CEO on the Go

Being in a leadership role means you’re “in charge,” but it doesn’t always mean you’re in control.Sometimes leaders are caught off guard, blindsided or undermined. It happens when they receive unexpected news.Maybe someone they trusted betrayed them. Or someone on their team leaves suddenly.Or decisions are made behind their back.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Respond-When-Youre-Caught-Off-Guard

Silos are common in the workplace, but they can create big problems impacting productivity, innovation and employee morale.Leaders who proactively address silos will help their teams get better results and move toward the new future where cross-functional teams will dominate. But leaders need to act quickly to achieve better results and gain a competitive edge.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Break-Down-Silos-to-Build-Collaboration

Smart leaders are trying to help their organizations determine how to disrupt while being prepared to be disrupted themselves. Will the next wave sink your ship--or will you CHOOSE to profit from it?That’s the question that Jonathan Brill is asking. Jonathan is a renowned expert on resilient growth and decision making under uncertainty. He is author of the new book, Rogue Waves.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Anticipating-the-Next-Wave-that-Can-Disrupt-Your-Business

Making meetings work has become more challenging given the new hybrid way of working.And it seems like the challenge is becoming more complicated and stressful.But there are ways to make the process easier.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Reimagining-Your-Meetings-in-the-New-Hybrid-Way-of-Working

Starting something new and different is a good idea, especially if you’re ready to accelerate your growth.If you’ve been thinking about an idea for some time, but haven’t acted on it, now may be the time.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Starting-Something-New-and-Different-to-Accelerate-Your-Growth

Loneliness has been considered an epidemic even before the global pandemic. And even with people getting back to work and becoming more social, many are still experiencing loneliness and isolation.Senior executives are no exception. They face unique challenges and more isolation given the nature of their roles.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Experiencing-Loneliness-and-Isolation-at-the-Top

4 Days to Save the World is a bold new reality docu-series that brings together CEOs and entrepreneurs from around the world to solve impossible world problems.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Smart-Teamwork-Lessons-from-4-Days-to-Save-the-World

Creative thinking within a diverse and inclusive environment is a top skill requested by senior executives and Fortune 500 Corporations. Diversity fuels good ideation. Not surprisingly, many organizations aspire to build cultures that are diverse and inclusive.They understand the positive impact of a diverse and inclusive culture on people and profits.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Helping-Your-Team-Create-and-Innovate-Together-in-the-New-Paradigm

Good communication skills are critical for any leader who wants to be most effective in their role.And those leaders who are most successful understand that developing communication skills is an ongoing practice even for experienced executives.But today’s times are requiring that we communicate in new and different ways. Many leaders admit they are nervous and are trying to adapt. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-To-Communicate-With-Confidence-Even-When-Nerves-Kick-In

Where is the stress really coming from? That’s the question at the heart of this episode being aired during Mental Health Awareness Month.Job stress is nothing new. And it’s easy to make quick assumptions about what’s causing stress.But the truth is the real cause of job stress is something many managers may miss.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Identifying-the-Real-Cause-of-Your-Job-Stress

The best leaders put a high priority on their own leadership development. And there are many resources for leaders who are especially motivated to take charge of their own learning and growth.Almost any kind of effective leadership development program will include training or coaching on essential leadership skills like communication skills, presentation skills, problem solving skills or decision-making skills.But one leadership skill that is often overlooked and untapped is imagination. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/The-Leadership-Skill-You-Need-Most-Right-Now

When it comes to leading, you’ve got to have strength and speed to lead at your best. So do the best athletes. This year is an Olympic year and May is mental health month, so this episode explores what it takes to develop elite athletes and high performing leaders—physically and mentally. They have much in common.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Building-Strength-and-Speed-to-Win-Your-Game

CEOs are under more pressure now than ever. The pandemic experience has made leading even more challenging and stressful.Even without a pandemic, leading at the top comes with high stress that can take a toll on even the most successful senior executives.CEO Chuck Swoboda knows this well. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/The-Power-of-Leadership-Transparency:-A-Candid-Conversation-with-CEO-Chuck-Swoboda

We all experience moments when something seems a little off. You may have forgotten a meeting or even what day, month or year it is. And you might think: “What is wrong with me?”But it’s really not uncommon given the extreme stress and change we’ve experienced over the past year. Leadership pressure is not going away.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Getting-a-Grip-When-You-Think-You-re-Losing-Your-Mind

If you’re struggling to make decisions, you don’t always need more data. You need to trust your ability as a leader to make smart decisions. And to do that more quickly.Today’s times call for faster decision-making. Otherwise you’ll be left behind.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Stop-Overanalyzing-to-Make-Better-Faster-Decisions-More-Confidently

Anticipating the future can seem impossible, unless you know what to look for.And it’s even more challenging when you feel like you’ve got to manage the crisis of the day.But smart CEOs and executives are figuring it out. They’re looking at hard trends and leveraging the power of certainty to transform their organizations more quickly.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Using-Hard-Trends-to-Accelerate-Growth

It’s really challenging for leaders to figure out how to get people back to work in a way that works for everybody.Things have shifted. Work doesn’t feel normal.People have been changed through the pandemic experience.But there are ways to make the process easier.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/Returning-to-the-Strange-New-World-of-Work

Stress is part of the job as a leader. There will be days when you want to scream.But clearly that’s not the best approach to leading.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/Controlling-Your-Anger-and-Frustration-to-Lead-More-Calmly

The path to the CEO role is different for everyone. When you arrive, you’ll inevitably make some mistakes—as does any leader who is new to their role.But you can reduce your chances by knowing the kinds of mistakes to avoid.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/Avoiding-Common-Rookie-CEO-Mistakes

It’s been about a year since the pandemic started. And leaders are looking for best ways to re-engage their teams and prepare for what’s next.But the pandemic experience has taken a toll on many people. The negative impact on mental health is significant. A lot has shifted.Supercharging your team isn’t about “motivational speeches.” It’s actually about structuring meaningful conversations.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/Supercharge-Your-Team-for-Whats-Next

Imposter syndrome is a common experience for high achievers. It can strike some of the most accomplished executives at any time, at any age.Although people may experience imposter syndrome to different degrees over time, all experiences provide an opportunities for learning and growth.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/Getting-Rid-of-Imposter-Syndrome

Lots of leaders say they value collaboration, but many fall short when it comes to practice.It’s not necessarily their fault. Many haven’t learned how to do it—the best way.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/Cultivating-Collaboration-to-Achieve-Your-Mission

As a leader, you know how critical networking is to your personal success. You’ve GOT to network to grow your business or career.But for many leaders, it’s especially challenging given the current constraints.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Navigating-Networking-in-a-Virtual-World

If you feel isolated in your leadership role, you’re not alone. The global pandemic has created new challenges for leaders and increased the need for real connection with peers experiencing similar issues.That’s why leaders are turning to mastermind groups.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/Creating-Leadership-Momentum-Through-Mastermind-Groups

“Trust” may seem like a soft topic, but it directly affects the bottom line.With the world shifting to virtual teams and ways of operating, the need to create leadership trust is even greater. People crave psychological safety, not just physical safety.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Creating-High-Trust-as-a-Leader

When people need to learn something new, many leaders think “training” is the solution.Training can be extremely valuable when done well. But it can waste a lot of time, energy and money when done poorly.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/The-Trouble-with-Training

Scheduling another meeting? Think twice.Whether you’re running the meeting yourself or you’re at the mercy of someone else in charge, make sure you really need to be there. And if so, make it count.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Not-Another-Meeting

People want 2021 to be better. There’s still so much fear and uncertainty in the air.But hope is on the way…if you see yourself as a source.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/A-Dose-of-Hope

Just because you’ve communicated expectations doesn’t mean that people have necessarily received them or understand them clearly.With so much change happening, the need to clarify or reset expectations more frequently is greater. It might seem like extra work, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Resetting-Clear-Expectations

After a year of feeling like forces beyond your control are happening to you, it’s time to turn the tables and turn things upside down.But it requires building internal leadership strength and stamina.As a leader, you must be willing to look at people and problems from different angles.Get out of your comfort zone to see a new view.Strengthen different parts of yourself, your leadership, your team or organization.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/Turning-Things-Upside-Down

What’s your vision for the New Year?Many executives want to leave 2020 behind. And they know exactly where they want to go.But they have difficulty communicating the vision in a way that resonates with other people.Some struggle to figure out what they truly want.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Creating-Your-Bright-Future

At the end of a tumultuous year, it’s tempting to check the “Done!” box and move quickly into the New Year.But you’ll carry negative energy or emotions into the New Year if you don’t let go of what’s not serving you. It’s time to release whatever is holding you back.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Let-It-Go

The pandemic has brought about a more “human” side to work—a stronger emphasis on physical and mental health and well-being.Recent surveys show that individual workers believe “well-being” is one of the most important priorities to consider over the next one to three years.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Humanizing-Work

It’s been a challenging year to say the least. Leaders who want to navigate ongoing change and uncertainty in the New Year have a lot to think about.Gayle offers twelve simple, yet powerful questions for leaders to address based on her article that originally appeared in BusinessWeek a decade ago: “Twelve Leadership Questions for 2010.”Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Twelve-Leadership-Questions-for-2021

It’s natural to check in with team members, talk about tasks or get a status update on a project. But having a “coaching conversation” is a different kind of conversation that can bring out the best in those you lead.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Coaching-Conversations-for-Leaders

According to Gallup, 24% of employees say the “most memorable recognition” came from the CEO. But getting the appreciation or recognition really needed from any manager is rare.Many leaders may show appreciation in the moment, but the warm glow of appreciation fades quickly. Leaders go back to problem solving.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/The-Power-of-Appreciation

Good leadership doesn’t have to be complicated. Many leaders think there’s an ideal model they should strive to fit. And some organizations create elaborate leadership models that make some leaders doubt their ability to lead effectively.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/Leading-Made-Simple

Are you selecting the best leader for the senior executive role? If not, it’s costing you in more ways than one.Although 86% of leaders believe leadership succession planning is a critical priority, only 14% think their organization does it well.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Smart-Succession-Planning

You may be comfortable giving feedback, but being on the receiving end involves an entirely different set of emotional and psychological skills.Receiving feedback with grace is a valuable leadership skill, yet many executives struggle with it.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Mastering-Feedback

There’s a lot of reason to worry these days, especially with the variety of big challenges we’re facing—in business and the world.As a leader, there’s pressure to hold it together—to project confidence. But as a person, it’s natural to worry. We’re all human.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Taking-Control-of-Your-Worried-Mind

As you think through what’s next for you, you’ll need to take action—even when you’re not entirely clear about what the future might look like.In this episode, I continue my conversation with John Lees, one of the UK’s best-known career strategists.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Figuring-Out-What’s-Next-for-You-Part-2

Wondering what’s next for you? As a senior leader, you’ve probably invested time, energy and resources trying to figure out what’s next for your organization.But it’s likely you haven’t taken time to think about yourself—what’s next for you.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/figuring-out-whats-next-for-you/

It’s easy to feel like you’re being tested by change, but now is the time to inspire change.Even leaders who don’t consider themselves to be inspiring can take steps to energize their team, overcome resistance and create positive change.If you want to communicate bold ideas and move your organizations forward in new ways, you can do it. People are waiting for you.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Inspiring-Positive-Change

Whether you’re trying to grow your business…or simply survive, you must think differently and take a leap of faith into the unknown.Many leaders are trying to predict what will happen, but the reality is there is so much uncertainty. It’s frustrating and exhausting.Leaders are feeling pressure to figure things out. But trying harder isn’t always the best approach.This episode covers:- Why how you think about uncertainty is critical- Obstacles that limit new possibilities during uncertainty- Five ways to help you make the most of uncertainty- What you can count onLINKS:Gayle’s book -- Amazon Kindle:Take the Bull by the Horns - https://www.amazon.com/dp/097896781X/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_bRtCFb6DZB41VRiding the Emotional Rollercoaster - https://workmatters.com/riding-the-emotional-rollercoaster

If you’re leading virtual meetings of any kind, you could be making basic mistakes and not even know it. But fortunately they can be easily corrected.These times are requiring that we engage people differently online—whether you’re running a small team meeting, executive retreat or large conference.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/How-to-Avoid-Key-Mistakes-Leading-Virtual-Meetings

Introverts represent almost half of the workforce, yet most companies favor extroverts.This special episode features a conversation with guest expert, Jennifer Kahnweiler, PhD, author of *Creating Introvert-Friendly Workplaces* and *The Introverted Leader*.Jennifer explains introverted types are keen observers, listeners and deep thinkers. When the needs of introverts are ignored, they become disengaged or jump ship to new organizations, taking their talent and contributions with them.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/Tapping-the-Quiet-Strength-in-Your-Organization

There’s no shortage of problems to work on, especially now. And today’s problems seem especially complicated.Sometimes you may not see the problem clearly. Other times the problem you see may not be the real problem.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Getting-to-the-Real-Problem

What’s the elephant in your room? It’s time to address it.Many leaders don’t know how.Sometimes it seems easier to pretend like it’s not there.Or you hope it will just go away.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Addressing-the-Elephant-in-the-Room

This special episode features an interesting conversation with guest expert, Marlene Chism, author of *No Drama Leadership* and *Stop Workplace Drama*. Today’s times are especially sensitive for leaders and those they serve.Marlene shares timely insights and tips about how to deal effectively with all kinds of drama in the workplace, especially during these challenging times.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/Dealing-with-Drama-in-the-Workplace

The speed at which you’re having to make difficult decisions is accelerating. With so much change, you’ve got to be ready to shift direction and adapt quickly.Decision-making in today’s environment is a heavy weight on top leaders. And there’s a lot at stake. But you can apply smart thinking and actions to help you make decisions with more ease, clarity and confidence.This episode covers:- Fundamental questions to help guide your decision-making- Types of decision-making processes to avoid- Tips and tools to help you make your best decisionsLINKS:Are You Overcomplicating? https://workmatters.com/are-you-overcomplicating/