One of my greatest fears as a leader is that of becoming obsolete and not being aware of it. I think it stems, in part, from the base insecurities that most of us possess. It also occasionally comes from working with the incredibly talented group of professionals who surround me. I am both amazed and […]
Archives for 2018
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 26
As a leader, I believe one of my most important duties is to create a safe environment where employees can thrive. If people don’t feel safe they will not push the envelope, be vulnerable, take risks, get edgy, engage in critical conversations, be creative, have FUN, celebrate with each other, or display the requisite level […]
New Program – Developing a Culture of Trust
Developing a Culture of Trust: Effective, Efficient & Expressive Communication Tickets are on sale now! Creating trusted relationships has never been more important for successful leadership. Leaders who work with people rather than through people realize better outcomes and performance. Leaders who engage in high-level communication, know themselves and have the ability to read others […]
Congratulations to Ratliff & Taylor’s Gregg Levine
Congratulations to our very own Gregg Levine! He and his husband, Dr. Howard Epstein, received the prestigious Leadership Award from the Human Rights Campaign at its 25th Anniversary Gala event held this past weekend. The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 25
For years, I played “not to lose” when running our company instead of “playing to win”. I wanted to believe my employees did not see the difference. In fact, I thought I could offset my tendencies by encouraging them to swing for the fences in their respective roles. I had my head in the sand. […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 24
I stink at receiving constructive feedback from people I value most in my organization. It is my Achilles heel. To become a better leader, I know I must overcome this flaw, so I continue to try new methods and techniques. People see me trying to get better, so I get a lot of second chances. […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 23
The “Art of Leadership” requires a continuous balancing of head, heart, and gut. Each situation a person encounters calls for a combination of analysis, empathy, and instinct to be used in different proportions. Effective leaders learn to trust each component. They constantly experiment, learn from each experience, and incorporate those learnings into the next situation […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 22
Hire people better than you, then display the courage to let them prove it. Few actions define the character of a leader more than selecting, empowering and celebrating the achievements of people who are capable of taking the organization farther than the leader him/herself. Be intentional about it…
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 21
– Always put the professional and emotional needs of your people before your own. – Get to know someone first as an employee, then as a person, then as an employee. – Never take credit for something if you can give credit to someone else. – Defend your people from those who would do them […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 20
Culture is not the dye color used in a garment. It is not the style of cut or choice of accents. Culture is the “fabric” you choose to make that garment including the combination of yarns and type of weave. The right fabric allows your people to move freely, feel comfortable and be their best […]