3 Self Leadership Strategies to Reduce Stress at Work

The fast-paced nature of today’s work environment can create stress and anxiety for workers at all levels in an organization—but especially those responsible for getting things out the door on a daily basis.  Even the most organized and efficient among us can feel the strain. Looking for some relief? Recent research confirms that a little…

A Bottom-Up Approach to Leadership that Works

“If your people don’t reach their full potential, neither will your organization,” says Susan Fowler, a senior consulting partner with The Ken Blanchard Companies. “The bottom line depends on the front line.” “The research shows that the front line people are the ones who are essential to making your initiatives work—whether it’s implementing a change…

Self Leadership—Challenging Assumed Constraints

The negative, almost nasty, comment to one of my LinkedIn posts bugged me. I spent 30 minutes formulating a clever response and then, another 30 minutes trying to figure out how to post it. I could see the man’s comment in my notifications, but when I clicked “check it out” or “join the conversation,” I…

Failing to Use Your Power Leads to These 3 Big Problems

I have an uncomfortable relationship with power. We’ve known each other since back in the day, and over the years there have been times when we’ve barely said hello to one another, and other times when we’ve been best buds. Whether our relationship has been virtually non-existent or whether we’ve hung out quite a bit together, I’ve always…

Self Leadership Research

One Important Truth about Organizational Success that Might Surprise You

What’s the most important factor in determining organizational success? The answer might surprise you, says Susan Fowler, a senior consulting partner with The Ken Blanchard Companies. In reviewing research for the redesign of Blanchard’s Self Leadership program, Fowler found compelling evidence that suggests the single most essential ingredient in organizational success is the proactive behavior…

3 Ways to Take Back Control of Your Job

I like to think of myself as a self leader. I know my strengths and weaknesses, desires, and character. However, being self aware is only the first step. Turning that awareness into action and actually becoming a self leader is tricky. Sometimes when things don’t go my way, I need a reality check—and I ask…

Leadership Advice from a Couple of 13-Year-Olds

Last week my daughter and niece—both 13 years old—attended a Student Self Leadership course that was offered to employees here at The Ken Blanchard Companies. I was curious about what they would think about the program since we were basically teaching them an accelerated, age appropriate version of the class we teach to aspiring leaders…

Emotional Technology: Innovations That Could Change Leaders

There’s currently some fantastic technology out there, from wearables and self-lacing shoes (yes, like the ones in Back to the Future) to VR and spectacular advances in science that will someday make it to consumer products. But what about beyond the current advances? And what about tech that can help us become better leaders? Currently,…

Consistency. Consistency. Consistency.

“Consistent” kənˈsɪst(ə)nt adjective Acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate. — You don’t need to look far to see that it’s clear that people value consistent behaviour in their leadership. Just by running an internet search for “Consistency in Leadership” brings up a ream of…