Debbie Laskey's Blog: Tips to Celebrate #NationalLeadershipDay!

Today, February 20, is National Leadership Day. According to National Day website, "The aim of National Leadership Day is to instill the values of leadership in each one of us. A good leader not only leads but inspires those around him/her/they to be the best versions of themselves. Anyone can be a leader — you just have to show up and encourage others to do the same...We know that an organization is only as good as its leaders, which means that having empathetic and just leaders at the top, who lead by example, creates an environment in which everyone is inspired to be their best."

Moreover, it's a day to acknowledge those who inspire, guide, and motivate others toward achieving collective goals. By celebrating this important day, we honor those who have made significant contributions and inspire others to step up and lead with purpose and dedication.

Therefore, since last summer, I shared a review of the book entitled Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture, today is a great day to again welcome leadership expert and author Eric Stone to my blog as we discuss and promote leadership. Highlights of our conversation follow a brief introduction.

Eric D. Stone is a dynamic leader whose passion for business fueled a remarkable 26-year career at Enterprise Holdings, where he rose to become one of the most celebrated Regional Vice Presidents in the company’s history. Leveraging his expertise in cultivating high-performance cultures, Eric authored the award-winning book Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture, which has inspired leaders around the world. As an international speaker, Eric captivates audiences with practical strategies and real-world insights, empowering organizations to drive engagement and achieve exceptional results. Through his company, Clear Path Ventures, he provides hands-on consulting to help leaders and teams develop tailored engagement strategies that foster transformation and measurable growth.

QUESTION: How do you think leaders should address last November's Presidential election results, since workplace culture and collaboration/teamwork could be and were impacted?

(Read the related post here:

https://katherinespinney.com/silence-is-not-the-answer/)

ERIC STONE: Presidential elections often bring heightened emotions, differing opinions, and anxieties that can impact workplace culture and collaboration. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, leaders should anchor their response in the organization's core values, ensuring clarity and stability during uncertain times.

Regular touchpoints, such as one-on-ones, team meetings, pulse surveys, and town halls, create opportunities to engage with employees, address concerns, and foster dialogue, helping to mitigate polarization and promote mutual respect. Additionally, investing in training for managers on how to handle sensitive topics with empathy and professionalism is crucial. Equipped with the right tools, managers can navigate difficult conversations in a way that fosters respect, trust, and collaboration, preventing conflict and maintaining a positive, high-performing workplace culture.

QUESTION: In an article by Barbara McQuade in TIME Magazine, she wrote, "The real danger when a leader traffics in half-truths and conflicting claims is that people don't know what to believe." Instead of looking at leaders' actions, let's flip the script. How can employees keep their leaders honest?

(Read the referenced article here:

https://time.com/7173492/second-trump-term-misinformation-essay/)

ERIC STONE: To keep leaders honest, employees must be proactive and intentional in their approach. First, employees should be observant and identify inconsistencies in messages or plans, raising questions that prompt leaders to clarify their positions. This can be done respectfully and with a focus on company values, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity. Employees should use data, facts, and examples to support their points, creating a foundation for productive discussions. It’s also essential for employees to collaborate with peers, uniting in a shared commitment to transparency and ethical behavior. Lastly, employees should leverage formal channels, such as feedback mechanisms or employee forums, to escalate concerns when necessary, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining the organization's values and ensuring that trust remains intact.

QUESTION: Erika Andersen wrote in a Forbes article, “This is the first time in history that four distinct generations are together in the workplace: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z." What are some insights or advice to help everyone work together successfully?

(Read the referenced article here:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikaandersen/2015/05/06/what-planet-are-you-from-5-ways-to-get-along-with-people-who-arent-like-you/)

ERIC STONE: With up to five generations now in the workplace and ongoing debates about flexibility — whether in-person, remote, or hybrid — the topic of building successful teams has never been more relevant. To bridge generational divides and create a cohesive team, it's essential to focus on five key factors of employee engagement:

(1) A strong relationship with your manager. Understanding individual motivations and tailoring your approach ensures trust and mutual respect thrive in a diverse environment.

(2) Clear communication of expectations and goals. There should be no confusion among your people about their role or what's expected of them, regardless of their background.

(3) The right materials, equipment, and information to achieve desired outcomes. Teams should have the resources, data, technology, and training to get the job done at a high level.

(4) A manager who encourages personal and professional growth. Your goal is to coach and mentor individual contributors to reach their potential inside and outside the organization.

(5) A system in which top performance is recognized. You consistently call out and reward excellence, incentivizing people to give their very best.

(Note: For more details about the five factors, check out my videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericdstone1)

QUESTION: Some people believe that leadership is only possible with a title, however, there are many ways to be a leader. Please share some.

ERIC STONE: Embrace the mentality of "act as if," where leadership comes from the impact you make - not the title you hold. One way to demonstrate this is through becoming a Culture Carrier — excelling at your job, taking initiative, and consistently raising the bar. When you embody the values and standards of your organization, you inspire others to do the same. You can also focus on Jumpstarting Others by taking time to help colleagues achieve their goals and advance their careers. Whether through mentoring, collaboration, or offering guidance, you build trust and nurture a team-oriented, growth-focused environment. Finally, Sharpen Your Brand by proactively developing the specific skills you want to strengthen. Seek out people with expertise you admire and align yourself with aspirational brands to stay ahead in your field and motivate others to pursue their own growth.

Debbie Laskey's Blog

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Tips to Celebrate #NationalLeadershipDay!

SHARE THIS: When you embody the values and standards of your organization, you inspire others to do the same. ~@EricDStone1 #NationalLeadershipDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: Leadership is about putting others first, guiding them through challenges, and removing the obstacles in their path so they can reach their full potential. ~@EricDStone1 #NationalLeadershipDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

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