Nicole Magaddino (Simonian), CPA’s Post

Exceptional #leadership – the kind that brings out the best in a team, drives results, and solves problems in innovative ways – doesn’t just happen. As we explore the role of a leader, surveys have shown that people overwhelmingly want their leaders to inspire, communicate and model the vision, and be honest with them. But what they don’t want is for their leader to micromanage day-to-day tasks or to be overly involved in their technical work. For people who are first stepping into leadership roles, such as moving into a managerial role and supervising others for the first time, this can be a challenging transition. “You are moving from being a doer to being a leader,” said Jeff Anderson, LFGSM President and CEO. “Early in our career, our success is determined by our effectiveness at being a doer. Our status and self-esteem are tied up in that functional expertise, and you have to let it go.” That’s not to say that leaders don’t do things; they need to do different things. Leaders need to examine what their role is so they can create and sustain an environment where their team is thriving, growing, and succeeding. “Your ability to identify their needs, coach, give feedback, and delegate assignments can help your team thrive,” Jeff said. “And your failure to do these things will cause poor morale, frustration, missed goals. Every time we choose to weigh in where we shouldn’t, we are sending a powerful signal that we do not trust the team.” Leaders need to reflect on where they are spending their time and energy. Are you focused on doing things yourself? Or are you building a team and an environment where your team members can succeed? What is the role of a leader? #leadershipdevelopment #teammanagement #inspire

From Manager to Leader 😁 Ever felt like you’re drowning in a sea of tasks, constantly checking off boxes but never really moving forward? It’s a common struggle for many of us. I remember a quote that shifted my perspective: "Manage things. Lead people." - Grace Hopper It resonated because it captures the essence of leadership: it’s all about people. In business, we manage tasks, processes, projects, numbers, products, services... The list goes on. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things demanding our attention. And in that chaos, people—our most valuable assets—can easily get lost. However, people are at the heart of every organization. They’re the ones who drive results and bring those projects and tasks to fruition. Yet, one of the top complaints from employees is the lack of strong leadership. The gap between strategic goals and their execution is bridged by people. If we only manage and neglect to lead, we miss out on unleashing the full potential of our teams. So today, let’s shift some of that management energy into leadership. Focus on your people, inspire them, and watch how effectively they can achieve those goals. Remember, when you lead, you’re not pushing or pulling your team to the finish line. You’re guiding them, creating an environment where everyone can thrive. And when your team thrives, so do you. You’ve already proven your capability as a manager. Now, let’s elevate you to the next level in your leadership journey. If you’re ready to feel more in control of your time, focus, and growth, I’m here to help. Grab one of the few consultation spots I’ve opened up for August. Send me a DM :) Bring your motivation, and I’ll bring the proven leadership strategies to help you hit a home run! ;)

As we wrap up the week, it’s worth reflecting on a crucial aspect of leadership that often goes unnoticed—blindspots. Leadership blindspots are those areas where a leader's perception is limited, leading them to overlook critical issues, behaviors, or dynamics within their team. When a leader is unaware of their blindspots, the impact can be far-reaching and, quite frankly, dangerous. I've highlighted the dangers as follows: 👉 A leader who doesn’t see their blindspots often misses out on valuable feedback that could help them grow and improve. This stagnation not only affects the leader but also stifles the potential of their team. 👉Blindspots can cause leaders to misinterpret situations or mishandle relationships, leading to a breakdown in trust. When team members feel misunderstood or unappreciated, it erodes morale and engagement. 👉Perhaps the most significant danger of unchecked blindspots is the toll it takes on employee retention. When employees feel their voices aren’t heard, their contributions aren’t valued, or their leaders are out of touch, they’re more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. High turnover is often a sign of underlying leadership issues—issues that can be traced back to blindspots. In my view as a leadership coach, all this matters because leadership isn’t just about leading—it’s about being aware of how you lead. The best leaders are those who actively seek to uncover their blindspots and work to address them. They understand that their growth is directly tied to the success and well-being of their team. As you head into the weekend, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect. Are there areas in your leadership where you might have blindspots? How could these be affecting your team’s performance and overall satisfaction? Remember, awareness is the first step toward positive change. Let’s not let our blindspots become stumbling blocks. Instead, let’s turn them into opportunities for growth, both for ourselves and those we lead. If you’re ready to explore this further and see how we can work together to identify and address your leadership blindspots, I’d love to chat more. To find my contact details, please visit my website 👇 patrickachola.com/

Feeling a bit lost in your leadership role? It's time to regain focus and direction. Allow me to share an incredible graphic crafted by Chris Donnelly, offering invaluable tips on transforming into the Ultimate 80/20 Leader. This resource has personally made a significant impact on my leadership journey, and I believe it can benefit all of you as well. The 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) states: 80% of outcomes result from 20% of all inputs. Therefore you have to figure out the top 20% of inputs. And spend 80% of your time going all in on those. A world-class 80/20 leader works on: 1. Spending 80% of their time on 20% of the Most Critical Work. - Learn to prioritise and delegate. - Put your energy into things that matter. 2. Spending 80% of time Listening and 20% Speaking - Actively listen to your team. - Understand their frustrations, inspirations and feedback. 3. Spending 80% on Questioning and 20% on Answering. - Use questions to help your team find the answers. - Challenging thoughts is very powerful. 4. Spending 80% time Guiding their 20% High Achievers - High achievers are 4x more productive than average employees. - Therefore understand their motivations and guide them to it. 5. Spending 80% on Praise and 20% on Critique. - Provide feedback constructively and consistently praise. - A simple thank you can go a long way. As a leader, you have to maximize time to get the most out of your team. Don’t get caught up in menial tasks. Choose the right ones to excel your team's growth. Your team will thank you. ___________________________ Original Content Creator: Chris Donnelly (give him a follow)

The Role of Great Leaders in Navigating Challenges As professionals, we often find ourselves facing numerous challenges in our careers. Whether it's adapting to changes in the industry, overcoming obstacles in projects, or dealing with personal setbacks, the journey can be fraught with difficulties. In such times, the presence of a great leader can make all the difference. Great leaders possess a remarkable ability to protect and guide their team members through various challenges. They understand that their role goes beyond just delegating tasks; it involves providing support, inspiration, and solutions when obstacles arise. One of the key qualities of great leaders is their capacity to anticipate challenges before they even occur. Through their foresight and strategic thinking, they can steer the team away from potential pitfalls and navigate toward success. By keeping a pulse on industry trends, market shifts, and internal dynamics, they can proactively address issues and keep the team on track. Moreover, great leaders foster a culture of resilience within their teams. They understand that setbacks are inevitable but view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of shielding their team members from every challenge, they empower them to face adversity head-on, providing guidance and encouragement along the way. Communication is another essential aspect of leadership in challenging times. Great leaders keep the lines of communication open, ensuring that team members feel heard and supported. They provide clarity in times of uncertainty, keeping everyone informed and aligned towards common goals. Ultimately, the mark of a great leader lies in their ability to inspire confidence and trust, even in the face of adversity. They lead by example, demonstrating resilience, integrity, and a relentless commitment to excellence. By fostering a supportive environment where team members feel valued and empowered, they enable their organization to overcome any challenge that comes its way. In today's fast-paced and dynamic business landscape, the presence of great leaders is more crucial than ever. They serve as beacons of guidance and stability, guiding their teams through turbulent waters toward a brighter future. As professionals, let us recognize and appreciate the invaluable role that great leaders play in navigating the challenges of our careers. #LeadershipTraits #VisionaryLeadership #EmpatheticLeadership #EffectiveCommunication #IntegrityInLeadership #alvesun #AdaptiveLeadership #DecisiveLeadership #AccountableLeadership #EmpoweringLeadership #ResilientLeadership #InnovativeLeadership

In the hustle of hitting targets and making decisions, it's easy for leaders to get caught in the whirlwind of the 'now'. Yet, I've found the most impactful growth and insights come from pausing and reflecting—not just on the 'what' of our achievements but the 'how' and the 'why' behind them. Reflective Leadership is about taking a step back to understand our actions, decisions, and their impacts. It's about asking ourselves tough questions, being honest about our strengths and areas for improvement, and understanding the ripple effect of our leadership style on our teams and projects. Here’s how I incorporate reflective practices into my leadership routine: 1️⃣ Weekly Reflections: Dedicate time each week to review successes, challenges, and learnings. 2️⃣Feedback Loops: Create open channels for feedback, encouraging a culture where constructive dialogue is valued. 3️⃣ Mindful Decision-Making: Before major decisions, pause to consider the broader impacts, aligning with core values and long-term vision. 4️⃣Personal Growth Plan: Set intentional goals for personal development as a leader, recognizing that leadership is a journey, not a destination. I've discovered that reflective leadership not only enhances personal growth but also fosters a more transparent, empathetic, and resilient team culture. It’s about leading with awareness, compassion, and a commitment to continuous improvement. I’d love to hear from you—how do you practice reflective leadership? What impact has it had on you and your teams?

Building a 'Leadership Team' vs. a 'Team of Leaders' - A common Pitfall in New Organizations When setting up a new organization, one of the most critical decisions you'll make is how to structure your leadership. There's a profound difference between building a cohesive leadership team and simply assembling a team of leaders. Understanding this distinction can be the key to your organization's success. The Trap of a 'Team of Leaders' In the rush to bring together top talent, it's easy to fall into the trap of creating a team of leaders—each person highly capable and driven. However, without a unified direction, these leaders may prioritize their own goals over the collective mission. This can lead to: Conflict and Competition -- Individual leaders might clash, each pushing their own agenda, leading to internal strife and inefficiencies. Fragmented Efforts -- Without a shared vision, the team's efforts can become disjointed, preventing the organization from moving forward cohesively. Decision-Making Challenges -- Differing perspectives and priorities can slow down the decision-making process, causing delays and missed opportunities. The Power of a 'Leadership Team' In contrast, a leadership team is a group of individuals who work together with a shared purpose, collective accountability, and a unified approach to achieving the organization's goals. The benefits include: Synergy and Collaboration -- When leaders operate as a team, their combined efforts create a synergistic effect, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Collaboration and open communication drive innovation and efficiency. Aligned Vision and Mission -- A leadership team is united around a common vision, ensuring that all decisions and actions are aligned with the organization's overarching goals. Enhanced Decision-Making -- With a shared direction, decision-making becomes more streamlined and effective, enabling the organization to respond swiftly to opportunities and challenges. In summary… while it's tempting to assemble a team of high-achieving leaders, the real key to long-term success lies in building a cohesive leadership team. By focusing on unity, collaboration, and shared purpose, you can create a strong foundation for your organization's growth and success. Avoid the trap of a fragmented team of leaders and instead, cultivate a leadership team that drives your organization forward as a unified force. #TeamBuilding #OrganizationSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #NewOrganization #GCC #OperationsCenter #GCCLeadership

I have read about a few organisations that faced setbacks because of a disconnect between leadership and strategy. This misalignment isn't exclusive to large firms; even smaller ones falter when there's a lack of synchrony between strategy and guiding leadership. Aligning leadership with strategy is key to sustained growth. I found valuable insights in Brent Gleeson ‘s article on enhancing leadership alignment. Here's a quick summary: 1️⃣ Establish the "Why" Behind the Organisation: Define core values and articulate the purpose behind the organisation. Without a clear "why," building organisational culture becomes challenging. 2️⃣ Define the Culture Supporting the "Why": Use the established "why" as the foundation for all decisions related to building the organisational culture. Leaders must create experiences that reinforce cultural beliefs. 3️⃣ Agree on a Shared Vision: Align the leadership team on the company's vision. This allows leaders at all levels to make decisions that support the ultimate vision, connecting employees to a larger purpose. 4️⃣ Define What Winning Looks Like: Team members should individually picture what winning or success looks like and share their ideas with the team for alignment. 5️⃣Articulate Accountability, Responsibility, and Informed Roles: Clearly define who is accountable, responsible, and informed on all initiatives. Establish a hierarchy for achieving results. 6️⃣ Set Regular Check-ins to Stay Aligned: Set a rhythm for meetings and scheduled communication. Regular check-ins allow leaders to adapt to shifting priorities to make sure everyone agrees on direction. What are your thoughts on this?

Do you know the secret to being an effective leader? It's realizing this one crucial truth. 👇 Given the current economic times, it's even more important to remind yourself: You are not the company. As the leader of your company, you have two responsibilities. You are responsible for the company 🤝. And, you are responsible for yourself 💼. Both are important, and they are different. My new book, *Create the Future*, ✅ gives you a framework for finding your Zone of Leadership. You are in your Zone of Leadership when drawing on both your skills and your passions. This Zone is where you will be most successful 🌟. I give you the ✅ tools to separate your duties and decision-making for the company from your hopes and decision-making for your career. When you are clear about the professional roles best matched to you at this point in your career, ✅you will more easily separate your decision-making for the company from considerations about your career. For example, you may see opportunities to grow the company but don’t believe you have the skills or want to lead the larger company. Or, the company may require cost reductions, and your leadership has been chiefly external and customer-focused. In cases like this, getting clarity about the leadership roles where you will be most effective strengthens your leadership and does not conflict with performing your current job. You can openly talk about roles where you will be most effective and where you will be less effective. You will more easily make decisions benefiting the company and separate them from thoughts about your next professional steps. Leaders get in trouble when they confuse their desires for themselves with their responsibilities for the company. ✅ If I am an employee or an investor, I want you, as the leader, to make decisions that benefit the company and not simply serve your personal interests. You have dual responsibilities as a company leader and as an individual. Care and advocacy for both are good for the company and good for you 👍 🤝 . 🔹 What do you think is the most challenging part of balancing personal and company responsibilities? Comment below, like this post if it resonated, and follow me for more leadership insights! 📚✨ #ctf #leadership #decisionmaking #personaldevelopment #professionaldevelopment #growth #mindset

**Leadership Principles for Emerging Leaders** If you're stepping into a leadership role for the first time and are seeking guidance, you've come to the right place. This compilation of leadership principles is designed to help you navigate your new responsibilities with confidence and authenticity. While the list is not exhaustive, it emphasizes the importance of being selective, considerate, and thoughtful in your approach to leadership. By embracing these principles, you can lead in a way that is true to yourself and inspires those around you. Promoting positivity and optimism is important to create a motivational and empowering environment. Your role should be to encourage team members to stay focused on goals and remain optimistic even in challenging situations. Active listening is a trait for which you will be remembered. Actively listen to your team members, offer support, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. "Authenticity and Integrity" means leading with honesty and transparency and staying true to your values and principles, even in the face of challenges. Be genuine in your interactions and always act with honesty and openness, inspiring trust and respect among your team. Approach leadership with humility, seek feedback, embrace growth opportunities, and continuously improve yourself and your leadership skills. "Building Relationships and Team Cohesion" means prioritizing the significance of unity and collaboration among your team. To achieve this, invest time in building strong relationships and fostering a sense of cohesion among team members. Encouraging open communication and teamwork is essential to reaching common goals together. Demonstrate resilience and perseverance in challenging situations. Encourage your team to remain resilient and never give up, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks. Lead by example and inspire your team to overcome challenges with determination and perseverance. Remember, resilience and persistence are essential to help you and your team successfully navigate difficult times. Empowering your team members requires trust and delegation of responsibilities. By giving your team, the freedom to make decisions and take initiative, you can encourage accountability and a culture of excellence. Foster trust among team members and encourage them to support and rely on each other. Trust will help build a solid, cohesive team capable of achieving great things. As you begin your leadership journey, remember that effective leadership is an ongoing process. Embrace principles like personal development, active listening, leading with authenticity, and empowering your team to build a successful career. Strive to be the kind of leader you would want to follow. #leadershipprinciples #authenticleadership #empower #relationships #trust