The insanity of work is at an epidemic level.  Our own work suffers. If we're honest, quality and innovation have been replaced by minimal effort delivered as quickly as possible.  We're doing the easy things fast to feel productive when the impact we are making is minimal. Perhaps this is why companies are reorganizing and trying to change cultures.  I do not believe organization structure change helps if the people in the organization are addicted to busy-ness.  Bold leaders are stopping and asking what can be done to minimize busy-ness. 


Want help taking back your own energy and power? Bring our Power of You learning experience to your team. We’ll focus on each individual, help each person craft a better way to choose the appropriate emotions, help them learn to focus and get back to their personal ‘stable’ base more quickly- allowing them to be more effective at work. Schedule in 2016 for the special rate of $10,000 + travel for up to 15 learners. Connect with Brittney for more details or to add this to your calendar. bhelt@russellmartin.com , 317-475-9311 x3.

Unhealthy, unhappy people cannot lead.  As an immature leader I used to believe that it was dishonest not to share all my worries and feelings with my team.  Now I realize that as a leader I have to carefully choose what is in the best interest of my team, not MY best interest.  Clearly, all teams are looking to their leader to lead them. Uncertainty and stress can scare the team, and the leader must find a way to be authentic and optimistic.  Leadership is a difficult task and a serious meddling in people's lives.  This sacred work must be taken very seriously.

Emotional Intelligence is the secret sauce of leadership.  First, clarify what your strengths are in the following three:

• Self-Awareness  - know when you are experiencing an emotion and why

• Self- Regulation - know how to calm your emotional state down when appropriate

• Empathy - see and know the emotional state of others

Of these three, I find empathy the most challenging.  With our customers, any combination of these three can occur.  The good news is that your emotions are a personal call to action - you telling yourself that something needs to change. Learning to listen to that inner voice is critical to great leadership.  Emotions are a muscle, that with practice, are easily grown.


There are many EQ assessments and programs.  I believe emotions are the critical drivers of awesome and terrible leadership.  Businesses are starting to pay close attention to the EQ of their leaders and teams.  My advice is to start simply - focus on just these three.  We're all prone to trying to do too much, and the same can happen in growing EQ.

Check out the Behavioral Intelligence Assessment we love for only $75 (normally $150) Use Code: OCTLF16- offer valid until 10/31. 

In addition, leaders need to make sure that the people they lead are healthy.  It's hard enough to exercise, sleep, eat well and manage emotions effectively.  And it's also the leaders responsibility to be aware (empathy) of the signals from members of their team that all is not well.  The leader may not be the right person to intervene in every problem and he/she is the right person to coach and direct to the best resources. 
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​When the world of work pulls you off center, it's important to have a way to intentionally get back to being a great leader. In projects, we use the following questions to stay on track:

What will we have after we do this project that we don't have now? 

What impact will this project have on the organization if we do it right now?  

In my personal life, I like to use my personal Purpose Statement.  I use this in many of our leadership interventions and I like to use it as a mantra.  It's 3 PM and I have not gotten enough done (my opinion) today.  My head is spinning from checking off tasks.  It's time to get back on track:

• Move away from the computer and take a few deep breaths. 

• Pull your shoulders down, tap your right hand to you left shoulder, left hand to right shoulder a few times. 

• Close your eyes (if you're comfortable, it's not necessary) and notice five sounds.
• Notice five things you can see.

• Look inside, and think about five physical things you can feel.

• Repeat your Purpose Statement to yourself while you breath.

Here's how to create a Purpose Statement:  simply choose three verbs and a noun and make it into a meaningful sentence that you can easily memorize and repeat as needed.   Here is mine:


I ignite, affirm and sustain learning in self and others. 


Remember, this is your reason for being on earth. No pressure, right? Of course, since it is yours, you can change it any time you want.  Get your team together and do this as a team (the team's Purpose Statement) then help build each other's.  I guarantee that the time you invest will create great value.  


NOTE: Submit your purpose statement using the form to the right and win fabulous RMA merchandise!