Hymn to Inspire

I am seated at the piano because I am remembering my grandmother. She was a gifted piano player. She also taught music and played in her church.

Every morning before my grandfather went to work, she would sit down and play songs. And he would sing along. It was a great way for both to begin their day.

Part of my practice routine is playing hymns. While I was raised in a faith-based tradition, but I am not observant these days. But I do find comfort and solace in the hymns. They are timeless.

They also have an energy about them that gets us motivated.

And so today I want to play a hymn called “Eternal Father, Strong to Save.”

When Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt met off the shore of Canada in summer of 1940, United States had not yet entered the War. Amid the talks, they found time to hold a Sunday service on the deck of a British warship.

“Eternal Father, Strong to Save” was one of the hymns that was played. It was a favorite of Churchill, but also of Roosevelt. I know such a hymn gave these statesmen solace just as it does us.

First posted on LinkedIn newsletter 2/28/2021

Love = Respect

There’s a famous quote from the grizzled football coach Vince Lombardi.

“I don’t necessarily have to like my players and associates. But as their leader, I must love them. Love is loyalty. Love is teamwork. Love respects the dignity of the individual. This is the strength of any organization.”

Love is important.

Vince talks about it from an organizational standpoint, and from a people standpoint.

It’s about respect.

And when you show respect to people, you demonstrate that you care about them

And in return, they will show you loyalty.

Not because they have to, but because they want to.

Because you know what?

They will love you in return.

First posted on LinkedIn 2/14/2021

Experience + Engagement = Virtual Success

Do you miss hearing live speakers?

Well, of course you do.

There’s the crowd.

There’s the adrenaline.

There’s the energy.

I miss it, too.

But virtual presentations can achieve some of the same effect, including energy.

A successful virtual presentation must have two things.

The first thing is to create an experience… something memorable.

Make your presentation actionable.

Give people things to think about when they go back to the workplace.

You also have to capture interest, which we call engagement.

You speak in shorter segments… five, six, seven minutes.

Create exercises, poll questions…

Things like that to get the audience and keep them engaged.

Experience and Engagement.

What a Friend Taught Me about Listening

The other day a colleague of mine, commenting on a short video I did on the topic of trust, noted that I had not mentioned listening. And so he made a list of things necessary to improve listening and communicating.

My friend, who asked that I not use his name, has shared these thoughts with the young leaders he mentored and coached. And he has graciously allowed me to share them here.

Keep your word.  If you say you are going to do something, do it. 

Listen well.  Genuinely listen. Ask questions that allow others to know you’re listening. 

Don’t speak over people. Don’t finish their sentences for them. Good eye contact is helpful, and important. 

Maintain confidentiality, when appropriate and for sure when asked. 

When needed, roll up your sleeves and join the task to help. 

Ask your people what they think and why. Do it often. 

When you disagree, argue the facts, not the personality.

Do not criticize your direct reports in public. Do it in private. 

Support members of your team. Have their backs, especially when they are in a tight spot. Support does not confer agreement. 

Likely you have heard many of these before, but it’s always good to be reminded of how we can become more attentive listeners. “There is perhaps no greater gift you can give to another person,” goes the saying, “than by paying attention and let them know they are being heard.”

Listening is an investment in another person. It is a sign of respect. Doing it regularly and with kindness demonstrates that you value the contributions of others.

First posted on LinkedIn 2/07/2021