As summer comes to an end, it takes me back to my days in elementary school. Regardless of grade, we seemed always to have been asked to write an essay entitled, “How I Spent my Summer.” Those were carefree days when even in the greater Los Angeles area, neighborhoods held block parties, and front doors were routinely unlocked, as we children skipped from one house to another for homemade cookies and milk and one set of friends to another. I grew up on a cul-de-sac in west LA, comprised of 12 homes, which housed 36 kids. The four children in my family found groups of friends of the same ages and we roamed the neighborhood. No traditional summer camp for us, rather we built forts and slept in one another’s backyards, made scooters from orange crates and skates, rode bikes, played board games, read books, and acted them out. Those were the days!
This year, my summer was spent publishing a second book, an Amazon #1 bestseller, “Can we all just get along?” Rodney King – Courageous Communication: A Return to Civility,” along with blogging, scheduling interviews and podcasts, writing articles, and working. I also snuck in two glorious weeks in my “happy place,” Mammoth Lakes, CA for hiking, fishing, reading, writing and just plain relaxing. Summer was also punctuated by the Olympics, Political Conventions, and family visits.
What about you? I’m eager to hear how you spent your summer.
This month’s Leadership Carnival provides a wealth of knowledge from many thought leaders, and offers a smooth transition from those lazy days of summer to a fall of focus, work, family, holidays, and fun!
Conducting Meetings with Purpose and Passion: A Vital Communication Skill for All of Us
Diana Peterson-More
Clear, concise, and intentional communication is at the heart of all human relationships and interactions, be they personal or professional. How communication takes place is as important as the fact that communication is taking place. It isn’t “if” we communicate; rather, “how” we do so. Where do meetings fit into the mix? They are a communication tool in the workplace that we all overuse. Yet, when done correctly, meetings can be an effective vehicle for communication. Connect with Diana on LinkedIn.
It’s the Relationship, Stupid
Julie Winkle Giulioni
Building strong relationships with your team is the foundation of effective leadership. In this article, Julie Winkle Giulioni explores how authentic connections, rooted in trust and communication, can drive employee development and engagement. Discover the key behaviors that transform workplace interactions into powerful development relationships. Connect with Julie on LinkedIn.
The Best Way to Connect With Others
Marcia Reynolds
The emotional connection you make with people in conversations will affect results. This post offers tips for ensuring your connection is positive even in difficult conversations. Connect with Marcia on LinkedIn.
More Tips for Growing your TQ: Talk Quotient
Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE
In tough times, humor is an essential survival skill. Talk can also be funny. Not the sarcastic biting humor of put-downs and inside jokes, but rather the humor that can lighten a difficult situation or put something in perspective. Connect with Eileen on Twitter @macdarling.
What Happens in Silence?
Brenda Yoho – Be the Solution Daily
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, silence can often feel elusive, even uncomfortable. Yet, within the quiet moments, profound transformations can occur. Silence is more than the absence of noise; it is a powerful space where growth, healing, and insight can flourish. Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn.
You Think You’re Getting a Deal…But Are You?
Frank Sonnenberg
When you seek the lowest cost, haggle the price down, or choose secondhand purchases, your discounted dream can swiftly turn into a full-priced nightmare. Connect with Frank on Twitter @FSonnenberg.
The biggest barrier to your team’s development? You
Robyn McLeod
Robyn McLeod of Thoughtful Leaders™ Blog presents, “The biggest barrier to your team’s development? You” where she shares how to avoid getting in the way of your team’s success and the steps you can take to help them flourish. Connect with Robyn on Twitter @ThoughtfulLdrs.
How to Deal with Leadership Pressures
Bill Treasurer – Giant Leap Consulting
Leadership comes with immense pressure—often like carrying an elephant on your back. Whether it’s the weight of responsibility, the need to deliver results, or the demands of the role, these pressures are inescapable. Learning to embrace and navigate them is key to becoming a resilient and effective leader. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn.
Culture Calibration is Vital for Attracting Young Talent
Chris Edmonds – The Purposeful Culture Group
Companies can attract young talent through a culture calibration that clearly defines the purpose, values, and behaviors that are expected. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn.
7 Ways to Help Your Small Business Perform Better
Jon Verbeck
Many different elements of business fall under the goal of “performing better.” Owners want to make more profit, grow in size, efficiently deliver better customer value, and perhaps most importantly, experience more fulfillment with better control and have less stress as they lead their company. Connect with Jon on LinkedIn.
Why Invest in Career Development? The Business Imperative for Your Employees
Bev Kaye
This article is making the case as to why it’s imperative that organizations properly invest in their employee’s career development. Connect with Bev on LinkedIn.
Empathetic Leadership: Why Empathy in the Workplace Matters
David Grossman
Research reveals that empathy is a critical skill that’s good for employees and good for business. This blog post offers actionable insights for leaders to connect with their teams on a deeper level and foster a more supportive, productive workplace. Connect with David on LinkedIn.
How Delegation Empowers Team Members and Frees Up Time for Effective Leaders
Sean Glaze – Great Results Team Building
Before you became a manager or team leader, success was about solving problems for people. As an effective leader, though, you solve problems through people.
Delegation is a critical skill for managers that maximizes their effectiveness and empowers their teams. Properly delegating tasks not only frees up a manager’s time for higher-level strategic work but also empowers team members, boosts morale, and fosters professional growth.
This article shares insights on how managers can delegate tasks effectively. Connect with Sean on Twitter @leadyourteam.
How HR Can Actually Use AI
Mary Ila Ward
As we wrap up our series on Artificial Intelligence, we’ve learned that AI isn’t as scary as some people make it out to be and that we can use it in a variety of ways- but with some caution- in order to impact our workplaces in a positive manner. Connect with Mary on LinkedIn.
