Are You a Reader?

 

There is a common saying in the leadership world that goes "leaders are readers." This is because reading is a great way to gain knowledge, insights, and inspiration from the experiences of others. In this article, we will explore why leaders are readers and suggest a few great leadership quotes and books to read.

A reason why leaders are readers is that reading helps them expand their knowledge and perspectives. By reading books, articles, and other materials, leaders can learn from the experiences of others and gain insights into different approaches to leadership. Reading can also help leaders stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in their field.

Reading can inspire and motivate. Reading about the achievements and successes of other leaders can encourage them to strive for greatness in their own work. It can also help them develop a growth mindset and stay focused on their goals and objectives.

Here are a few great leadership quotes to inspire you:

• "The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example." - John Wooden

• "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." - Simon Sinek

• "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." - John C. Maxwell

Now, let's take a look at some great books that every leader should read:

• "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey: This book is a classic in the leadership world and provides practical advice on how to become a more effective leader.

• "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek: This book explores the idea that great leaders prioritize the needs of their team members and create a culture of trust, collaboration, and support.

• "Good to Great" by Jim Collins: This book examines why some companies are able to achieve sustained success while others struggle and provides insights into the key characteristics of great leaders.

By reading great books and articles, leaders can improve their skills and become more effective in their work. Leaders are readers because reading helps them expand their knowledge, gain insights, and stay motivated. So pick up a book and start reading today!

Best, 

Manal

Continual Growth as a Leader

 

Leadership is not just a title or position; it is a skill that can be developed over time. Regardless of whether you are a seasoned leader or just starting out, there are always ways to improve and grow as a leader. In this article, we will discuss some practical tips on how to grow as a leader.

Seek continual feedback. 

Ask your team members, colleagues, or mentors for constructive criticism on your leadership style. Be open-minded and receptive to their feedback, and use it to improve your leadership skills.

Learn continuously. 

Read books, attend workshops, or take courses on leadership to expand your knowledge and skills. Keep up with the latest trends and best practices in leadership, and apply them to your daily work.

Lead by example. 

Be a role model for your team members by demonstrating the behavior and values you expect from them. Show them that you are willing to roll up your sleeves and do the work alongside them.

Delegate.

Learn to identify your team members' strengths and delegate tasks and responsibilities accordingly. This will not only help you achieve better results but also empower your team members and develop their skills.

Communicate effectively. 

As a leader, you need to be able to articulate your vision, goals, and expectations clearly and concisely. Be an active listener and provide feedback to your team members to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Cultivate a positive work environment. 

Foster a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration among your team members. Celebrate their achievements and provide them with the necessary support and resources to succeed.

Growing as a leader is an ongoing process that requires dedication, effort, and a willingness to learn and improve. 

What have you done lately to foster your own growth? 

Best, 

Manal

Business Growth Amidst Crisis

If you have any affiliation with any small business non-profit right now, you are most likely looking for input on how to continue to grow your business amidst a crisis with uncertainty. 

What we do now during a crisis will ultimately determine our fate. First things first, decide. Decide if you want to come to the other side of things better or if you will be the person who waits for things to be better. 

You have a choice. You can ask “Why is life happening to me” or you can ask “Given that I am here, what do I want to create?” This decision alone moves you from the position of a victim into the role of hero/heroine of your story. Ask yourself, “Where can we add value, in what ways, that others need, right now?” If you are not sure, ask your clients what they need. Then, create best practices around those needs. Those with best practices will be market leaders and will have ample opportunities to create value.

Today’s moments are inviting each of us to renewed and empowered leadership. There is no one coming to save us. Ask yourself who you need to be to ensure you and your organization come out better on the other side.  

Businesses have been impacted globally by supply chain management, rising costs, access to education, and the shortage of workers. What I know is this, what’s happening will allow us to create something better, more inclusive, and more valuable. 

Be the builder of opportunities, ideas, and resources with others. What we do individually and together is truly shaping the world we live in. 

Here is to the best future!

Best, 

Manal

What Areas Do You Want to Grow In?

 

In my March 23, 2021 article, I talked about leaders generally wanting constant and never ending growth in one or more of the seven main areas of life. They are: 

1. Physical body

2. Relationship with self

3. Relationship with others

4. Schedule

5. Work, career or mission

6. Finances

7. Contribution

Let’s pause for a moment and not talk about everyone else, let’s focus on you. Knowing where you are and where you want to be is half the first half of any equation. 

Where you are + Action = Where You Want To Be

On a scale of 0-10 (0 being never and 10 being the best) how do you rate yourself in these areas of life? 

• Your physical body health?

• Your self-care routine?

• Your quiet time? 

• Your sleep? 

• Your relationships with family?

• Your relationships with a significant other?

• Your relationships with people you work with?

• Your relationship with your boss?

• Time to do what you want to do?

• TIme for growth and personal development?

• Time for faith?

• Fulfillment at work? 

• Your finances? 

• Your contribution to the world? 

When I first did this years ago, I realized how unbalanced my life was. There are generally a few areas that are glaringly obvious as far as what needs improved most. 

This is the great part, you are full in charge of picking what areas you want to grow in. 

Now go back through and decide where you want to be on each item and put that as a second number. 

Next you will decide what SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) goal/actions will get you there. 

This is called your gap. 

Now I want you to go through the areas one more time and write a date next to it when you would like to see your second number be realized. 

Your final step is to get it on your calendar. Otherwise, it may stay as wishful thinking. 

Let’s get you moving in the right direction toward what you want to achieve. 

Best, 

Manal

Constant and Never Ending Growth

 

When I think of the leaders I work with they all have one thing in common, they all seek constant and never ending growth. This may look different for each leader depending on their current dreams and goals. 

One thing I have learned over the years is that when you are specific about what you want and you have a made up mind, you will certainly be able to move closer to achieving it.

I have also observed another interesting thing, people often are not specific, clear and haven’t set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) goals. I know because I have done it. We get excited and we either rush into action or we simply try to take on too much. 

There are seven main areas that people set goals in. They are: 

1. Physical body

2. Relationship with self

3. Relationship with others

4. Schedule

5. Work, career or mission

6. Finances

7. Contribution

I’ll write more about each of these areas but since the physical body is almost always first on people’s lists, here are some facts from the Center of Disease Control you will want to know. 

Obesity is a common, serious, and costly disease

• The prevalence of obesity was 42.4% in 2017~2018. 

• From 1999–2000 through 2017–2018, the prevalence of obesity increased from 30.5% to 42.4%, and the prevalence of severe obesity increased from 4.7% to 9.2%.

• Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer that are some of the leading causes of preventable, premature death. 

• The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the United States was $147 billion in 2008 US dollars; the medical cost for people who have obesity was $1,429 higher than those of normal weight.

When setting goals for any of these areas you want to make sure you can measure them over a period of time to see if what you are doing is taking you closer to your goal. Say you want to exercise and you leave it at that, most likely that might not get you motivated to get you even dressed to work out. However, if you say I am going to work out 4 times a week at 9 am for the next 90 days. With this one you can measure and assess if this is helping get you to your goal of making working out a routine. 

This can be done in every area of your life. Set a goal/ intention, a timeline and have a measurement system. Pick one area and set one SMART goal. Master that and then you can look at another area to add on. 

Best, 

Manal