Leadership

10 Steps To Go From Lack of Clear Priorities to Leadership Success

In a recent survey we conducted at TeamCatapult (January 2023), leaders shared their top five struggles in their current leadership roles and key traits they might be missing.

Leaders indicated that they

Felt like there is only so far they can go in your current role
Were unsure how to get people to buy into their vision for the team
Struggled with a lack of clear priorities
Have a team that can’t agree on rules, responsibilities, outcomes, and strategies
Tried controlling everything or tried figuring things out on their own

What would it look like if leaders shared their ideas and vision? Would leaders try harder if they were not afraid to fail? Can you imagine a business world full of confident leaders leading us into the next century?

At Teamcatapult, we cultivate great leaders and effective teams by accessing collective intelligence. We motivate and develop one leader at a time!

Leadership development is vital to leadership success

Leadership success depends on a lot of factors. Clarity of purpose will help effective leaders move their companies forward. At the same time, with a lack of clear priorities, it can be challenging to know as a leader where to even start leading and motivating your (new) team. How can a leader be successful if they do not have a clear purpose or priorities?

Overcoming obstacles and paving the way to becoming a successful leader

What does it look like to overcome obstacles and be successful as a leader? It looks like work! There is no magic wand or easy way to get there, but through doing the work.

Competency comes with practice. Sometimes, years of practice. While you might immediately think: “I don’t have years to dedicate to this” that doesn’t mean you couldn’t start today.

What does it take to lead a team and be a good leader?

It takes effort and time to be a top manager, a great leader, inspire employees, lead a team, develop a clear mission, and achieve success!

What does successful leadership look like?

It takes… a lot and it looks like work!

To become a great leader, one needs to have the desire to work on personal development, a better future, and increase productivity, innovation, and dedication. It might include developing a model of leadership that is focused on a desire to lead change.

The leader’s roles and responsibilities

Leadership must focus on the future. You’re unable to take your people to the destination without knowing the end destination and without having a clear direction.

Employees want to know their leaders are optimistic and confident about the future.

As a leader, you must keep your attention and direction in mind while keeping your staff from distractions. Lead in a can-do spirit to continually improve, while strengthening step modifications to sustain successes.

Leadership skills come with doing the work

Successful leaders all demonstrate the willingness and ability to learn, change and grow. These leadership qualities are developed over time and with experience.

Competency comes from doing the work.

Here are 10 Steps to go from “lack of clear business priorities” to “leadership success”.

1) Identify your leadership goals

Write down your goals, team goals, and your organization’s goals. What does your leadership expect from your company and your teams? What direction do you want yo organization and your company to go in and what company goals need to be met?

Next, determine urgency and consider the importance of each goal. Set a timeline to achieve your goals, whether they are short business goals or long-range goals to achieve long run success.

Create a (written) plan for your goals and then focus on the top priorities.

Last but not least, review and adjust your priorities often as they may shift by life’s curveballs thrown at you!

2) Understand the importance of priorities to attain leadership success

Successful leaders start with prioritization. Whether it’s in their personal or professional life prioritization of priorities is step one to achieving goals.

Start by identifying your most important goals and tasks.

Next, focus your time and energy on these most important goals first. Doing so can help you make significant progress toward achieving success.

Setting priorities forces you to be organized and manage your time effectively. At the same time, avoid getting sidetracked by distractions or unimportant tasks, as doing so can undermine all your hard work.

Prioritizing should be a (new) habit you practice daily. In short, develop a more disciplined and practical approach to achieving your goals thus improving your chances of success as a leader.

3) Overcome analysis paralysis

Analysis paralysis is quite a common problem, among professionals, managers, and yes, leaders. Analysis paralysis prevents you from making decisions when the going gets tough and might lead to you not sticking to your priorities. To overcome this paralysis you need to have a system in place for making decisions and taking action, even when you feel like can’t.

4) Leaders, manage your time wisely

Many books have been written about time management. Do you have trouble getting the job done when it needs to get done?

There are many options to manage your time including calendars, tools, and time blocking.

Ultimately what will work is you making a decision to start working smart, not just hard. Managing your time is a gift to yourself.

Cut out meetings that can be an email.
Stop meeting for the sake of meeting.
Hire an assistant, and outsource repeating tasks. ‘

Anything you can do to manage your time wisely will help you move forward as it will free up more time to do the things high on your priority list.

5) Eliminate distractions at work

Set yourself up for success by finding the best time and best palace to work so that you can focus on the key tasks at hand. The environment in which you work is key to your overall success rate as a leader.

When are you most productive, in what type of environment and setting at what time of the day? In the early morning or late in the day? Do you like working at home, in the office, or on location?

Can you work with colleagues in the room, or do you need headphones or a quiet place? Eliminate email notifications, turn off your phone – do whatever it takes to keep moving forward towards your goals.

Last but not least, an effective leader shows their teams how it’s done by setting an example. Leaders inspire people; but by setting the right example and eliminating distractions to get the job at hand done, you inspire team members to do the same.

6) Build accountability

Sharing your goals and then sharing your success with others, both leaders and your team members, holds you accountable for getting things done.

Start by tracking everything you want to accomplish and everything you do. You can not improve your performance if you do not measure anything!

Data is powerful.

Next, tell a trusted colleague, a coach, or a friend what you are trying to achieve as a leader and how you want to improve performance.

Saying it out loud helps make the goals real and helps hold you accountable for your actions, and in-actions.

7) Embrace flexibility

What happens when circumstances change for you as a leader? Give yourself permission to embrace the new reality and help each person on your team understand that you are a person who is looking out for the overall best interest of the team and its team members.

Embracing flexibility does not mean letting go of the goals or the vision. It might mean restating expectations, readjusting a time frame for completing the goals, or reprioritizing the goals. It might also mean asking for help from leaders in your network, signing up for life coaching, and working on personal development to lead your team to success.

8) Seek support from other leaders

We are huge components of leveraging the help of others to achieve success. There is so much power in collective leadership. Great leaders mentor future leaders! You need a core group of people who will celebrate with you when you succeed, and will also stand by you if you fail and help you get up.

While you as a leader are responsible for the success of your team, that does not mean you can’t seek and ask for support from effective leaders you know.

If you’ve never experienced support like this, consider our cohort program. It might be exactly what you need to have the confidence to move forward in your care, job, or leadership role.

9) Mindset shifts

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that mindset shift is another tool in the leadership toolbox needed to attain success as a leader.

When a lack of priorities and confidence is present, it is often combined with a mindset of self-defamation and self-doubt. This leads nowhere. A mindset shift is needed if you are to believe in yourself, understand you can do it and set yourself up for success and be a good leader!

You. Can. Do. It.

10) Celebrate small wins

Celebrate successes along the way. Don’t wait until someone else recognizes your success, you should recognize and celebrate your own wins along the way.

‘How do you do this? Each time you reach a preset goal, give yourself permission to celebrate. Celebrate with your team members, fellow leaders and anyone else who’s part of your leadership success story!

Connect with your team members

Leaders in a company must be trusted by their team members. The key is connecting good leaders to one another to accomplish their objectives. These qualities will lead you towards genuine relationships with other people in your team.

Building relationships ad networking with other leaders is essential to building an effective culture for accountability and exceptional performance.

Ask for feedback on your leadership

Your employees don’t always have a right to be informed about your work. When evaluating a leader’s effectiveness you need support from other leaders, colleagues, or even your own people. Speaking to other people can offer the perspective you need for leadership skills. Leader training also helps identify areas that need improvements. Professional coaching is a better motivator than a book or a seminar for a leader.

Coaching and mentoring enable leaders to create connections and apply the change to an open communication authentic environment.

Measuring leadership performance and leadership success

Having clarity around your priorities is crucial to achieving success as a leader. After reading the 10 steps in this article, have you gained a better understanding of what truly matters to you and your organization?

Remember to take the time to reflect on your priorities regularly and adjust them as needed, especially when circumstances change. Always keep team members and stakeholders in mind as you make important decisions.

Cultivating great leaders and effective teams

Should you need coaching, or facilitation skills, want to learn more about setting priorities, or a mindset shift, reach out to us at TeamCatapult. We have many ways to support leaders.

May I suggest you start by listening to the ‘Defining Moments of Leadership’ Podcast? It might help you connect with other leaders like yourself.

How Reading the Room Can Make You a Better Leader and Communicator

Reading the room is a concept many have heard about, but few of us know exactly what it means. How exactly does one read the room, how can someone apply reading the room, and what results are gained from this practice?

Use this article as a guide to learn more about better communication, positive signals when communicating, recognizing underlying conversations and the skills needed for better verbal expression of mood and goals.

What does it mean to read the room?

To ‘read the room’ is a term used to describe the ability to perceive and understand the emotions, attitudes, and behaviors of people in a given social setting.

It involves paying attention to nonverbal cues such as body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions, as well as the context and environment in which the audience’s attention and interactions are taking place.

Reading the room is an important communication skill

The ability to read the room is an important skill in various settings, including social gatherings, business meetings, and public speaking engagements, as it enables individuals to observe the mood, then adjust their behavior and communication style accordingly to better connect and communicate with others.

By using social awareness and reading the room, individuals can gain a better understanding of the mood and tone of the interaction skill, which can help them navigate social situations more effectively and build stronger relationships.

Observing the room + listening = reading the room

As a leader, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the people and environment in the room.

Simply listening to one person is not enough to gain a complete picture of the situation. Instead, it is crucial to observe everyone in the room and consider their individual interactions with each other and their mood.

Take note of who is sitting next to whom and observe their mood. Do they appear happy, angry, distracted, anxious, afraid or uncomfortable? Observe how people are standing or sitting, as well as their facial expressions, including any subtle cues such as smirks or raised eyebrows.

By carefully observing each person in the room, you can gain insights into the social dynamics at play and make more informed decisions based on this understanding.

Remember, reading the room is not just about hearing what people are saying but also interpreting other cues and taking into account the broader context of the situation.

Interpret group dynamics and read the room

When it comes to team meetings and groups, reading the room can be a powerful tool for leaders to interpret groups and their dynamics.

Understanding the dynamics of a group can help leaders to identify potential conflicts, anticipate challenges, and find opportunities to build stronger relationships within the group.

Leadership and reading the room

Here are a few key things that leaders should keep in mind when reading the (virtual) room in a large group setting:

Look for nonverbal cues: People often communicate or speak their emotions and attitudes through cues, such as body language and facial expressions. As a leader, it is important to pay attention to these cues and look for patterns in how different individuals in the group are responding.
Observe the interactions: In addition, leaders should also observe how individuals in the group are interacting with each other. Who is talking to whom? Who seems to be listening? Are there any individuals who are being left out of the conversation?
Consider the context: The context of the group interaction can also be an important factor to consider. If the group is meeting to discuss a difficult topic, individuals may be more guarded in their responses. Alternatively, if the group is meeting in a more social setting, people may be more relaxed and open.
Adapt your communication style: Once you have a better understanding of the group and its dynamics, you can adjust your communication style accordingly. For example, if you notice that certain individuals in the group are more reserved, you may need to make a conscious effort to draw them out and encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas.

By paying attention to these factors and actively engage in reading the room, leaders can gain a deeper understanding of the group’s dynamics at play and make more informed decisions based on this understanding.

Who was David Kantor?

David Kantor was a Harvard-trained systems psychologist and organizational consultant.

He was a renowned systems psychologist, organizational consultant, and thought leader in the field of communication and group dynamics.

Kantor was the creator of the Structural Dynamics Model, also known as the David Kantor 4 Player Model of Communication, which provides a framework for understanding the different communication roles that individuals can play in a group setting.

Kantor received his B.A. from Harvard University and his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Chicago. He taught at a number of institutions, including Harvard University, Boston University, and the University of Chicago. In addition to his work in academia, Kantor worked as a consultant for a wide range of organizations, including General Electric, The Ford Foundation, and the World Bank.

Kantor was the founder and CEO of the Kantor Institute, a consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations to develop more effective communication and collaboration strategies. He wrote several influential books and articles on the topics of communication, including his seminal work, “Reading the Room: Group Dynamics for Coaches and Leaders.”

Throughout his career, Kantor was recognized for his contributions to the field of communication and group dynamics. He was a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, a founding faculty member of the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Organization Development Network.

The David Kantor 4 Player model

The David Kantor 4 Player Model of Communication, also known as the Structural Dynamics Model, mentioned in the previous paragraph, is a framework for understanding the different roles that small group of individuals can play in a group communication setting.

At TeamCatapult, we use this model in our leadership training and in the Structural Dynamics workshops.

This model developed by David Kantor is based on the idea that effective communication requires individuals to be able to switch between different communication roles.

The four roles in the model are:

Mover: The Mover is focused on driving action and getting things done. They tend to be direct, assertive and focused on results.
Follower: The Follower is focused on building relationships and maintaining social harmony. They tend to be supportive, empathetic and focused on the needs of the group.
Opposer: The Opposer is focused on questioning assumptions and challenging ideas. They tend to be critical, skeptical, and focused on identifying potential problems or risks.
Bystander: The Bystander is focused on observing the group’s dynamics and staying neutral. They tend to be reflective, impartial and focused on understanding the bigger picture.

Effective communication requires individuals to be able to switch between these different roles as needed to achieve the group’s goals.

For example, a leader may need to play the Mover role to drive action and make decisions, but also the Follower role to build relationships and maintain trust with the group. The Opposer role can also be important for identifying potential problems or risks that may need to wait to be addressed.

Overall, the David Kantor 4 Player Model provides a useful framework for understanding the different communication roles that individuals can play in a group setting, and can help individuals to develop more effective communication skills by learning to switch between these roles as needed.

Learning How to Read the Room

According to David Kantor’s Structural Dynamics Model, learning how to read the room involves understanding the different communication roles that individuals can play in a group setting, and being able to identify which roles are currently in play. This involves observing not only what people are saying, but also their body language, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues.

For example, is there a dominant Mover driving the conversation, or is there an Opposer questioning assumptions and challenging ideas? Are there Followers building relationships and maintaining social harmony, or Bystanders observing and staying neutral?

Shift your own communication style

Once you have identified the roles that are in play, Kantor suggests that you can start to shift your communication style to better fit the needs of each person in the group. This may involve playing the role of a Mover to drive action and make decisions, or playing the role of a Follower to build relationships and maintain trust with the group.

Overall, learning how to read the room according to David Kantor’s Structural Dynamics Model involves developing a deep understanding of the different communication roles that individuals can play in a group setting, and being able to identify and adapt to the roles that are currently in play in order to achieve the group’s goals.

How to practice reading the room

Practicing reading the room involves paying close attention to the energy in the room.

Negative energy, nervousness, anger, anxiety, and fear can all be communicated through body language and tone of voice, and it’s important to be able to identify these cues in order to respond appropriately.

When entering a room, take a deep breath and try to stay present in the moment. As you interact with others, listen carefully to their words and pay close attention to their body language. Are they smiling or frowning? Speaking confidently or hesitantly? Nervous or relaxed? Angry or calm?

By observing these cues, you can get a better sense of the and emotional dynamics in the room and adjust your own communication style accordingly. Remember to stay in control of your own emotions and reactions even when the stakes are high, and try to create a positive and open environment for others to speak and share their thoughts.

How to Explore Your Next Career Move with Senior Leadership Programs

No matter their new position or where they are on their leadership journey, there is always room for improvement for senior leaders.

If you are a leader ready to move up in your career and looking for a senior leadership program, we’ve laid out your next move!

Leaders who are ready to move up

As leaders move up to more senior management positions, they must be able to see the whole system of an organization to be effective.

How does one help high-performing executives stay aware of their blind spots? How does one ensure leaders at this level think strategically, balance competing priorities, and see the whole field?

Leaders rely heavily on a mix of intuition and disciplined analysis in their decision-making and incorporate their actions on a problem into their diagnosis of it.

What if there was a way that helped leaders achieve their goals of moving up more quickly?

There is!

Those in senior leadership and management positions can further develop the same senior leadership skills, management positions and leadership skills that they already possess and in addition, learn new senior leadership skills, management positions and leadership skills by enrolling in a senior leadership program.

What can you expect from a senior leadership program?

To get the most out of a senior leadership program, leaders should put what they learn into practice and receive feedback as they further develop their leadership skills.

Programs that emphasize rigorous practice and offer rich feedback opportunities are the best for senior executives.

Do you need to attend Harvard Business School to succeed in business?

In case you are wondering, the answer is no! Attending Harvard, Columbia Business School, or any other full-time business school is not necessary to succeed in business.

Success in business is determined by a combination of factors, including skills, experience, hard work, and networking, which can be developed through various means, such as practical experience, mentorship, online courses, or other educational programs.

Who will you meet in a senior leadership program?

In a senior leadership program, you can expect to meet a diverse group of professionals from various industries and backgrounds.

This may include senior executives, managers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from both the private and public sectors.

Participants may come from different regions, cultures, and industries, providing a unique opportunity to learn from a diverse range of perspectives.

As a result, you can expect to build a strong network of peers and industry contacts, which can be invaluable in your professional development and career advancement.

The impact a senior leadership program has on organizations

Participating in a senior leadership program can have a significant impact on organizations.

A senior leader can bring back new skills, knowledge, and perspectives to their organization, which can lead to improved performance, increased innovation, and greater efficiency.

In addition, senior leadership programs often involve project work, which can be focused on addressing real-world challenges facing the organization. This can result in tangible benefits such as improved processes, cost savings, and increased revenue.

Senior leadership programs help top managers and organizations to build a strong pipeline of future leaders and managers and foster a culture of continuous learning and development.

It’s a growth strategy and helps secure the future of an organization!

What senior managers think about change management skills

Not every senior leader, manager, and all senior executive is aware of their impact on the entire organization. Senior leaders manage a variety of people and come from different backgrounds, bringing culture, knowledge and new ideas to the table.

Top leaders want to deep dive and seize an opportunity for a learning experience shared with other top managers.

How to make other managers successful

As a leader, new-found skills from a senior leadership program or cohort will trickle down to other managers and team leaders in their organization. When leaders learn to lead better, everyone wins!

Tips for senior leadership

Our best tip? Improve upon your senior leadership knowledge by immersing yourself in a deep-learning program.

Put your leadership capabilities into practice. Practice what you are learning to attain competency.

Do this with

skill drills
peer coaching
team coaching
ongoing group work
professional one-on-one coaching
and more.

How to overcome complex challenges in business

Most senior executives and even some c-suite executives experience complex challenges at one time or another. To overcome business challenges, it’s important to start by understanding the problem and its root causes. This may involve gathering information, analyzing data, and seeking input from relevant stakeholders, teams and managers.

Once a clear understanding of the challenge has been found, it’s time to develop a strategic plan, leverage resources and expertise, and implement solutions that address the problem at its core. Throughout the process, it’s important to stay agile, remain open to feedback, and adjust your approach as needed to ensure long-term success.

Problem management and conflict

Conflict is a fact of life. Senior executives who see conflict as a source of energy for their team rather than bad news, win. Resolving conflict should be a skill in the wheelhouse of any good leader, yet even some of the most senior leaders shrink back from conflict and don’t know how to resolve the issues at hand.

Plan for the unexpected (crisis leadership) – it’s one of the most important senior manager skills

Bye-bye 2020! How did you fare during the pandemic and ensuing crisis? How were your leadership skills tested? Did executive leadership at your organization have a strategic plan to put into action during times of conflict, or were you left standing without a plan, and without support?

During times of conflict, organizations can either seize opportunities to rise or let down their entire team and organization. Being prepared now for the next crisis could be as straightforward as signing up for a Senior Leadership Program!

Study and improve your organizational communication

We all communicate. Some do it better than others. An organization’s success is directly tied to the critical skill of communication.

Communication makes a big difference in how much success your teams, your managers, your leaders, and every single business unit in your organization has. If everyone works in silos, your organization is doomed.

The work of businesses, government offices, and many kinds of human activities are not done individually but by teams. Without effective communication, your entire team breaks up.

Become great at asking questions (and listening)

Those already in a senior leadership role at their organization, understand the importance of drawing on self-reflection, and clear objectives to ask the right questions to get the right answers.

Listening is a critical skill, that can make or break a senior leader and their teams. Listening is argumentatively the most important senior leadership skill to improve on as communication provides the c-suite with the ability to learn from their teams.

Improving communication skills

TeamCatapult uses and teaches David Kantor’s Four Player Model of communication in its workshops. This model is the basis for all effective dialogue.

We use this communication model to teach Structural Dynamics to team leaders, agile coaches general managers, facilitators, and executive leaders.

David Kantor’s four-player model

According to this model, all conversations between individuals can be coded into one of four actions:

Move: A move initiates an idea, action or direction in communication for getting the conversation started. You can think of this as setting the flow of the conversation in a particular direction.
Follow: A follow continues the direction (or flow) of the conversation, and in doing so, it supports a move. A follow does not always mean agreement; sometimes it can further inquire about a move.
Oppose: An oppose challenges or disagrees with the idea, action or course of the discussion. It pushes back, corrects and/or offers an alternative perspective.
Bystand: A bystand notices what’s happening and articulates that awareness (without moral judgment). It adds a neutral perspective for the good of the team, plus it helps the team see what’s happening and how they’re operating. You can also bystand yourself by telling the team how you’re feeling, what you’re curious about, or something else you see in yourself.

The ability to have effective dialogue

In order to be in an effective dialogue, all four actions of the Four-Player Model must be present and active, meaning that someone is actively bringing those actions into the conversation.

What happens in person, when conversations become ineffective is that there is often one or more actions that are missing from the conversation.

Develop your emotional intelligence (EQ)

Developing your emotional intelligence (EQ) can improve your communication skills, help you navigate complex social situations, and increase your ability to empathize with others.

By understanding and managing your own emotions, you can build better relationships with colleagues, friends, and family, leading to greater personal and professional success.

Communication and presentation skills

A senior manager should have good interpersonal skills.

In a company that has a strong management system, persuasiveness is key and should be embodied throughout communications.

If you need to develop better communication skills, take classes in communication or join a leadership program!

Key senior leadership skills that leaders need to succeed

Senior leadership skills that leaders and managers need for success can include the following business skills:

Self-Awareness
Self-Reflection
Self-Assessment
Communication skills
Adapting to Change
Curiosity
Conflict Resolution

Self-awareness as a leadership skill

Self-awareness is a critical leadership skill that involves understanding your own strengths, weaknesses, and biases. By cultivating self-awareness, leaders can better understand their impact on others, make more informed decisions, and communicate effectively with their team members.

Self-reflection as a leadership skill

How often do you examine your own thoughts, behaviors, and actions? By practicing this skill, leaders can identify areas for improvement, learn from past experiences, and make more informed decisions that benefit both themselves and their teams.

The best leaders self-assess

The best leaders are those who are willing to take a critical look at their own performance and team strategy. By regularly assessing their own strengths and weaknesses, senior leaders can identify areas for improvement, set goals, and continuously develop their skills and a new strategy to better serve their team and organization.

Communication skills are a leadership strategy

Communication skills are crucial leadership skills. All managers, leaders, new leaders, and senior leaders, need to communicate their vision, goals, and expectations effectively to their team members.

Effective communication involves actively listening to others, providing feedback, and adapting your communication style to different audiences.

Good communication can help to build trust, strengthen relationships, and improve collaboration within the team.

Ultimately, strong communication skills enable managers and leaders to inspire and motivate their team members to achieve their full potential and work towards shared goals.

Leaders who are missing a clear communication strategy would do well to seek out additional training to gain this skillset.

Why senior leadership needs to adapt to change

Adapting to change is an essential skill for leaders as change is a constant in today’s dynamic and fast-paced business environment.

Leaders who are flexible and adaptable can respond quickly to new challenges, identify opportunities, and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Adapting to change involves being open to new ideas and perspectives, as well as being willing to take calculated risks to drive innovation and growth.

Competent leaders and managers recognize the importance of adaptability and create a culture that encourages experimentation, learning, and continuous improvement.

Great leaders are curious leaders

Great leaders are curious leaders who have the desire to learn and explore new ideas. They ask questions, seek out different perspectives, and actively seek feedback to continuously improve themselves and their team.

Curiosity helps leaders identify opportunities, solve problems, and make more informed decisions.

Curiosity fosters a culture of learning and growth within the team, inspiring team members to take initiative, share ideas, and continuously improve their skills.

Why leaders need conflict resolution skills

Leaders need conflict resolution skills to effectively manage disagreements or conflicts within their team or organization. Conflict resolution skills are senior leadership skills!

Effective conflict resolution can help to build stronger relationships, improve collaboration, and enhance productivity, whereas poor conflict resolution can lead to tension, reduced morale, and negative outcomes for the organization.

3 ways to gain key senior leadership skills

Seek out opportunities for leadership development, such as training programs, executive coaching, and mentorship.
Look for challenging assignments that allow you to take on responsibilities and develop your skills. This may involve taking on a leadership role in a project or initiative or volunteering for a cross-functional team.
Build relationships with senior leaders in your organization and seek their guidance and feedback. This can help you gain insights into the skills and attributes that are most valued in leadership roles, and provide opportunities for networking and career advancement.

Where to look for opportunities for leadership development

There are several places to look for opportunities for senior leadership development. They include the following:

Your employer: Many organizations offer leadership development programs, such as training courses, coaching, cohorts, and mentoring.
Professional associations: Industry-specific associations often offer leadership development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and networking events.
Online courses and programs: There are many online courses and programs that focus on leadership development, and many are available for free or at a low cost.
Volunteer work: Volunteering for leadership roles in community organizations, charities, or other non-profits can provide valuable experience and skills.
Personal development: Reading books, attending webinars, or listening to podcasts on leadership can help you develop your skills and knowledge on your own time.

Where to look for challenging assignments as senior leaders

There are several places to look for challenging assignments that allow you to take on new responsibilities and develop skills and your skills, for senior leaders general managers, and senior executives:

Within your current job: Look for projects or initiatives that require you to step outside of your comfort zone, take on more responsibilities, or work with different teams or departments.
Cross-functional teams: Volunteer to join a cross-functional team or task force within your organization to work on a project or initiative that involves different departments or functions.
Professional organizations: Participate in professional organizations related to your field of work and seek out opportunities to take on leadership roles or participate in projects.
Volunteer work: Volunteer for leadership roles in community organizations, charities, or other non-profits where you can take on challenging responsibilities and develop your skills.
New job opportunities: Consider looking for new job opportunities that offer opportunities for growth, learning, and development.

How to build relationships with senior leaders

Building relationships with fellow senior leaders looks like this:

Seek out opportunities to work with them: Volunteer for projects or initiatives where you can work directly with senior leaders in your organization.
Attend networking events: Attend networking events, conferences, or other professional development opportunities where you can meet and connect with senior leaders.
Seek mentorship: Ask a senior leader to be your mentor or seek out a formal mentorship program within your organization.
Ask for feedback: Ask senior leaders for feedback on your work, seek their advice on career development, and take their feedback into consideration.
Be proactive: Take the initiative to introduce yourself to senior leaders, reach out to them for a meeting or coffee, and stay in touch by sharing updates on your work and accomplishments.
Show your value: Demonstrate your value by consistently delivering high-quality work, taking on new responsibilities, and being a team player. Senior leaders are more likely to take notice of those who consistently perform well and add value to the organization.

The best way to build relationships with fellow senior leaders

We have found that being part of a long-term cohort, a learning journey, is by far the best way to build relationships with fellow senior leaders.

Our cohorts last 8-9 months and include weekly group calls, 5-day remote residential, a capstone project, individual professional team leadership coaching, reading and journaling, and last but not least, small group calls.

Combining all of these ways to interact and build relationships with senior leaders is the best way to grow your own senior leadership skills too.

Strategic thinking, acting, and influencing

Strategic planning – and thinking, acting, and influencing – are essential qualities that senior leaders must possess to drive their organizations toward success.

Senior leaders with strong strategic thinking skills can anticipate changes in the market and develop long-term plans to ensure that their organization is well-positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

Team inspiration is directly tied to successful leaders

Senior leaders who are effective actors can inspire their teams and bring their vision to life by aligning their resources with their strategy.

Senior leaders who can influence others can gain buy-in and support for their initiatives, which can help drive the success of the organization.

Those leaders who excel in strategic thinking, acting, and influencing other behaviors are better positioned to lead their organizations to succeed in today’s rapidly changing business environment.

Learning agility

For the experienced leader, the use of new skills can be critical for success as well.

Understanding their experience is important to them even if they are expanding their roles. For some veteran managers, it becomes a standard routine.

But the idea of trying and assuming that one can achieve anything is dangerous. It is sometimes challenging when an executive is able to change direction. Being a flexible learner remains a vital leadership skill for all levels.

Embrace that people leave managers, not companies

The saying “people don’t leave companies, they leave managers” is so true. it also highlights the importance of strong leadership and management in employee engagement and retaining employees.

While you as a company and managers may offer great benefits and opportunities, a bad manager can create a toxic work environment that causes employees to seek employment elsewhere.

Companies should prioritize investing in leadership development and ensuring that managers and senior executives themselves are trained to create positive and supportive work environments.

Hone intellectual skills

What leader doesn’t want to hone their intellectual skills? It will enhance your ability to think critically, solve problems, and make sound decisions.

By engaging in activities that challenge your mind, such as reading, learning new skills, and participating in debates or discussions, you can strengthen your cognitive abilities and improve your overall cognitive function.

A well-established Leadership Program does all of this, and more!

A strategy to help new leaders succeed

If you are a growing and expanding organization with new leaders, encouraging them to enroll in an in-person program should be high on your list.

Allowing new leaders to participate in an in-person learning experience is a great way to ease anyone into their new roles as senior leaders and executives.

In-person programs bring together a group of other senior executives and leaders raising awareness as to what skills are needed to succeed in business and in as a senior leader and executive. It’s a solid strategy for creating new leaders among your managers and team leaders.

Seek regular feedback from your team

Seeking regular feedback from your team can help you identify areas for improvement, build trust and transparency, and promote a culture of open communication within your organization.

Actively listening to your team’s feedback should play a key part in your organization’s success formula.

Take action on your managers’ and teams’ suggestions and create a more productive and engaged team that feels valued and supported.

Create a great culture with the example you set every day

Creating a great culture starts with the example you as a senior leader set every day. As leaders or team members, your actions and behavior can have a significant impact on the overall culture of your organization.

Modeling the values and behaviors you want to see in others, inspires and motivates those around you to do the same.

Overall organizational behavior is paramount. As a senior leader, create a positive and productive culture that fosters collaboration, creativity, and growth.

Avoid the pitfalls that create toxic work cultures

Toxic work cultures can be detrimental to employees, senior leaders, and the organization as a whole.

To avoid these pitfalls, it’s essential to foster a positive and respectful work environment. This can involve setting clear expectations for behavior, addressing conflicts and issues promptly, and promoting open communication and feedback.

Prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of employees, and organizations and create a culture that supports productivity, employee engagement, and overall success.

Preparing senior leaders to deal with challenges

Preparing senior leaders to tackle challenges to help their teams succeed is a critical task for organizations that want to remain competitive and agile in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

As organizations face increasing challenges, it is crucial to equip senior leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate these challenges effectively.

What do senior leaders need to succeed?

Senior leaders need a combination of skills, experience, and personal attributes to succeed in their senior leadership roles now. If they do not have refined these skills, or find them lacking while leading, it is good leaders’ time to hone these skills.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to manage and lead teams effectively, strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of their industry and organization are all skills senior leaders use on a daily basis.

Senior leaders must possess qualities such as integrity, resilience, and adaptability, which enable them to navigate complex challenges and make sound decisions in the face of uncertainty.

Continuous learning and development are crucial for senior leaders to stay ahead of the curve and drive meaningful impact in their organizations.

Help your new leaders achieve success

Where does the responsibility for helping leaders be successful lay?

A fresh start with a new company team means onboarding new managers and leaders within your team. Why not set them up for success?

Leaders are successful with an investment of time, and perseverance – as an organizational leader, be the voice in the crowd prepared to support them.

What do leaders learn in a leadership course?

Leaders can learn a wide range of skills and practices that are essential for effective leadership in a leadership course or Executive Leadership Program.

These can include communication and interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, strategic thinking and decision-making, emotional intelligence, and change management.

‘Leaders may also learn how to build and lead high-performing teams, develop and implement successful business strategies, and drive innovation and growth in their organizations.

Leadership courses often emphasize the importance of self-awareness and continuous learning, encouraging leaders to reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses and to seek out new opportunities for growth and development.

A senior leadership program is an investment in leadership

Providing senior leaders with targeted training programs, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to real-world challenges through simulations and other experiential learning opportunities in an investment in leadership and business growth strategy.

By investing in the development of senior leaders and in their c-suite executives and upper management themselves, organizations can ensure that they have the necessary leadership skills and knowledge to tackle challenges and drive the success of their business units within the organization.

How to best choose a senior leadership program

When choosing a senior leadership program, it’s important to consider your personal and professional goals.

If you’re seeking to develop your senior leadership skills, look for programs that specifically focus on these areas.

Similarly, if you’re looking to build self-awareness, search for programs that offer assessments or coaching in this area.

It’s also important to consider the program’s fit with your business unit or industry, as some programs may be more relevant than others.

Finally, consider the program’s delivery method and content, as different programs may cater to managers in different ways.

Ultimately, the best executive leadership program for you will depend on your specific needs and goals, so take the time to research and compare options before making a decision.

What not to do when choosing a senior leadership program

When choosing a senior leadership program, it is important to avoid some common pitfalls that can hinder your success.

One of the most significant mistakes is to choose a program solely based on its reputation or brand name, without considering whether it aligns with your personal and professional goals.

Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid programs that do not provide a clear and structured curriculum, lacks experienced faculty, or have a poor track record of outcomes.

Finally, it is important to avoid programs that do not provide opportunities for networking and collaboration, as these can be crucial for building relationships and learning from other professionals in your field.

Is a senior leadership program worth the investment?

Participating in an executive leadership program can be a worthwhile investment for professionals seeking to develop their leadership skills and for the organization and business unit they work for!

These programs can provide participants with valuable knowledge and insights into specific tasks or industries, as well as opportunities to build self-awareness and senior leadership skills.

Executive leadership programs can offer benefits to entire business units or organizations, by developing a pipeline of strong leaders and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

The value of an executive leadership program may vary for different individuals and organizations, depending on their specific needs and goals.

Managers and professionals considering an executive leadership program should carefully weigh the potential benefits against the cost and time commitment involved.

Leading in High Stakes: Senior Leader Edition

Senior leadership programs are a powerful tool for professionals looking to take their leadership skills to the next level.

With their focus on developing self-awareness, senior leadership skills, and adaptability to change, these programs can help individuals become more effective and successful leaders.

One such program that embodies these qualities is “Leading in High Stakes” by TeamCatapult, which provides a unique 4- month journey.

The format prioritizes:

Learning through peer collaboration and shared experiences
Keeping it real – with real-life challenges from your work
Creating a trusted, confidential, and authentic learning environment
Hearing diverse perspectives and thinking
Creating a cadence that balances space for selfreflection, learning, and taking action

The environment we will create together results in:

Increased accountability
New insights
Applied learning opportunities.
Strengthened peer relationships.

Curious? We invite you to learn more.

Why You Should Consider Building Your Own Model of Leadership in 2023

Build Your Model of Leadership in 2023

Leadership is a constantly evolving concept. Hello, pandemic. Hello, quiet quitting. Hello, remote workforce. Hello, hybrid workforce. Hello, 2023!

It is more important now than ever to have a clear and personal understanding of what leadership means to you, your team, and your organization!

The world as we knew it has forever changed and continues to change rapidly. Organizations are facing new challenges and opportunities. Employees who previously came into the office demand to stay and work from home. Others want a more flexible, hybrid schedule. Companies are experiencing trouble with retaining talent, and many, particularly in the tech space, have had to announce massive layoffs due to restructuring.

In this context of constant change, the traditional models of leadership are becoming increasingly obsolete. To be an effective leader in 2023, you need to build your own model of leadership that is aligned with your values, goals, and the reality of your organization and your team. You need to build your own model for leading change to catalyze clarity and confidence in leading yourself and others!

Let’s explore the many reasons why building your own model of leadership is essential in 2023 and how to go about it.

What Exactly is a Leadership Model?

A leadership model is a framework that outlines the key principles and practices of effective leadership.

It provides a roadmap for leaders to follow, helping them to understand their role, set clear goals, and make effective decisions. A leadership model can take many forms, from a set of core values to a detailed action plan. It can be based on a particular leadership style, such as transformational or democratic leadership, or it can be a unique combination of different approaches.

The key is that a leadership model should be tailored to the specific needs of the leader and the organization or team they are leading. It should be a living and flexible document that can adapt to the changing environment and the unique challenges that arise.

What Can a Leadership Model Do For You?

A leadership model can provide a number of benefits for you, the leader.

Key advantages include:

Clarity: A leadership model can provide a clear and concise understanding of what leadership means to you and what you want to achieve. It can help you to set specific and measurable goals, and to align your actions with your values and vision.
Direction: A leadership model can provide a roadmap for your leadership journey. It can help you to navigate complex situations, to make effective decisions, and to lead with purpose and direction.
Flexibility: A leadership model can be tailored to the specific needs of the leader and the organization they are leading. It can be a living and flexible document that can adapt to the changing environment and the unique challenges that arise.
Personal Development: A leadership model can serve as a tool for personal development. It can help you to identify areas for improvement, measure your progress, and continuously develop your leadership skills.
Inspiration: A leadership model can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. It can remind you of your purpose, of your goals, and of the positive impact you can have on your team and organization.

What Can a Leadership Model Do For Your Team?

A leadership model can also provide benefits for a leader’s team.

Key team advantages include:

Alignment: A leadership model can align the actions and goals of the leader with those of the team. It can create a shared understanding of the organization’s vision, values, and objectives, and foster a sense of common purpose.
Clarity: A leadership model can provide clear expectations and guidelines for team members, which can help to improve communication and collaboration.
Empowerment: A leadership model can empower team members to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities and to make decisions that are in line with the organization’s goals.
Trust: A leadership model can build trust within the team. It can demonstrate the leader’s commitment to ethical and transparent behavior, and create a positive and respectful work culture.
Development: A leadership model can also serve as a tool for team development. It can help to identify areas for improvement, measure progress, and continuously develop the team’s skills and capabilities.
Cohesion: A leadership model can build cohesion and teamwork, by providing a shared vision and values to the team, allowing them to work together with a common purpose.

Are You Ready to Build Your Own Model of Leadership?

Let’s do this!

My NEW BOOK “Build Your Model for Leading Change” will be published and available on Amazon.com starting Feb. 22, 2023. It’s the perfect tool for those leaders who are ready to lead change in their organization.

You can also preorder the book on our own website.

The Future of Leadership: What Leaders Need to Know in 2023

What Does the Future of Leadership Hold?

From the beginning of time, we’ve seen leaders step up and either be successful or disastrous – and be remembered for the good or the bad. Throughout history we remember the ‘saviors’ and the ‘villains.’ Both kinds made a difference for future generations.

Leaders have come from all different backgrounds and cultures, and even over many centuries, but they faced similar issues and problems. One of them is conflict and how to resolve it.

How will leaders lead in 2023? How can leaders prepare for leading their teams in times of economic downturn or company turmoil, amidst a war in Europe, and during times of change due to lasting effects of a pandemic?

The Future of Leadership

First, we can learn from our immediate past. These stories of leadership from 2022 should inspire you as they did our team!

I’ve pulled together 3 things I believe leaders need to know in 2023. I realize there are many more but these seem to align with our culture here at TeamCatapult, which is to honor all voices.

I challenge you to take heed, prepare and take action. Your 2023 will be better because of it!

1 In 2023, Leaders Need to Learn to Dialogue

It’s not just you. It’s everyone.

Dialogue, the ability to have a conversation with others – without it turning into a shouting match, WWIII or ‘them against us’ seems to be missing from people’s dictionaries!

Why is that? Culturally, at least in the USA, we’ve done a bad job at teaching dialogue to our younger generations. We all have an opinion on things, but we don’t seem to be able to have conversations without trying to convince someone to ‘come to the other side’. Agreeing to disagree seems to be out and instead, divide and conquer is in.

If you are a leader and want to make a difference in your team, and your leadership style in 2023, I dare you to dialogue.

Do it!

Do it often. Do it everywhere. Do it with everyone. Practice, get great at dialogue and great things will happen.

2 Leaders Need to Think Together With Their Team

Thinking-together conversations start with listening.

We use this 5 step approach here at TeamCatapult:

Frame the problem or dilemma to think together
Invite difference and this will build a safe space for dialogue
Suspend having an answer and opt for being curious and candid
Host “listening and learning” sessions to encourage dialogue
Ban powerpoint as they do not support conversations

Problem solving – and the solutions to the problem, will take on a whole new meaning and purpose when people at all levels of the organization have the opportunity to think together and access the power of collective intelligence that exists within every organization.

Leaders, this way of thinking and engaging with one another starts with you.

3 Leaders Need to Listen to Stories of Leadership in 2023

How did you get started as a leader? How did you learn to lead and how do you work through mistakes as a leader? How did you avoid making the same mistakes?

While we can’t always avoid mistakes, and I’ll admit I’ve made plenty in my life, we can learn a lot from other people’s errors and missteps. In my podcast ‘Defining Moments of Leadership’ my guests and I talk about their triumphs, pitfalls and successes.

Their stories of leadership are offered with the hope that they encourage, inspire and teach you new things, new models, to apply to your own style of leadership.

If you want to

Be a new kind of leader
Improve yourself as a leader
Lead a better and more focussed team
Keep your team happy and excelling
Get better results from your team
Experience less conflict in your team in 2023

I highly recommend you subscribe to my podcast on your preferred platform.

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3iP7rc8
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3radjS7
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tNVrOu
Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3iP7xR2
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/3NKoqLd
iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/3LtbmrC

The Future of Leadership Starts Now!

Season 2 is underway right now, while Season 1 ran from January – July 2022 and offers 14 amazing stories and defining moments of leadership to learn from.

What is your defining moment of leadership? If you can’t name it (yet), may I wish for it to happen in 2023?

~Marsha