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

Gratitude

Very few of us have as much to be angry about as Nick Vujicic. Yet, Nick has chosen to be grateful. If he can do it, so can you. Gratitude can make a difference not only in your life but in the lives of those you work and associate with. Think of the example you will be setting if you demonstrate gratitude in every area of your life, including your leadership. What a simple concept; change lives by showing gratitude.

Why

Why show gratitude? Melody Beattie explained, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” When you are truly grateful, everyone wins. People who operate in an environment of appreciation and gratitude are more inspired and engaged. They have a positive outlook on life. Gratitude can be a great motivator and there is no better way to develop trust than letting people know they are sincerely cared for and appreciated. Gratitude opens the door to building new, stronger relationships; it can ease hardships, and amplify the positive in life. Gratitude and happiness are interconnected and can be infectious. How much more productive and engaged would your employees be if they felt supported and appreciated by you?

Who

To whom should you express gratitude? People want to associate and do business with people they like and who appreciate them. When you show gratitude, people will remember how good you made them feel. The most powerful tool for success at your disposal is your ability to make others feel appreciated. When people feel appreciated they are more likely to communicate openly, collaborate more, and accomplish great things. As a leader, you should express gratitude to those who have an impact on you. This means personally and professionally; both internal and external to your organization.

How

How can you make others feel appreciated? You can create an environment where others have the opportunity to thrive, be creative, and increase their potential. Notice the good in others daily. Thank them both privately and publically with words of appreciation. Be authentic by expressing gratitude because you get pleasure from doing so, not out of obligation. Show empathy and compassion. Demonstrate your gratitude by offering your ear, giving compliments that are specific, offering opportunities, showing trust, and making others feel they’re part of something bigger. As a leader, you can create a healthy, happy culture where gratitude is the norm.

Gratitude in Leadership

John Milton said, “Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.” As a leader, your gratitude will change the way both you and those you associate with see the world. Use your grateful attitude to help others focus on the positive aspects of their personal and professional lives. It’s a simple concept; express gratitude daily and change not only the lives of those you associate with, but your own life as well.

 

 

© 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.

 

Leadership, Sharing

Sharing Your Gifts

 

 

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“We are never doing anyone any favors by withholding our gifts from the world. It’s scary to be fierce, but you can’t compromise that for fear of losing those around you.” —Idina Menzel

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

What Do You Have to Give?

Every one of us has a gift to share. I’m not talking about material gifts, I’m talking about the gifts that don’t cost a thing but can make the biggest difference in the lives of others. These are the gifts that uplift others. What do you have to give? Every one of us can give T.I.P.S.; they won’t cost you a thing.

Time

Mary Kay Ash believed, “No matter how busy you are, you must take time to make the other person feel important.” Time is a limited resource, but it may possibly be the most valuable gift you can give. When you are willing to share the gift of your precious time, it shows people you really care. Take the time to make family, friends, colleagues, and those in your community feel important.

Inclusion

Colm Keaveney said, “Discipline and unconditional support is earned by understanding, trust, and inclusion.” Everyone desires a sense of belonging, to be part of a community. What a simple but meaningful gift to share; helping others feel part of something bigger. Whether it be a family, team, organization, or other community, people want to feel that they fit in, that they have something in common with those around them, and that they are welcome and accepted.

Passion

Oprah Winfrey tells us, “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”  And then, share that excitement with others. Help them find purpose and meaning in the everyday things they do. Share the gift of your passion and ignite a fire inside others that will fill their lives with energy, excitement, and a passion of their own.

Servitude

Ann Landers explained, “People who care about each other enjoy doing things for one another. They don’t consider it servitude.” Whether you are a leader, a colleague, a friend, or a neighbor, be of service. The gift of your service can lift others, lighten their load, and improve their lives. You will find that being of service to others benefits you more than it does them by providing a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Sharing Your Gifts

Sabrina Bryan said, “You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support.” Help those in your life accomplish great things by sharing the gifts that only you can give. Give of your precious time. Share acceptance and a sense of community. Spread your passion. And, be of service to others. When you share your gifts, you are the one who reaps the rewards. Be fierce and share your gifts with the world.

 

 

© 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.