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Are You Mindless About Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is an essential skill for any effective leader. Practicing mindfulness helps you become aware of what really matters, and that leads to mastery – self-mastery, mastery in relationship management – the ability to make sound decisions, take the right actions, and be effective in any situation. In this episode, Ralph and Cindy break down…
Driving Performance
There are several things effective leaders do regularly to drive performance in their teams and organizations. Are these tactics in your leadership toolkit? Cindy and Ralph break down the key components to driving performance that every leader should be integrating into their own practice.
A Conversation with Founder and CEO of RADAR
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Ryan Doyle, founder and CEO of Radar, an architectural firm in Syracuse, New York. Ryan talks about his goals for Radar, growing his firm by “mobilizing intelligence,” and the importance of flexibility in his leadership. During the conversation, Ryan discusses the challenges he’s…
Leadership Agility
Many leaders have faced unprecedented challenges over the past 24 months and will continue to do so. Managing uncertainty, increasing complexity and rapid change requires flexibility with purpose, or “Leadership Agility” – the ability to adapt your leadership style as the situation warrants. But how do you become a more agile leader? Ralph and Cindy…
A Conversation with Owner of Valley Signs
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Steve Lowe, owner of Valley Signs in Clayville, NY and co-founder of CNY Birdies Fore Babies, a non-profit organization that organizes an annual golf tournament to promote increased awareness about infertility and raises funds for couples who are trying to have a child….
Communicating Effectively and Clearly
The difference between a good idea and a great leader is the way in which they communicate. But communicating clearly and effectively is not always as obvious and easy as it seems. Ralph and Cindy offer some tips on how to improve your communication skills, thus enhancing your leadership effectiveness.
A Conversation with the Regional President at Advance Local
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Tim Kennedy, Regional President of Advance Local. Tim traces his leadership path from his early career as an accountant at Price Waterhouse to his current media position. Tim covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of shared values within an…
Whelmed
We’ve all heard the term overwhelmed, and many leaders often experience the stress of being overwhelmed. In this episode, Ralph and Bill discuss the concept of being “whelmed” – that is, achieving the sweet spot between your leadership responsibilities and the critical need for rest and renewal. They offer strategies to avoid feeling overwhelmed, thereby…
Predicting 2022
Ralph and Cindy offer predictions for the coming year. What challenges will leaders face in the next few months, and how can they successfully adapt and overcome the toughest challenges? Listen, and learn how to future-proof your leadership.
A Conversation with Fanny Villarreal
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Fanny Villarreal, Executive Director of the Syracuse, New York YWCA. Fanny shares her passion, belief, and energy for the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women and girls in Central New York.
A Conversation with Winnie Deloayza
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Winnie Deloayza of East Meets West Consulting, who has spent an incredible 35 years coaching others to improve their leadership. Winnie shares the valuable lessons she’s learned and the wisdom she’s gained through her own leadership journey. This episode is a must…
How Empathy is Ruining Performance
This episode’s title will be surprising if you know Ralph and Cindy, but they make a strong case that often empathy is overused, misunderstood, and misapplied. And that can adversely affect leadership, team, and organizational performance.
A Conversation with Chief Philanthropic Officer at the American Association for Cancer Research
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the American Association for Cancer Research. Stoller discusses the virtues of servant leadership and the challenges of fundraising, and offers advice about how to inspire and engage team members.
Psychological Safety – How Can You Really Speak Up?
Cindy and Ralph discuss the concept of psychological safety – feeling confident in your ability to speak your mind without fear of retribution – and offer tips to help improve the sense of psychological safety for yourself and your team.
A Conversation with a Hamilton College Graduate
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Sadye Bobbette, a recent Hamilton College graduate and avid outdoors person who discusses her leadership journey, particularly what wilderness adventure experiences have taught her about leadership with others, leadership of others, and importantly, leadership of self.
A Conversation with President and Founder of Leashes of Valor
In the conclusion of a two-part episode featuring the leadership of Leashes of Valor, a not-for-profit organization serving wounded veterans, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Danique Masingill. Danique is a retired veteran, Syracuse University graduate, and Leashes for Valor’s President and co-founder. Daniquediscusses how her past experiences with poor leadership influenced the development of her…
Does Having Ambition Compromise Effective Leadership?
Ralph and Cindy discuss the key characteristics of “selfless leadership” and make six recommendations for how to deal with the paradox of balancing selfless leadership with your own ambition.
Driving Leadership – A Conversation with Co-founder and Director at Leashes of Valor
In part one of a two-part episode featuring the leadership of Leashes of Valor, a not-for-profit organization serving wounded veterans, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Matt Masingill, the organization’s co-founder and Director of Canine Operations. As a retired veteran himself, Matt discusses canine and human leadership dynamics.
Leadership Lightning Round
We get a revealing look at Ralph’s thoughts on his own leadership, as he responds to Cindy’s seven leadership coaching questions in a lightning round format.
Driving Leadership – A Conversation with Indium Corporation President and COO
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Ross Berntson, President and COO of Indium Corporation. Ross discusses the value of the “leader- leader” concept, the importance of servant leadership, and reducing friction to help people reach their full potential.
Fortune Cookie Leadership Part 2
Because so many listeners enjoyed last month’s episode, Ralph and Cindy again randomly select fortune cookie messages and discuss how short phrases can contain wisdom that can make a big impact when applied to your leadership.
Driving Leadership – A Conversation with Head Women’s Golf Coach at Clemson University
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Kelley Hester, head women’s golf coach at Clemson University. Kelley discusses her own transformational servant leadership style and the challenges and rewards of working through adversity.
Fortune Cookie Leadership
Sound leadership advice can be found in the most unexpected places. Ralph and Cindy randomly select fortune cookie messages and discuss how short phrases can contain wisdom that can make a big impact when applied to your leadership.
Driving Leadership – A Conversation with a High-level Executive Security Professional
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Juan “Gonzo” Gonzalez, CEO of Eagle Eye International Protective Services and Kinetic Red. Gonzo discusses the value of failure, the challenges he faces as a leader today, and breaks down his three leadership priorities.
Upping Your Leadership Game
This spring is a great time to rejuvenate your leadership. Ralph and Cindy share six critical skills to raise the bar on your leadership.
Driving Leadership – A Conversation with Director of Employee Experience at Equitable
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Aubrey Hait, Director of Employee Experience at Equitable. Aubrey describes herself as a mobilizer of people, with a passion for body combat instruction. She discusses how her diverse interests coalesce to enhance her leadership, and how her drive to succeed as an…
Driving Leadership – A Conversation Founding Partner at MPW Marketing
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Matt Wilson, Founding Partner at MPW Marketing. Matt discusses the challenges of being a “player-manager,” and striving toward a culture that provides opportunities for professional excellence, a great working environment, and excellent compensation.
Back to Basics
Ralph and Cindy discuss the importance of staying grounded in five leadership fundamentals that will strengthen your leadership impact.
Driving Leadership – A Conversation with Robert Hack
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Robert Hack, President, and CEO of HealtheConnections. Robert discusses his path in leadership from large corporate organizations through his transition to the leader of a unique relationship-based service organization. Roberts says that his leadership success, in organizations of all sizes, is due…
What is the Ideal Team Player?
Ralph and Cindy share their experience of working with hundreds of corporate teams and offer their assessment of the mindset and behavior characteristics common to the best team players.
Driving Leadership – A Conversation with Dr. Juhanna Rogers
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Dr. Johanna Rogers, Vice President for Racial Equity and Social Impact at Center State CEO. Dr. Rogers talks about how her current leadership opportunities were built upon the sacrifices of those who came before her. She also discussed her leadership in her…
Take a Leadership Transformation Challenge
Cindy shares with Ralph the transformation she experienced in 2020, the strategies that helped her succeed, and invites you to use the same tactics to transform your leadership.
Driving Leadership – A Conversation with Jeff Knauss
In this episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Jeff Knauss, CEO and co-founder of Digital Hyve in Syracuse and Rochester, NY. Jeff shares that to lead well, you have to love people, communicate to the point that you feel like it may be too much, and serve others to no…
The Five Critical Challenges that Will Make or Break Your Leadership
Ralph and Cindy define the challenges and give recommendations on how you can address each.
Driving Leadership – A Conversation with Meg Tidd
In the newest episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Meg Tidd, COO at VIP Structures in Syracuse, New York. Meg has combined her upbringing in the arts and the not-for-profit world with her passion for corporate strategy, and takes us on her journey of being an empathetic leader and being…
Don’t Say That!
Are you creating what you want through the language you use? Ralph and Cindy share their favorite pet peeves of what not to say.
Driving Leadership – A Conversation with Binaifer Dabu
In the latest installment of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Binaifer Dabu, Senior HR Manager of Learning and Organizational Development at Community Bank in Syracuse, New York. An educator and storyteller, Dabu traces her leadership journey and discusses, among other things, the value of story, the importance of continued learning, and…
Scaling Leadership
Ralph and Cindy define the term “scaling leadership” and share the five actions you can take to build organizational capability.
Driving Leadership – A Conversation with James Rolling
In the first episode of our “Driving Leadership” series, Emergent’s Bill Berthel speaks with Professor James Rolling, who discusses the impact of creativity on leadership and the influence of “swarm intelligence” in developing effective leaders.
Our Assumptions: At Best, Incomplete. At Worst, Wrong
Ralph and Cindy discuss our natural tendencies to tell ourselves stories based on the assumptions we make, and how those stories can get in the way of effective leadership, clear communication, and inspiring team performance.
What is Your Leadership Brand?
How are other people experiencing you in your leadership? That’s your leadership brand. Is your behavior aligned with your vision of yourself as a leader? It’s essential for effective leaders to be aware of their brand and refine it as needed.
Reframing VUCA
Embracing a new definition of the military acronym can give you the ability to lead effectively through times of change.
The New Driven Leader
Self-leadership and self-reflection are critical during this time. Today’s “driven” leader has an opportunity to expand thinking by noticing their default behaviors in three specific areas.
Live Slow Enough
During a March 2020 Emergent webinar, Ralph Simone reflects on the importance of slowing down during times of uncertainty.
Realistic Optimism
Challenging times call for our best leadership, the kind of leadership that recognizes and embraces negativity while holding faith that good will prevail.
Resilience, Self-Compassion, Creative Connecting
Learn how to prepare for bouncing back from these uncertain times by strengthening your resilience, self-compassion, and creative connection skills.
Purpose, Calm and Self-Care
Discover the three essential things leaders can do to thrive during challenging times and emerge stronger on the other side.
Stretch Crazy Leadership
Today, the entire Emergent team explains how our unique approach to strategic planning can lead to transformational breakthroughs in individual, team and organizational leadership.
Leading Organizational Change: The Four Things to Focus on Now
Leading organizational change requires agility, and being agile means focusing on four key areas. In this episode, Ralph and Cindy discuss those four areas, what they mean, and why they’re important.
Lead Forward: A Participant’s Perspective
A past LeadFORWARD participant shares his experiences and how the program impacted his team, his organization, and his individual leadership effectiveness.
How Teams Roll – Creating Operational Ground Rules
Often what’s most overlooked in building teams is taking the time to create operational ground rules that define how a team engages. Creating these important ground rules ensures that we mitigate “stupid conflict,” and improve accountability to get things done smarter, faster, and better together.
Turning Groups into Teams
Learn how to turn a “group of individuals working together” into a high performing team that is focused on an aligned strategy.
Magnificent Meetings, Part 2 – Starting Strong
Do you want to improve the quality of your meetings? Start strong. Ralph and Cindy discuss how checking in with team members in four key areas at the beginning of a meeting will improve engagement, participation and the quality of the discussion.
Creating The Roadmap to Higher Team Performance
A strong team must have a model for what success looks like in terms of performance, relationships, and culture. The team vision paints the picture for what that can look like. We’ll explain.
Listener Questions
Ralph and Cindy answer questions from the audience. Topics include strategies for keeping team members engaged during meetings, dealing with individuals who routinely resist opposing viewpoints, what to do when one team member consistently dominates meetings, and how to handle high performers who habitually miss deadlines.
How Safe is Your Environment
Often leaders unconsciously create conditions under which their team members are afraid to speak up. This can kill creativity, innovation, problem solving and team performance. We’ll offer ideas about how to create a more psychologically safe environment in which everyone on the team can thrive.
Magnificent Meetings
According to the Harvard Business Review, 71% of people feel that most meetings they participate in are a waste of time. We’ll outline the four essential types of meetings and give you five tips to make those meetings more productive.
The Five Essential Elements of a Great Team
Once you’ve determined a team is necessary, there are five essential elements that are vital to that team’s success. Cindy Masingill and Ralph Simone describe the five elements and why they’re critical to building a high-performing team.
Teams-Where to Begin
We hear a lot about teams in business today. But do you really need a team? And if you do, who are the right players? Ralph Simone and Cindy Masingill offer valuable insights to guide you in making these critical decisions.
Commitment
Is your team failing to deliver results? Could it be that they’re not as committed as you think they are or as you need them to be? Learn how to get true buy-in from your team.
Building Trust
So you’ve decided that your team is not operating to its highest potential. Where do you start? It starts with trust.
Stop the Meeting Madness
We’ll address the elephant in the room – we are overworked because we spend so much time stuck in ineffective or unneeded meetings. Learn how to stop the meeting madness.
Building High Performing Teams Introduction
How do you turn what’s essentially just a group of people working together into an actual high performing team?
The Gap is the Way
The success of realizing a vision, achieving a goal or solving a problem begins with identifying the gap.
Fact or Fiction
Humans are “meaning-making machines.” What does it mean when someone doesn’t return your phone call? If you think it means anything other than they just haven’t returned you phone call, you need to listen to this episode.
Start Complaining
Complaints aren’t just negative. They are powerful tools to use in building a culture of accountability. Listen and learn more.
Renegotiating Promises
Learn how to effectively adapt your commitments based on changing circumstances.
Rebuilding Trust
Some say that fulfilling promises is the key to building trust with others. Just as important is how we rebuild trust when a promise is broken.
Can I Assess My Emotional Intelligence?
What leadership blind spots do you have? What leadership insights would you gain by understanding your teammates’ feelings, what they are passionate about and the barriers to their performance? Your effectiveness as a leader is determined by developing and growing your Emotional Intelligence. In this week’s episode, learn to assess your own E.I. skills and…
Strength of Teamwork in Driving Performance
Teamwork is a leadership and emotional intelligence skill that’s essential to creating highly performing organizations. While individual achievement is important, businesses can make a greater impact and realize greater profitability through effective teamwork. And it’s every leader’s responsibility to develop processes to surface conflict and align teams toward common objectives. Listen and learn how.
We all have the ability to be an Inspirational Leader
In this episode, we’ll delve into the concept of inspirational leadership – the ability to motivate others to do their best and reach their highest potential by being a part of something bigger. It’s about connecting what matters to the individual to what matters to the team, organization, family, or community. To be an inspirational…
Developing Your Leadership Influence for Higher Performance.
Influence is about getting people to follow your lead. In this episode of our ongoing series on emotional intelligence, we’ll discuss the importance of influence and how we can all incorporate it into our roles as leaders of families, teams, organizations, and communities.
Coach and Mentor – Helping Others Step Into Their Greatness
Coaching and mentoring are leadership and emotional intelligence skills that are vital to nurturing organizational growth and adaptability. In this episode, we’ll discuss how leaders can implement coaching, especially using open-end questions, to encourage and create the conditions and environment for empowering employees.
Managing Conflict to Prevent Artificial Harmony
Learning and practicing effective relationship management skills is essential to developing emotional intelligence. This discussion focuses on the benefits of healthy conflict in the workplace, and demonstrates how you can create a stronger, more adaptable business by fostering an environment in which different perspectives are welcomed.
Understanding Organizational Climate and Culture by Leveraging Key Relationships
Learn more about the emotional intelligence social competency, organizational awareness, which includes being aware of key stakeholder relationships and leveraging them to advance leadership competency and organizational performance.
Empathy Connection
Empathy does not mean agreement. Everyone can strengthen their empathy by first demonstrating our ability to notice other people’s emotions and acknowledge and validate those feelings. Learn how this emotional intelligence competency can help you and others lead and perform at a higher level.
Positive Outlook – Hope and Opportunity
Identify habits you can cultivate to develop your positive outlook and bounce back rate after a difficult situation. Be aware and identify the brutal facts of the challenging situations and then look at what you can do to lead from your circle of influence to make a difference.
Passion and Managing your Emotions
How do you channel your passion to influence and inspire others? Strong leadership requires the skill to manage or harness our disruptive behaviors by developing skills to look at how to make a choice of how you want to respond.
Adaptability for Leadership Change
Emotional Intelligence adaptability is a leadership competency to be developed to handle juggling multiple demands, looking at new approaches, and adjusting to the ever changing needs of our organizations, communities, families, and teams.
Achievement Orientation
Emotional Intelligence Achievement Orientation is defined as striving to meet or exceed standards of ledership excellence. Are you looking for new ways to do things better, set challenging goals and take calculated risks?
Understanding Emotional Self-Awareness
Self-awareness means having a deep understanding of your emotions, strengths, limitations, values, and motives and how it effects your leadership capabilities.
Emotional Intelligence and You
An overview of emotional intelligence and what it means to you.