We are halfway through 2022 and you’re most likely evaluating your progress and hopefully celebrating achievements.

I recently led a workshop where one of the topics was essential leadership characteristics to lead people to success. Today I will share one of the key traits in my opinion: COURAGE. My intention is for you to become even more courageous to finish 2022 STRONG AND COURAGEOUS.

What does courage mean to you? Doing it afraid! Bravery. Audacity. Daring. What else would you add?

Hello Friends,

These two weeks have been very hard, and if you’re like me, they’ve made you stop.

The range of emotions is like a rollercoaster.

Shock. Hurt. Angry. Cry. Sad.

So much violence and hatred. How could this be happening? Buffalo, then Laguna Woods, in between these there were more shootings in Dallas, the New York Subway, and then, the elementary school in TX.

It’s too much.

April represents different things to different people: Tax month, Earth Day, April showers bringing spring flowers, and an area that I’m committed to is that April also recognizes Diversity and Autism awareness.

Look at the flavors on that ice cream cone in the picture! Who doesn’t like Baskin & Robbins 31 flavors ice cream? Now that is diversity. I love pralines & cream the most (and strawberry and butter pecan), Clarke (my hubby) loves pistachio. What flavor(s) do you love the most?

What's my connection to ice cream and diversity?

What’s growing in your garden?

As I reflect on my own thoughts in my business and personal life, I ponder whether I am planting the right seeds to achieve what I desire. I’m mindful of what is still rooting and growing, what’s sprouting into new opportunities, and, well, what’s just dead.

As you evaluate and reflect on your efforts, what’s energizing you and what’s draining you? If you’re being honest, what needs to be pruned or completely cut so that you can replace the negative energy with something (projects or people) that will embolden you? Springtime is a season of inspiration, new growth and invigoration.

February represents two key events that, for me, are particularly worthy of acknowledgement:

Valentine's Day is the one day where we are mindful to show our love for others. Typically it's thought of as a way to show romance to our most intimate mates. Also, though, it's a great way to reflect on how we demonstrate our appreciation to others who, are important and special to us. Maybe we don't say "I love you" but there are actions we can take to show our love.

Black History Month is an opportunity to highlight black culture and achievements. In other words, we can all become enlightened, learn and grow together.

"Let’s move forward together." I’m imagining that this is a message that you are telling your team this year as you share your vision. Am I right?

On the one hand, you may feel as though creating a vision and sharing it, has been challenging and perhaps not even worthwhile. The continuous adjustments you’ve made because of the circumstances caused by the ever-changing Covid reality have often felt overwhelming.

On the other hand, despite the obstacles over the last couple of years, what you want to build remains vivid in your mind! Your commitment has not waned.

I’m sending good wishes for you as we prepare for Thanksgiving.

· A belly filled with all the aromas and flavors you love

· A seat around the table with special people who bring you joy

· A heart filled with gratitude of what’s been, and what’s to come

John Maxwell says that your success is determined by your daily agenda. In other words, your daily activity determines your success.

You may be experiencing frustration because you are (pretty much) staying consistent and still not getting to where you want to be. It’s not only about habits, but also about the emotion and belief that you will achieve.

As we begin the Autumn season, we are reminded that the year is quickly coming to an end, with only a few more months to achieve our annual goals. Yet, just like in a football game, there’s still time to reach them and score in the end zone.

I thought it would be fun and valuable to compare elements of business with football (you know I really do love sports). Please keep reading even if you’re not into sports. I encourage you to think about all the services you offer and the value of each offer.

How does it feel at your organization? Are you experiencing anxiety because you’ve received more resignations from employees than usual? If so, you are not alone.

You’ve probably heard the recent phrase “The Great Resignation.” Employees decided that if their needs and wants weren’t met, they’d find another company that would be a better fit. Over 4 million people quit their jobs in April alone. Some want more pay. Others want to choose the environment of remote, in-person, or hybrid. Many recognized they didn’t feel appreciated or included and realized that they weren't passionate about their daily work.

I’ve been absorbed watching the Olympics and have so much admiration for the athletes. As a leadership development trainer and coach, I’ve also been thinking about the critical role the coaches play in this life-changing dream and journey. My goodness, their nerves must be frazzled yet they must continue to pour belief and encouragement into their athletes.

Setting and getting goals aren’t always equal, are they?

When I reviewed my Q2 goals last week, I was pleased with my progress. I hope that you, too, are pleased as you review your goals from the first half of the year. If, on the other hand, you are a bit dissatisfied or didn’t (if we’re being honest) really get around to setting goals--less than 4% of the population set and write their goals, I hope you’ll find these tips to be a valuable resource.

If you are a leader in an organization today, you have most likely provided Diversity & Inclusion training for your team. The focus of a lot of that training is on the value of having a diverse team and how to ensure you embrace the diversity of individuals on the team. What can sometimes be given less focus is the importance of the leader’s inclusive behaviors when It comes to realizing the full value of a highly diverse team. You can have the most diverse team ever and a leader who does not practice inclusive behaviors can end up with a team who will abandon their diverse backgrounds for the safe place of acting more like the leader.

March Madness!

As I watched some March Madness games over the last few days, I started thinking about how much these games connect with business. It reinforces the joy of victory and the agony of defeat. Well, March Madness is definitely a business generating millions of dollars! I thought it would be fun to share some of the thoughts with you and help you reflect, as I did. We are all committed to championing our business and helping others, too, right?

Have you unpacked your blind spots within your organization?

Are you ready for a breakthrough to heighten possibilities?

Are you wondering how and why you should or would, or could remove blindspots?

“Because love liberates…” Don’t you love the title? This quote comes from the one and only Maya Angelou, an amazing poet, civil rights activist, and speaker. This month had me thinking about the true connection between Black History Month, Diversity and Inclusion, and Love. There’s a commonality between all of these - and it’s that love liberates!

Photo credit Robert Indiana

This article was originally written by John Maxwell. Now is a good time to assess your leadership ability.