Leadership Archives - Page 14 of 17

Tips for Offering Effective Feedback

April 17, 2015April 17, 2015 Shannon Cassidy Leave a comment

Effective feedback is something that every good manager should offer to employees.

Good feedback drives individual and company-wide performance. It motivates

employees and, in turn, fosters company-wide productivity. To some, offering

feedback is daunting, and to others, knowing how to offer valuable feedback is

somewhat of an “unknown.” It is important to consider that feedback is not praise,

it is not criticism, and it is not advice. Good feedback is about offering constructive

information in response to efforts toward reaching a particular goal.

Consider the following key elements to improve your feedback and the overall

success of your team:

Effective feedback is goal-oriented.

Feedback should be catered toward moving employees closer to their own

performance goals, or toward the betterment of the company. If your response to

employee performance does not have to do with these objectives, it is likely

unnecessary and will actually result in counter-productivity and frustration.

Effective feedback is specific.

Clear communication should take place when offering feedback. When offering

information about employee performance, managers should relay specific examples

to demonstrate why efforts were effective, or illustrations of where goals were not

as successfully reached. Furthermore, it is important that the recipient of the

feedback relays a clear understanding of what is being communicated.

Effective feedback is empathetic.

It is important to view the perspective of employees when offering feedback.

Consider the last time you received feedback that mattered to you – information

that you took to heart and that encouraged better performance on your part.

Usually it came from someone who genuinely cared about you, who appreciated

where you came from and where you were headed.

Effective feedback is timely.

Don’t wait until the quarterly review to offer feedback. Immediate response to

employee performance will be more meaningful and applicable when the action

taken is fresh on the heart and mind of the employee.

Effective feedback is honest.

Feedback that is fake, forced, or not completely truthful is neither good for

employees, nor for the overall organization. In fact, it can actually create barriers

skepticism. As a manager, honesty can be hard at times, but trying to tell people

what you assume they want to hear can actually hurt their effectiveness; on the

other hand, providing constructive, truthful feedback in a gentle, empathetic

manner is proven to build employee engagement and productivity over time.

Effective feedback is consistent.

It is important to offer constant feedback, and to follow up on feedback given.

People want their efforts to be recognized. Acknowledging the work of employees is

guaranteed to increase engagement and motivation. Offering consistent feedback

helps people to know whether they are on the right track, and how they can better

contribute to an organization’s success.

Effective feedback leaves room for improvement.

It is important, as you offer feedback to employees, to get their input regarding how

you offer feedback. Asking employees how you can better respond to their

performance will increase trust and lines of communication overall, and it will help

you to improve your ability to offer better feedback to other employees, and your

own managers as well.

What is your greatest challenge with giving feedback? Share in the comments or contact

us at bridgebetween.com.

The Impact of a Certified Woman Owned Business

March 31, 2015July 1, 2015 Shannon Cassidy Leave a comment

Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of bridge between, inc.. Shannon combines a keen ability to get to the heart of every matter with a proven track record.

She is the author of The 5 Degree Principle: How Small Changes Lead to Big Results and V.I.B.E., a discovery of what lies beneath and how that impacts you and others.

I recently had the privilege of speaking with her about her journey and becoming a Certified Woman Owned Business. As one who is eager to empower others and encourage them on to success, she generously shared some specifics on how being a female entrepreneur has impacted her, and why she does what she does.

Who is a female role model you looked to as an inspiration when starting bridge between?

Shannon: Agnes G. Doody, my mentor, former professor at the University of Rhode Island, and dear friend. She joined me at ESPN to discuss Gender Communication and Conflict Resolution to the leadership team last year. What a privilege! My kids call her Aunt Agnes. We visit her every summer. What an inspiration.

Was there a specific moment you felt the push, became inspired and convicted to become certified as a Woman Owned Business?

Shannon: When I spoke with a client at Comcast who said an objective of theirs is to partner with vendors who are women and minority owned. I looked into it and found out how to do it.

What is a company today (big or small, local or national) empowering women and why?

Shannon: Deloitte! They put their money with their mouth is by appointing the new CEO Cathy Engelbert.

Another is ESPN. My friend CFP Christine Dreisen was named WICT’s (Women in Cable Telecommunications) Woman of the Year. She was instrumental in launching espnW, ESPN’s first digitial initiative geared towards inspiring female athletes and fans.

What holds women back?

Shannon: Ourselves. I think we doubt, question, think we need 100% of qualifications before applying for positions, etc. We also aren’t as comfortable gaining sponsors and asking for what we want. We often live by: if I work hard enough that should be enough OR if I want to have kids I need to be okay with a certain title / level. So, ourselves primarily.

The Imposter Syndrome is when you feel like your accomplishments are nowhere near as good as those around you. Alicia Liu wrote an interesting article with the key takeaway “Imposter syndrome is not only an invisible hand that holds people back from attaining the things their abilities warrant, but it is also a blindfold that prevents people from even seeing what those things could be. That is very difference from having self-doubt about one’s real limitations.”

We all make hundreds of choices each day. Every step or decision we make adds up. Some get trapped in overindulging on self and minimally focusing on purpose. There are lots of things about you that you control.

At the end of the day, remember Shannon’s mantra at the end of this video: “I am enough.”

Contact Shannon and her team with help in connecting your potential to performance.

Celebrating Leadership through Women’s History Month

March 26, 2015March 26, 2015 Shannon Cassidy Leave a comment

Women’s History Month celebrates the contribution of women to culture and society, and has been observed in the United States annually throughout the month of March since 1987.

From fighting for the right to vote, to being appointed as a United States Supreme Court judge, to pitching a winning game in the Little League World Series, our country has a strong foundation of women who persevere. Women who show up over and over again to fight for their sisters and make a difference for our gender with great resolve.

Women of the Past

Eleanor Roosevelt is a favorite from days gone by. Despite her less than picture perfect past, she stayed true to her passion for social justice. Mrs. Roosevelt utilized her position as the longest-serving First Lady of our country to fight for women’s causes near and dear to her heart. Eleanor used her newspaper column “My Day” to address key events and controversial topics. She was able to reach millions across America with her views on social and political issues, current and historical events, and her private and public life. [American Experience: Eleanor Roosevelt]

Enjoy a small selection of her meaningful quotes:

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt, This is My Story

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt, You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life

How has a first lady inspired you? Please share ‘who’ in the comments.

Earlier this year, the White House released an article filled with rich history of women who have made a difference in science.

Listen to women from across the Administration tell the stories of their personal heroes across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). What a fascinating message of tenacity and drive! From breaking sound barriers to breaking gender barriers and all sorts of barriers in between, how thrilling to honor their legacy by sharing their stories.

Women of the Present

There are several present day women who are making an impact on our lives. Think about those women in your circles – your mentors, your balcony people – what characteristics do you see portrayed over and over again?

One organization to follow is WOW! Work of Women, who is dedicated to making positive changes in women’s lives by empowering and mobilizing females around the world. This organization is committed to changing the world one woman at a time.

Susan Chambers tells us WOW! is a grassroots chain, and when we make a difference in the life of one woman there is a ripple effect. Be sure to follow their story – consider it time well spent learning about and supporting this fantastic program!

Samantha Ettus recently wrote a piece for Forbes that covered lots of motivating quotes from one hundred women. Each of these messages are powerful in their own right and together will cause quite a stir. I ask you to join me and read this list of Inspiring Quotes from 100 Extraordinary Women and think about which two stand out to you. I’ll share mine as well.

Usually one up for excitement, Tina Fey’s imagery struck a chord with me:

“You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.” – Tina Fey

Another quote which jumped off the page as I was reading:

“Hold your head and your standards high even as people or circumstances try to pull you down.” – Tory Johnson

Let’s use our innate grit and resolve to go out and do powerful things.

As women, we can have the loftiest of aspirations. A wish list, a someday dream, a desire to do contribute to a greater good. The proof in the pudding is the action. Do something. Get fired up about a situation. Fight for what you believe in and for what you believe to be true. Say it, think it, but do something.

When you want to move forward in life, you’ve got to take that first step.

Picture yourself on a basketball court trying to make a shot. If you’re too far out and just shoot, the likelihood of you making it is slim. What happens when you move forward? You have a better shot at making it. Give yourself the utmost advantage and line up by taking that first step.

Women of the Future

As we’re looking at women of the past and present, let us not forget the women of our future. How are your words, actions, and impact playing out in a young girl’s life?

Are you showing her a steadfast resolve in making a difference in her community? Encouraging risks in her education and career? Cheering her on for creativity shown when participating in the school science fair? Infusing words of bravery and courage for performing in the elementary talent show? Sharing time with a teenager who is trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up? Mentoring a young woman starting out in the workforce?

Think back to your childhood, then adolescence, then young adulthood. Who inspired you and how can you pass that on? Looking back with the gift of experience that comes from time and age, what role models would you have wished to have? Be that for the younger generation. Impact the future by giving of yourself in the present with sharing your knowledge of the past.

Let’s work together to support others young, old, and in between to continue changing the future like a girl.

What woman do you know who’s really dedicating her life to helping others?

I’d love to hear in the comments. Know what would be even better? Tell her. Send her a note of thanks and appreciation for the mark she’s made in your life and how she’s impacted you.

Become more Impactful through Sustainable Leadership

March 5, 2015March 6, 2015 Shannon Cassidy Leave a comment

Sustainability is a concept that is growing rapidly in the business world. No longer

focused on solely “being green,” sustainability is about looking to the future and

seeing a grander vision beyond a company in and of itself. It is about responsibly

managing and coordinating the ongoing success and prosperity of the environment,

the community, and society at large. Businesses who are practicing sustainability

are growing in success and popularity because they are benefiting so many, and

because stakeholders of such organizations feel a sense of purpose in being a part of

them.

As leaders and managers, it is beneficial to model sustainable businesses so as to

make a positive impact on both those who work for us, and on the very organization

we represent. Sustainable organizations have the foundational elements of being

supportive, vision-driven, responsible, growth-oriented, collaborative, and

resourceful. Adopting these elements of sustainability as a leader will ultimately

encourage more effective leadership and make a positive impact on the work

environment.

Sustainable Leaders are Supportive

To sustain, by definition, is to support or hold up. A sustainable leader seeks way to

support its team. Encouraging employees to take ownership and to strive for

personal excellence is a great way to support employees. Modeling how to take

ownership and offering praise when ownership is taken are great ways to uphold

them. But more importantly, to truly support employees, leaders need to help them

to seek out and find the resources that they need to achieve excellence.

Sustainable Leaders are Vision-Driven

Sustainability is ultimately about looking to the future. It is about seeing the greater

picture. Sustainable leaders enable those around them to thrive by encouraging

them to see beyond the here and now. Whether encouraging others to grow so they

can become a better individual or sharpen skills, or furthering the mission and

vision of a company, sustainable leaders are ultimately focused on empowering

those they lead to lead others.

Sustainable Leaders are Responsible

Sustainable organizations are known for practicing ethical responsibility.

Sustainable leaders practice self-control rather than trying to control others. They

proactively consider their actions and behaviors and they take responsibility for

them. They don’t blame when unfortunate circumstances unfold; rather, they take

ownership and seek ways to overcome adversity. People love to work with and for

these types of leaders, and a system of support tends to unfold when people are

surrounded by such behavior.

Sustainable Leaders are Growth-Oriented

Sustainability encourages growth. Sustainable leaders are committed to being life-

long learners. They do not ever see their state in life, or in an organization, as static

or complete. There is always more knowledge to gain, more ideas to offer, more

goals to set, and they encourage those around them to follow suit.

Sustainable Leaders are Collaborative

Sustainable businesses are constantly working collaboratively within their

organization and with other organizations to ensure betterment for all. Sustainable

leaders equally seek out ways to create a sense of team, where people enjoy

contributing. These leaders create opportunities for team building and

collaboration to take place, therein developing a sense of community and culture.

Sustainable Leaders are Resourceful

Sustainable businesses look to make use of the resources they have, rather than

depleting the energy around them. Likewise, sustainable leaders are flexible and

look at the strengths of employees and encourage them according to each unique

situation. Sustainable leaders don’t deplete employees of energy nor of value. They

seek out solutions by using the people and facilities before them and, again,

encourage others to benefit the very organization that hired them to use their

strengths.

Working towards sustainability as a leader is sure to bring positive results to the

workplace and beyond.

Celebrating Courageous Leaders

February 20, 2015March 5, 2015 Shannon Cassidy Leave a comment

As we emphasize the history and achievements of African Americans during this month, let us learn from the following individuals who stand out for their amazing impact with boldness and bravery.

Leaders can have lots of titles and roles.

From the head of a company to the head of the PTA, from the most seasoned executive to the title-less one who embodies the pathfinder qualities despite the words printed on their business card.

A favorite quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“I came to the conclusion that there is an existential moment in your life when you must decide to speak for yourself; nobody else can speak for you.”

The following men and women decided to speak for themselves. They chose to show deep courage despite their hardships. I find inspiration in each one of them for various reasons.

All of them have one thing in common: hope. Hope in how they were living. Hope that what they were doing would make a difference for themselves. Hope that why they faced these circumstances would be used for good in affecting others.

Join me on a journey through the highlight reel of four remarkable individuals.

Maya Angelou

Smart
Authentic
Encouraging

She fought for justice, education, and equality. Although known best for her novel “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, she leaves behind amazing artistic work while challenging us to be the good so we bring out the good in others.

She speaks of bringing everyone who has ever been kind to her when she goes on stage. She never felt alone. She challenges us to be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud. Despite all of our differences, she charges us with being a blessing to somebody no matter if that person is like us or different.

Stuart Scott

Style
Attitude
Likeability

Stuart Scott left an indelible mark on the sportscasting industry far greater than his coined phrase “Boo-yah!”. His unique way of blending hip hop in his broadcasting allowed him to stand out as one who embraced who he was and didn’t change for others.

His approachability was highly regarded. He fought for who he was and won. He was endearing, smart, and loveable.

“ESPN and everyone in the sports world have lost a true friend and a uniquely inspirational figure in Stuart Scott,” said ESPN president John Skipper.

Watch this speech given 6 months ago, and be moved.

Stuart Scott, you are missed. Grateful for the impact you’ve made.

Nelson Mandela

Revolutionary
Humanitarian
Rebel

Bold yet complex words describe him. He was passionate about his convictions and went great lengths for his beliefs. After enduring years in prison he tirelessly worked to negotiate a peaceful end to institutionalized racism, earning him a 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. Mandela was his nation’s first black president from 1994 to 1999.

He encourages us to live by rising every time we fall. Falling will happen. Get back up. Every time. Will you accept the challenge?

Wilma Rudolph

Pioneer
Athlete
Courageous

Wilma was struck with polio at a young age. “My doctor told me I would never walk again,” she wrote. “My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.” Five years after removing her leg brace, she became an Olympian at age 16. Four years passed. After returning home from her second Olympics (and three gold medals later), she insisted her homecoming parade and gala banquet be integrated. These were the first fully integrated municipal events in the city’s history.

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” – Wilma Rudolph

As we celebrate these remarkable leaders who have no doubt made an impact for all, will you accept this challenge?

Go out of your way to make more positive human interaction happen.