Sometimes we make mistakes. After all, "to err is human" (though not especially pleasant).

So what do you do when you mess up?

I encourage “nice-guy” leaders to develop a “dial” that replaces the “switch” they flip during conflict. We replace a communication strategy that goes instantly from DEFCON 5 to DEFCON 1. When we do this, conflict becomes less painful both for them and for those they lead.

You may pride yourself on your drive and ability to get things done fast. Those two superpowers have served you well in the past.

But just because it worked for you in the past doesn't mean it will meet the challenges of today. If you find yourself fighting more and more “fires” in your organization, that could be a sign that your "superpowers" are turning into "kryptonite."

Let me explain.

I recently had a conversation with a friend who was lamenting the need to invest more and more time in tasks at work that weren’t relevant to his sense of purpose. I replied by saying, “Ah - you mean high maintenance, low impact activities.” Intrigued by this description, he requested, “Please, tell me more.”

Let’s mash up SMART goals with small experiments to make your goals even SMARTER! This process will help you make those daily small improvements that add up to big successes

Many of us know about the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) for leadership. Here's a tool that will help you with that: learn how to recognize and correct your triggers.

Here is one concept that I come back to time and time again for leadership development. Let's talk about the "designed alliance." To create collaborative relationships, you have to clarify, “Here’s what I need from you. What do you need from me?” The designed alliance is a tool that helps you do that.

This weekly conversation is equal to routine maintenance on your car engine. The marriage meeting is a way of “checking the oil” to make sure that your engine doesn’t burnout!

Do you find yourself “agonizing” over decisions, looking for the “perfect” option? If so, satisficing could serve you well. Satisficing is the skill of recognizing “good enough.”

Photo Credit: Unsplash @markuswinkler

When you feel ineffective, it impacts both your confidence and self-esteem. That impacts how you approach your work and your relationships. Those who lack confidence often engage in more “avoiding” or “accommodating” behaviors. Those same behaviors lead to increased resentment, anxiety, and depression.

Small experiments can lead to really big changes.

If you are looking for an easy to remember and easy to measure process for training people, here it is! It’s also a helpful process for delegation, because there is inevitably some element of training that goes with delegation.