Leaders know the best solution seldom requires that someone be right and someone else be wrong. It is not enough to be right. Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They become common practice through courageous patience. ─ Ken Chapman, Ph.D.

Nelson Mandela is quoted as saying, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made in the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Effective leaders embody this quote. They understand that every moment of patience, every compassionate performance management conversation, every decision made for the common good is all part of a much bigger picture—investing in the lives of others! ─ Christy Beem ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

By Ken Chapman, Ph.D. Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc. We would all like to get ahead on the job, but some of us are better than others at actually doing it. What sets the “haves” apart from the “have-nots”? A number of things. The following are twenty-one ways to get ahead: 1. Make the most of your employee review. If you don’t already know, find out what your performance ranking is based on and how raises are determined. Keep track of your progress: copies of memos suggesting new ideas that are implemented, praise and positive comments that you’ve received, etc. Keep a notebook with detailed records of your achievements that you can refer to at review time. When you go to your review, be prepared. Review your notes and be ready to outline your accomplishments. Put those accomplishments into real terms whenever possible—demonstrate how you’ve helped the company save or…

It takes ten times longer to put yourself back together than it does to fall apart. Leaders know the wiser, more efficient, course is to keep one’s head to start with. ─ Ken Chapman ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

Leaders do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, whether they feel like it or not. They are not so much men and women of steel as they are people others can count on. No hedging. No excuses. No complaints. ─ Ken Chapman ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

Most team members have tasks they enjoy more than others. They rarely assess the continued value of what they like doing. Leaders know the value of a task is dynamic and ever-changing. Team members add value not only through what they do but through what they stop doing ─ when it no longer adds value. ─ Ken Chapman ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

The slang term “on the bubble” is sometimes used in the workplace when an employee or team member is in danger of being disciplined or terminated. A similar adage is “they’re skating on thin ice.” The saying seems to originate in sports, where an athlete might be “on the bubble” for a slightly different reason: will they be eliminated or will they qualify for the next round of competition. If you are stressed about possibly being “on the bubble” with your job, it could be a good time for self-reflection and decision-making. Here are two questions to ask yourself which could be helpful: Is this job right for you? Not every job is the right fit for every person. Maybe there is another position either inside the same organization or another organization that would better fit your talents, skills, passion, and experience? If you think this is true, discuss it…

Leaders work to influence the outcomes they can, but recognize there are always things beyond their control. Some battles are not theirs to fight. By focusing on their sphere of influence, leaders spend their energy where they can make a difference. ─Deb Miller ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

As good as folk wisdom can be, leaders know the limits of folk wisdom. For example: We are often told we cannot change the world. The truth is the world is changing every day. The only question is who is doing the changing? Leaders are change agents—they change things for the better! ─ Ken Chapman ─ Ken Chapman and Associates, Inc.

By Ken Chapman, Ph.D Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc. Once you learn how to listen, your leadership skills will improve dramatically. You will communicate better and solve more problems. Here are some exercises that will improve your listening skills and help you get the most out of each meeting with a team member. 1. Clean off your desk when meeting with team members. If there are loose papers on your desk, you will unconsciously try to fiddle with them and may even start to glance over them. Clear your desk for every conversation so you can focus your attention on what is being said. 2. What is the color of the person’s eyes? Train yourself to notice eye color at the start of every conversation. It ensures that you will make significant eye contact which leads to more productive conversations. Most important, do not focus so much on eye color…