The Blog

Recently, I’ve noticed that communication seems to be the most prevalent challenge for groups, organizations and systems of all kinds. Every week I’m fielding calls from potential clients, all wanting to know how to elevate communication – and mitigate the fallout of poor communication – within their teams.

The solution is actually surprisingly simple. Sometimes, folks don’t like to hear that – and it’s true. Let’s start at the beginning.

Email. One might argue that it is the gift and curse of modern-day communication.

Particularly since the advent of smartphones and tablets, emails have made all of us available 24/7, at least theoretically. Heck, let’s be honest; there is an expectation that is held by many, that we will actually be available 24/7 in practical terms. Talk about a recipe for overwhelm – and inevitable failure when it comes to relationships. Because the truth is, you can’t be available 24/7 – or if you are, you are paying a heavy price.

The question that arises, then, is this: how do we navigate email, professionally, courteously, and with boundaries?

The answer lies in understanding the purpose of communication in general. Often, we think of communication as a means to disseminate information, to share our thoughts and ideas, right?

It’s been a number of years since I’ve shared a list of my favourite books. Since my last edition – which I think was five years ago – I’ve certainly read a LOT! Which means that there are some new books on this list – and some of the old ones have been knocked off the list! Reading is one of those things that brings me immense joy, even if it’s only a short story – or a book I’ve read before (because I do that – novelty isn’t always necessary for me, when it comes to books!).

There’s something for everybody here, I think. Take a look, and see what catches your fancy.

When looking at the world of leadership, one of the things that’s apparent is the value of independence. Truly remarkable leaders have an independent streak about them.

They think independently.

They’re not afraid to break away from the crowd.

They’re certainly not followers.

As a result, the story we tell ourselves is that leadership and independence go hand-in-hand.

Perhaps they do.

Where it goes wonky, however, is in the practical application of what it means to be independent. Too often, we take the term “independent” and use it to mean “isolation”. As in standing alone. Flying solo. Away from the masses.

Here’s the thing folks: independence and isolation are not the same thing.

Leadership and grief. It feels unusual that I would write an article that links these two – seemingly diverse – topics together. This past week, however, has afforded me the opportunity to consider how we as leaders are with grief.

What do we do when we experience loss or failure? How do we be with those around us when they are in a space of grieving? What’s the example we set, the message we send, the invitation we offer?