Best selling Amazon Author Dr. Gail Summerskill talks about her new book on writing titled Writing with Sofie. The professor and creative professional talks convincingly about the need to support those that are trying to improve their writing in the classroom or at the start of their first personal writing project. 

Best selling Amazon Author Dr. Gail Summerskill talks about her new book on writing titled Writing with Sofie. The professor and creative professional talks convincingly about the need to support those that are trying to improve their writing in the classroom or at the start of their first personal writing project.

094 Labrador Leadership | Dr. Gail Summerskill and Writing With Sofie

Bob talks about research that shows the Corona Virus shutdown may have months remaining rather than weeks.  He also shares a story of a pharmacist who is committed to do his duty

Bob talks about research that shows the Corona Virus shutdown may have months remaining rather than weeks. He also shares a story of a pharmacist who is committed to do his duty

Corona Months Not Weeks; The  Work of the Pharmacist

Bob updates a directive from the CDC for protecting infrastructure workers who may not have been able to avoid contact. He also reports on ATI Decorative Laminates President Tara Burgio moving production to serve hospitals and law enforcement.

Bob updates a directive from the CDC for protecting infrastructure workers who may not have been able to avoid contact. He also reports on ATI Decorative Laminates President Tara Burgio moving production to serve hospitals and law enforcement.

New Directives from the CDC and Tara Burgio of ATI Shifts Production

Bob updates the state of the Eastern U.S and talks about opportunities when using power during COVID-19.

Bob updates the state of the Eastern U.S and talks about opportunities when using power during COVID-19.

Using Power in the Time of Corona

Molly Snider of the Coolest Women in the RVA chats about the expansion and hip factor of Scotts Addition.  She talks about what it takes to manage one of the premier properties in midtown.

Molly Snider of the Coolest Women in the RVA chats about the expansion and hip factor of Scotts Addition.  She talks about what it takes to manage one of the premier properties in midtown.

093 Labrador Leadership | Molly Snider of Steelhead Management Talks About the RVA’s Scotts Addition

Company Communications in the Age of the Corona Pandemic

A recap of the comments from the Surgeon General and thoughts about people who cannot work from home.

A recap of the comments from the Surgeon General and thoughts about people who cannot work from home.

Those Who Cannot Work From Home

This episode marks the start of a daily series on the role of leadership in the new normal.

This episode marks the start of a daily series on the role of leadership in the new normal.

Leadership in the new normal of the Corona Virus

Suzanne Rosenhammer

Bob kicks off the Coolest Women in the RVA series with a special visit from Suzanne Rosenhammer. They talk leadership and career in the tech world of the RVA. 

Bob kicks off the Coolest Women in the RVA series with a special visit from Suzanne Rosenhammer. They talk leadership and career in the tech world of the RVA.

092 Labrador Leadership | Suzanne Rosenhammer Talks Leadership, Career, and Growth in the Tech World in the RVA

Matthew Shapiro

Matthew Shapiro of 6Wheels Consulting is a leader in the disability community.  In this episode he and  Bob talk abut his work lobbying from the state legislature to the streets on behalf os the disabled.

Matthew Shapiro of 6Wheels Consulting is a leader in the disability community. In this episode he and Bob talk abut his work lobbying from the state legislature to the streets on behalf os the disabled.

091 Labrador Leadership Podcast–Matthew Shapiro

Bob Nolley hosts | Leadership Styles | Leadership Training | Teamwork

Really like listening to this podcast show for leadership skills and other tips to take your business to the next level~ Keep up the great work Bob! Coach Riana Milne

Awesome Show!

I like leadership as a niche, great show, and great topics!  Definitely worth the listen!

Good job!

The Labrador Leadership Podcast with Bob Nolley | Leadership | Communication | Executive Coaching | Leadership Skills 

Leaders need to not only aware of the message they send with their own body language but how to read the body language nuances of others.  Bob and Alex start with the often discussed crossed arms and the message that they send. Alex says another action she has problems with is the histrionics of waved arms. Bob freely admits that he was often kidded that he was like John Madden from the classic Lite Beer tastes great-less filling ad campaigns. Clock watching is also a huge sign  of disrespect. A modern day equivalent is the use of the phone during the conversation.  To have someone look away and start thumbing through your Instagram feed.  Alex says it’s almost as bad as physically turning your back on someone while talking to them. Bob points out a minor one is playing with your hair.  Nodding is also on the list.  In earlier episodes dealing with having difficult conversations, nodding was suggested as a good strategy for trying to convey empathy.  This subtlety is acceptable, but “hard nodding’ with your chin moving from the sky to your chest is way too distracting. Eye contact is huge.  You don’t want to stare them down with the crazy eyes, but sustained eye contact is an expression of strength and confidence. When you have to cut away, look to the side.  Looking down is a sure sign of submission.  Of course, rolling your eyes is completely unacceptable. Frowning an scowling can become permanently associated with you.  If the corners of your mouth are turned down, try to use a soft smile to be more approachable. The handshake remains a key element of body language.  Firm is important, but not crushing. Meet them with the same amount of pressure. While classically, men should wait for ladies to offer their hand, today offering the hand is more important. Clenched fists are a sure sign of tension.  Recognizing the appropriate personal space is important.  In North America, proximity of about a foot and a half is acceptable.  In other countries, a closer distance is not uncommon. Travis Bradberry’s article on Body Language 

<a href="http://labradorleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/036-Body-Language.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Leaders need to not only aware of the message they send with their own body language but how to read the body language nuances of others.  Bob and Alex start with the often discussed crossed arms and the message that they send. Alex says another action she has problems with is the histrionics of waved arms. Bob freely admits that he was often kidded that he was like John Madden from the classic Lite Beer tastes great-less filling ad campaigns. Clock watching is also a huge sign  of disrespect. A modern day equivalent is the use of the phone during the conversation.  To have someone look away and start thumbing through your Instagram feed.  Alex says it’s almost as bad as physically turning your back on someone while talking to them. Bob points out a minor one is playing with your hair.  Nodding is also on the list.  In earlier episodes dealing with having difficult conversations, nodding was suggested as a good strategy for trying to convey empathy.  This subtlety is acceptable, but “hard nodding’ with your chin moving from the sky to your chest is way too distracting. Eye contact is huge.  You don’t want to stare them down with the crazy eyes, but sustained eye contact is an expression of strength and confidence. When you have to cut away, look to the side.  Looking down is a sure sign of submission.  Of course, rolling your eyes is completely unacceptable. Frowning an scowling can become permanently associated with you.  If the corners of your mouth are turned down, try to use a soft smile to be more approachable. The handshake remains a key element of body language.  Firm is important, but not crushing. Meet them with the same amount of pressure. While classically, men should wait for ladies to offer their hand, today offering the hand is more important. Clenched fists are a sure sign of tension.  Recognizing the appropriate personal space is important.  In North America, proximity of about a foot and a half is acceptable.  In other countries, a closer distance is not uncommon. <a href="http://qz.com/386126/the-body-language-secrets-of-successful-people/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Travis Bradberry’s article on Body Language</a>

036 Why you Need to Understand the Body Language of Leaders

Bob and Alex celebrate the Fourth of July by talking about the courage it takes to get your team out of the mire and inspire them.  Times that are characterized by businesses sacrificing customer service for the sake of reducing costs call for leaders to transform their teams. It has been suggested that this scenario has arisen because it takes a lot of energy to make things better.  At the same time, people want to be liked.  Also, sometimes you business attracts less ambitious people.  As businesses try to increase profits, one handle that is all too easy to grasp and pull is to pay lower salaries.  This of course drives your best team members out the door. Leaders need to avoid having crises of confidence and overcome the difficulty of making good choices as one sits back in their comfort zone. Uncertainty over the market and the economy tends to keep you sitting back in that chair.  At these times it can be useful to recount the passion you had during the startup of your business and create a story that will inspire your key employees and create engagement.  It suffices to say that maintaining this outlook from the start will keep you from having to spend additional resources later to recover that engagement. If you find yourself in this situation, it is critical that you create a plan in simple components that you can sell to your team.  It’s components must be measurable. You must be able to quantify success.  The big payback is that you can then reward your key top performers and show them what they accomplished. You can find James Kerr’s article on Mediocre is the New Black. 

<a href="http://labradorleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/056-Mediocrity.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Bob and Alex celebrate the Fourth of July by talking about the courage it takes to get your team out of the mire and inspire them.  Times that are characterized by businesses sacrificing customer service for the sake of reducing costs call for leaders to transform their teams. It has been suggested that this scenario has arisen because it takes a lot of energy to make things better.  At the same time, people want to be liked.  Also, sometimes you business attracts less ambitious people.  As businesses try to increase profits, one handle that is all too easy to grasp and pull is to pay lower salaries.  This of course drives your best team members out the door. Leaders need to avoid having crises of confidence and overcome the difficulty of making good choices as one sits back in their comfort zone. Uncertainty over the market and the economy tends to keep you sitting back in that chair.  At these times it can be useful to recount the passion you had during the startup of your business and create a story that will inspire your key employees and create engagement.  It suffices to say that maintaining this outlook from the start will keep you from having to spend additional resources later to recover that engagement. If you find yourself in this situation, it is critical that you create a plan in simple components that you can sell to your team.  It’s components must be measurable. You must be able to quantify success.  The big payback is that you can then reward your key top performers and show them what they accomplished. You can find James Kerr’s article on <a href="http://www.inc.com/james-kerr/mediocre-is-the-new-black-and-what-to-do-about-it.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mediocre is the New Black</a>.

056 Lifting Your Team Out of Mediocrity

Bob opens the box on a leader’s perspective on emotional intelligence (EI of EQ). He shares the four components of EI and why it is so important. 

Bob opens the box on a leader’s perspective on emotional intelligence (EI of EQ). He shares the four components of EI and why it is so important.

027 Why Emotional Intelligence is the Difference Maker for Leaders

Bob and Alex are both snowed in and take the time to chat about assessments. Bob suggests that in the past we probably had a switch on the sides of out heads since we so freely create feedback.  Getting better at this can be learned. There are good habits that should be reinforced, the most basic of which is not giving feedback only once a year.  There should no surprises in annual performance reviews. When giving feedback to an emotional person, consider waiting until another time…if the person is normally not this emotional.  If they are normally highly emotional, you often have to walk them very diligently because no other time will be any better than the present. There are also people that stand by the argument that they are blameless.  Bob suggests that a very useful opening line is “Are you open for some feedback?”  Even coming from a position of power, that request for permission can create an openness on their part to hear the message.  Alex says that location is a key, pointing out that a glass walked conference room may be among the worst as others walk by noticing who;s in there.  Bob says this can be used as earlier as coaching children by putting your “finger in the dirt”. As much as some leaders have to learn how to give feedback, a much broader segment including those leaders have to learn how to receive feedback.  The use of assessment circles is an opportunity to practice recognizing how you feel and to observe how others react. There is also an interesting discussion on the perception of whether or not busy people “multitasking” is a good thing.  Being present, open, and connected is a key to having a great listening skills.

<a href="http://labradorleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Feedback.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Bob and Alex are both snowed in and take the time to chat about assessments. Bob suggests that in the past we probably had a switch on the sides of out heads since we so freely create feedback.  Getting better at this can be learned. There are good habits that should be reinforced, the most basic of which is not giving feedback only once a year.  There should no surprises in annual performance reviews. When giving feedback to an emotional person, consider waiting until another time…if the person is normally not this emotional.  If they are normally highly emotional, you often have to walk them very diligently because no other time will be any better than the present. There are also people that stand by the argument that they are blameless.  Bob suggests that a very useful opening line is “Are you open for some feedback?”  Even coming from a position of power, that request for permission can create an openness on their part to hear the message.  Alex says that location is a key, pointing out that a glass walked conference room may be among the worst as others walk by noticing who;s in there.  Bob says this can be used as earlier as coaching children by putting your “finger in the dirt”. As much as some leaders have to learn how to give feedback, a much broader segment including those leaders have to learn how to receive feedback.  The use of assessment circles is an opportunity to practice recognizing how you feel and to observe how others react. There is also an interesting discussion on the perception of whether or not busy people “multitasking” is a good thing.  Being present, open, and connected is a key to having a great listening skills.

010  Crush the Critical Skill of Giving (and Receiving) Feedback!

Bob takes a timeout to talk about how we as leaders can frame our thoughts as they relate to the church shootings in Charleston, SC last week.  The discussion steps over the often cited causes of racism and gun control and dips into the issues of ignorance and self-centeredness. David Niose’s article Anti-intellectualism is Killing America. Ravi Chandra’s article on No, Self-centeredness is Killing America. 

<a href="http://labradorleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/E047-Church.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Bob takes a timeout to talk about how we as leaders can frame our thoughts as they relate to the church shootings in Charleston, SC last week.  The discussion steps over the often cited causes of racism and gun control and dips into the issues of ignorance and self-centeredness. David Niose’s article <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/our-humanity-naturally/201506/anti-intellectualism-is-killing-america" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Anti-intellectualism is Killing America</a>. Ravi Chandra’s article on <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-pacific-heart/201506/no-self-centeredness-is-killing-america" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">No, Self-centeredness is Killing America</a>.

047 Questions We As Leaders Need to Ask Ourselves In Light of The News

Hosts Bob Nolley and Alex Mossa rollout the introductory episode of the Labrador Leadership Podcast.  They discuss the goal of the show is to delivery informative discussions and interviews on simple leadership topics that will help people be the best leader they can be for their businesses, their teams, and for themselves. In today’s episode, they discuss the critical skill of managing expectations.  This includes how to commit to doing something, the importance of committing to when it will be done, and how you will let your customer know that it is done. 

Hosts Bob Nolley and Alex Mossa rollout the introductory episode of the Labrador Leadership Podcast.  They discuss the goal of the show is to delivery informative discussions and interviews on simple leadership topics that will help people be the best leader they can be for their businesses, their teams, and for themselves. In today’s episode, they discuss the critical skill of managing expectations.  This includes how to commit to doing something, the importance of committing to when it will be done, and how you will let your customer know that it is done.

000 Labrador Leadership Introduction

Maren Hogan

Maren Hogan, CEO of Red Branch Media and publisher of Marenated, the blog at Red Branch, comes to Labrador Leadership to talk with Bob about leadership and her own leadership journey. Her own experiences as a chief marketing officer highlight her emerging leadership skills that have brought her to the top of Red Branch. Maren continues the conversation started by her article of the introverts in the workplace.  Red Brach Media considers the I’s as the unsung heroes of the workplace and she wants to do anything to keep them comfortable and happy in the work place.  She says they are great writers and speakers and leaders.  The I comes from where you get recharged.  You may not be this way when you are on stage. Bob suggests that the Baby Boomers have a tough time as I’s because they are also digital immigrants.  even the Gen-Xer’s after them can  have troubled. Open offices can cause problems for introverts so she has headphones for a while.  They use Yammer as a chat platform, and many places that people can goo heads down. Her background includes being a marketing officer for many companies while sitting on an exercise ball in her attic.  Even as the CMO, she felt that her voice was not as heard.  Starting Red Branch  has seen much greater efficiencies by  getting a space.  She remembers visiting her Dad in a cube farm in Silicon Valley and was the model for her first space.  It became too corporate and too straight laced, but it was a learning experience because now she knows what she doesn’t want. She empathizes with people who were tasked with leading her in her younger professional days, characterizing herself as someone who had to be hit with a two-by-four to learn anything. One of her first jobs out of college was in a newsroom.  The deadlines there helped her learn what worked for her.  She knows that others are long term thinkers that work better on longer term projects without those deadlines. Her advice to a new MBA today would be to be humble.  She remembers at a paper when another person was brought in over her to be editor, and this is where she learned that life is a great teacher of experience and that is to be expected. Respect is tough to get today if you don’t give it. Reality Based Leadership by Cy Wakeman Red Branch Media is headquartered in Omaha NE but has presence around the world. @MarenHogen Marenated Articles by Maren mentioned here include these about introverts and leadership titles.

<a href="http://labradorleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/019-NewMaren.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Maren Hogan, CEO of Red Branch Media and publisher of Marenated, the blog at Red Branch, comes to Labrador Leadership to talk with Bob about leadership and her own leadership journey. Her own experiences as a chief marketing officer highlight her emerging leadership skills that have brought her to the top of Red Branch. Maren continues the conversation started by her article of the introverts in the workplace.  Red Brach Media considers the I’s as the unsung heroes of the workplace and she wants to do anything to keep them comfortable and happy in the work place.  She says they are great writers and speakers and leaders.  The I comes from where you get recharged.  You may not be this way when you are on stage. Bob suggests that the Baby Boomers have a tough time as I’s because they are also digital immigrants.  even the Gen-Xer’s after them can  have troubled. Open offices can cause problems for introverts so she has headphones for a while.  They use Yammer as a chat platform, and many places that people can goo heads down. Her background includes being a marketing officer for many companies while sitting on an exercise ball in her attic.  Even as the CMO, she felt that her voice was not as heard.  Starting Red Branch  has seen much greater efficiencies by  getting a space.  She remembers visiting her Dad in a cube farm in Silicon Valley and was the model for her first space.  It became too corporate and too straight laced, but it was a learning experience because now she knows what she doesn’t want. She empathizes with people who were tasked with leading her in her younger professional days, characterizing herself as someone who had to be hit with a two-by-four to learn anything. One of her first jobs out of college was in a newsroom.  The deadlines there helped her learn what worked for her.  She knows that others are long term thinkers that work better on longer term projects without those deadlines. Her advice to a new MBA today would be to be humble.  She remembers at a paper when another person was brought in over her to be editor, and this is where she learned that life is a great teacher of experience and that is to be expected. <blockquote>Respect is tough to get today if you don’t give it.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470613505/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0470613505&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bobnolleycom-20&amp;linkId=2BHOHNHV7MMRKOR4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Reality Based Leadership by Cy Wakeman</a> <a href="http://redbranchmedia.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Red Branch Media</a> is headquartered in Omaha NE but has presence around the world. <a href="https://twitter.com/marenhogan" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@MarenHogen</a> <a href="http://blog.redbranchmedia.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Marenated</a> Articles by Maren mentioned here include these about <a href="https://www.recruiter.com/i/how-to-empower-introverts-in-the-workplace/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">introverts</a> and <a href="http://blog.redbranchmedia.com/2014/07/02/this-is-so-much-more-than-a-title/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">leadership titles</a>.

019 Maren Hogan Shares Her Leadership Journey from the Newsroom to Red Branch Media

Michael O’Neal

Bob welcomes Michael O’Neal of The Solopreneur Hour to talk about his journey to the levels of success in the online world that we find is much broader than podcasting!  Michael talks about the best boss he worked for before becoming “proudly unemployable” and about why entrepreneurs, particular those in affiliate marketing, need to consider their leadership skills very carefully. 

Bob welcomes Michael O’Neal of The Solopreneur Hour to talk about his journey to the levels of success in the online world that we find is much broader than podcasting!  Michael talks about the best boss he worked for before becoming “proudly unemployable” and about why entrepreneurs, particular those in affiliate marketing, need to consider their leadership skills very carefully.

001 Michael O’Neal of the Solopreneur Hour Talks About Leadership for Entrepreneurs

Bob and Alex talk about the nature of setting goals at the first of the year when we are also setting New Years resolutions.  At the root of the discussion is SMART Goals.  Smart goals are those which are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time Bound.  During this chat, they share what they each consider is a special goal to them. 

Bob and Alex talk about the nature of setting goals at the first of the year when we are also setting New Years resolutions.  At the root of the discussion is SMART Goals.  Smart goals are those which are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time Bound.  During this chat, they share what they each consider is a special goal to them.

002 Setting Goals and Finding Out What Makes Them Stick

Bob talks about the place and importance of critical thinking in the leadership toolbox.

Bob talks about the place and importance of critical thinking in the leadership toolbox.

Critical Thinking | Labrador Leadership Podcast 090

Bob talks about strategies we can take to improve eliminating biases in building and leading our teams.

Bob talks about strategies we can take to improve eliminating biases in building and leading our teams.

Inclusion and How to Avoid Bias in the Workplace | Labrador Leadership Podcast 089

Bob welcomes Megan Morris to the show! They discuss the concept of humble leadership and how it can trigger behaviors that will improve results for your team.

Bob welcomes Megan Morris to the show! They discuss the concept of humble leadership and how it can trigger behaviors that will improve results for your team.

Humble Leadership is at the Core of Transformations | Labrador Leadership Podcast 088

Bob talks about how leaders of a startup may have a different perspective on what leadership actions are most important.

Bob talks about how leaders of a startup may have a different perspective on what leadership actions are most important.

Does Leadership Look Different therough the Lens of a Startup?  | Labrador Leadership Podcast 087

Bob and Alex talk about a list of the top five companies that are know for leadership development.  GE, no surprise, is at the top of that list.  But there are also important points to consider if you are not in one of these larger corporations, not the least of which is whether or not there are leadership development activities going on there.  Bob contends that one of the most important activities is that of assessment, a data driven review of wheat one’s strengths and weaknesses are.  Self awareness is at the top of the list, and that characteristic is at the core of emotional intelligence.

Bob and Alex talk about a list of the top five companies that are know for leadership development.  GE, no surprise, is at the top of that list.  But there are also important points to consider if you are not in one of these larger corporations, not the least of which is whether or not there are leadership development activities going on there.  Bob contends that one of the most important activities is that of assessment, a data driven review of wheat one’s strengths and weaknesses are.  Self awareness is at the top of the list, and that characteristic is at the core of emotional intelligence.

Five Great Places for Leadership | Labrador Leadership Podcast 086

The impact that stress can have on leaders, entrepreneurs, and their teams can be so great that it can let all the air out of the balloon.  A recent survey showed that 40% of all workers say that their job is very stressful, 26% say they are very burned out.  A quarter of people see their job as the number one stressor in their lives.  Has life gotten more stressful?  What can this mean for you in all the critical roles of your life? Alex admits to having the most stressful job so far in her career, but she has found ways to manage it. Stress is the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of job do not match the capabilities or the resources or the needs of the worker. It can lead to poor health and injury.  People blame a lack of balance between work life and personal life.  Boundaries are important to achieving this, as we can’t possibly keep monitoring all of our relationships while we are in one place or the other. You need a support network at home and work. Friends and coworkers.  People who tend to be social could have a bigger support network.  Is this an advantage for extroverts?  Alex suggests that introverts could have deeper relationships.  In either event, they have to be people that are willing to help you. And you need a relaxed and positive outlook.  Bob mentions this is also physically evident  by whether the corners of your mouth turn up or down.  Type A personalities tend to be more stressed. Bob’s list of Type A statements suggest that many of us can be susceptible to this.  Maintaining the positive outlook can be tough for a Type A, as opposed to a Type B personality, or a Hearty Personality. On the job, the stressors include, log hours, the workload, your bosses management style, your boss not communicating well with you, and a total lack of support.  Environmental conditions can also take a tool, including the ergonomics of the work place.

<a href="http://labradorleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/020-Stress.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The impact that stress can have on leaders, entrepreneurs, and their teams can be so great that it can let all the air out of the balloon.  A recent survey showed that 40% of all workers say that their job is very stressful, 26% say they are very burned out.  A quarter of people see their job as the number one stressor in their lives.  Has life gotten more stressful?  What can this mean for you in all the critical roles of your life? Alex admits to having the most stressful job so far in her career, but she has found ways to manage it. <blockquote>Stress is the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of job do not match the capabilities or the resources or the needs of the worker.</blockquote> It can lead to poor health and injury.  People blame a lack of balance between work life and personal life.  Boundaries are important to achieving this, as we can’t possibly keep monitoring all of our relationships while we are in one place or the other. You need a support network at home and work. Friends and coworkers.  People who tend to be social could have a bigger support network.  Is this an advantage for extroverts?  Alex suggests that introverts could have deeper relationships.  In either event, they have to be people that are willing to help you. And you need a relaxed and positive outlook.  Bob mentions this is also physically evident  by whether the corners of your mouth turn up or down.  Type A personalities tend to be more stressed. Bob’s list of Type A statements suggest that many of us can be susceptible to this.  Maintaining the positive outlook can be tough for a Type A, as opposed to a Type B personality, or a Hearty Personality. On the job, the stressors include, log hours, the workload, your bosses management style, your boss not communicating well with you, and a total lack of support.  Environmental conditions can also take a tool, including the ergonomics of the work place.

020 Watch Out For the Trouble Stress Brings to Leaders

John Lee Dumas

Bob is proud to welcome Entrepreneur On Fire’s John Lee Dumas!  John takes time out from his hugely successful Fire Nation to share his thoughts on leadership in the service, in the corporate world, and as an entrepreneur.  Are you Labsters ready to ignite? Bob and John compare notes on their travels to Italy.  Both are enamored with the country and the people.  John also shares stories about his deep routes in New England and his home state of Maine.  He talks of his great childhood in a small town there. John answers the leadership question of whether leaders are born or made by saying  that you can learn to be both a leader.  He expands this though by saying that you can learn to be an entrepreneur as well.  He talks about not being focussed squarely on business early in life, taking things as they came forward up until about the age of thirty. Our life experiences and what we learn bring us to both of those things. In his four year stint in the Army, he was immediately commissioned as a second lieutenant out of ROTC at Providence College.  His class was the first to be commissioned right after 9/11.  He now focussed on his commitment to perfecting his craft for the sake of serving and protecting his first platoon of 16 men anf four tanks. Transitioning out of the Army at age 26 was not without difficulty. The structure is missing. There was no passion yet.  He followed in his father’s footsteps into law school., but after a semester he knew it was not his passion.  Leaving law school was such a difficult decision, but one made with great courage. In the corporate world, John entered finance and was very excited about the prospects of a new career.  This excitement lasted the better part of a year with great successes.  This time however was followed by the financial crash.  Many others were laid off, but John remained.  He then though realized that this was not the place for him.  He handed him his notice the same day. The leader he remembers was an all-star, a hard worker, a family man, that was super successful who made a huge amount of money, John would advise a new MBA today to find a place to be an apprentice.  Look for someone that you want to become.  Ask them to be an apprentice, to be a mentor.  Find a situation that would allow you to learn from then.  Today, apprenticeship seems to be a lost art.  Bob emphasizes that this is one of the career critical conversations that people need to be prepared to have. Entrepreneur On Fire John on Twitter John on Facebook Creative Live 

<a href="http://labradorleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/029-John.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Bob is proud to welcome Entrepreneur On Fire’s John Lee Dumas!  John takes time out from his hugely successful Fire Nation to share his thoughts on leadership in the service, in the corporate world, and as an entrepreneur.  Are you Labsters ready to ignite? Bob and John compare notes on their travels to Italy.  Both are enamored with the country and the people.  John also shares stories about his deep routes in New England and his home state of Maine.  He talks of his great childhood in a small town there. John answers the leadership question of whether leaders are born or made by saying  that you can learn to be both a leader.  He expands this though by saying that you can learn to be an entrepreneur as well.  He talks about not being focussed squarely on business early in life, taking things as they came forward up until about the age of thirty. Our life experiences and what we learn bring us to both of those things. In his four year stint in the Army, he was immediately commissioned as a second lieutenant out of ROTC at Providence College.  His class was the first to be commissioned right after 9/11.  He now focussed on his commitment to perfecting his craft for the sake of serving and protecting his first platoon of 16 men anf four tanks. Transitioning out of the Army at age 26 was not without difficulty. The structure is missing. There was no passion yet.  He followed in his father’s footsteps into law school., but after a semester he knew it was not his passion.  Leaving law school was such a difficult decision, but one made with great courage. In the corporate world, John entered finance and was very excited about the prospects of a new career.  This excitement lasted the better part of a year with great successes.  This time however was followed by the financial crash.  Many others were laid off, but John remained.  He then though realized that this was not the place for him.  He handed him his notice the same day. The leader he remembers was an all-star, a hard worker, a family man, that was super successful who made a huge amount of money, John would advise a new MBA today to find a place to be an apprentice.  Look for someone that you want to become.  Ask them to be an apprentice, to be a mentor.  Find a situation that would allow you to learn from then.  Today, apprenticeship seems to be a lost art.  Bob emphasizes that this is one of the career critical conversations that people need to be prepared to have. <a href="http://www.entrepreneuronfire.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Entrepreneur On Fire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/johnleedumas/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John on Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/john.dumas.94009" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John on Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.creativelive.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=creative+live+free+live+online+-+US+Intl+ENG&amp;gclid=Cj0KEQjwgoKqBRDt_IfLr8y1iMUBEiQA8Ua7Xa2EzveAftZISVYPW9phmlkowJTFZFRHZqPacpUCo30aAvlS8P8HAQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Live</a>

029 Entrepreneur On Fire's John Lee Dumas Talks About Becoming A Leader

Bob and Alex talk about engaging your employees.  Alex contends that a man’s voice can be very soothing, but a woman’s voice can be very nurturing.  Bob says that the best bosses he has had through his career may have been women. Survey results from Gallup say that women managers are more engaged at work.  Female employees prefer female bosses.  Because mirroring is an important leadership behavior, it can be inferred that female bosses have more engaged employees.  They are more likely to help them set goals and give them meaningful feedback that is engaging and coaching. Women are more likely to give reinforcement that is positive.  They are also perceived to be more honest and ethical. All of this leads to a more open dialog that makes you more approachable to your team. Heather Huhman’s article on engagement. 

Bob and Alex talk about engaging your employees.  Alex contends that a man’s voice can be very soothing, but a woman’s voice can be very nurturing.  Bob says that the best bosses he has had through his career may have been women. Survey results from Gallup say that women managers are more engaged at work.  Female employees prefer female bosses.  Because mirroring is an important leadership behavior, it can be inferred that female bosses have more engaged employees.  They are more likely to help them set goals and give them meaningful feedback that is engaging and coaching. Women are more likely to give reinforcement that is positive.  They are also perceived to be more honest and ethical. All of this leads to a more open dialog that makes you more approachable to your team. <a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/247460?ctp=BizDev&amp;src=Syndication&amp;msc=Feedly" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Huhman’s article on engagement.</a>

048 What Men Can Learn From Women Who Are More Engaging Leaders

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