Michelle Ray

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Communication

The power of relationships in the digital age

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When you take care of relationships, you take care of everything. A powerful statement from Peter, a leader in a professional services organization I just met. He was on a mission to help his Gen Z staff engage with their clients in person. His challenge: The majority worked remotely and were swamped with administrative, routine activities of their day-to-day responsibilities that kept them confined to their desks and away from in-person interactions with colleagues and clients.

It is critical to mentor the next generation so that they “understand how business works” (in Peter’s words). Creating relationship-building opportunities while managing hybrid work environments is a primary leadership responsibility, no matter how high-tech our business world becomes.

Relationships are what keep the world turning. [Read more…] about The power of relationships in the digital age

The Power of Positive Communication at Work and in Life

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Dilbert, my silly slammer stress buster toy, sits on my desk, vying for my attention as soon as I walk into my office. I enjoy his “rant” each time I slam him, although he only has three sayings: “Get out of my cubicle!”, “that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!”, and “You want it when?”

Dilbert came into my life long after I left my last full-time job working for one of “those” bosses we’ve all experienced in our lives, but his cubicle admonition echoes my own then-daily internal rants at the woman I named “Attila the Hun.” As soon as I started working for Phyllis, I knew that I had made a mistake. Her overbearing presence was foreboding and intimidating, her steely glare and tight-lipped smirk (replete with hot pink lipstick) rendered her a force to be reckoned with. [Read more…] about The Power of Positive Communication at Work and in Life

Leadership and Influence: Why it Matters More than Ever

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Many years prior to Linkedin or the advent of online recruitment sites, I saw an ad in the job classifieds: State Sales Manager for Australia’s fastest growing Advertising Company. My fingers couldn’t get to the typewriter fast enough as positions like this were a rare find. Several weeks earlier, I had been laid off from a job that I loved, having worked in the media sector for more than ten years. The recession had taken a toll on the industry, and I was working at a part-time “in-between” job when the call came through. I could hardly contain my excitement as told my parents and friends the good news. I secured an interview for the following day. The idea of being a manager was so appealing to me!

As I walked down Pitt Street in Sydney for the interview, I already visualized my beautiful large office, brand-new company car, and high-paying salary. I arrived outside the building and checked the address. I looked back up at the building and back down at the address; I was hoping there was a mistake. The four-story building that stood before me was grey and drab; frosted, barred windows, some cracked, had thick, abandoned cobwebs draped around the edges. This building looked as though it was about to be condemned. [Read more…] about Leadership and Influence: Why it Matters More than Ever

What is the most important act of a transformational leader?

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What is the most important act of a transformational leader? Without question it is the leader who can communicate vision with a forward-thinking mindset.

My first professional experience with a transformational leader began when I accepted a very challenging position to lead a small advertising sales team in a down economy. Although I had worked in the industry for over ten years, my experience did not prepare me for the challenge of inspiring my team during a severe recessionary environment. Being the person who is ultimately responsible for achieving results, I was acutely aware of the pressures associated with my role. In addition to managing and dividing sales territories amongst the team, establishing targets and budgets, reporting regularly to senior management, my greatest challenge was not only about reaching sales goals. The true test of my leadership acumen came in the form of managing a diverse team of high achievers, including my predecessor who was “demoted” to make room for me.

Fortunately, my manager possessed an extraordinary strength of character, and a raw openness in a leadership role that I admired greatly. Above all else, he not only understood my vulnerabilities and fears, he was able to create an environment of high trust. I was able to discuss my own challenges regarding the individual and collective performance of my team with ease. And it was in this role that I learned the difference between transactional and transformational leadership. A transactional leader has a preference for staying in the status quo,  going about his or her day-to-day responsibilities while giving minimal consideration to the purpose of it all. The relational aspect of individual and team performance is secondary to results. A transformational leader is the opposite. My manager exemplified the qualities of a transformational leader: Specifically, he led with vision and an uncompromising dedication to the success of his team. He demonstrated a genuine belief me, communicated on a daily basis while remaining acutely interested and invested in the outcomes of every sales encounter.

When I reflect on this example, it also serves to remind me that a transformational leader has the ability to create an internal passion within the organization that is felt by all. Leaders are in a position to profoundly impact and the atmosphere, either positively or negatively. Therefore, it is incumbent on a leader to understand the extent of his or her influence, if he or she is to have success in helping the enterprise achieve a strategic advantage in its respective marketplace/industry.

When you become THE transformational leader who can lead with vision, ignite passion and create a sought-after culture,  your team will thrive and your organization will continue to flourish for future success.

This article is a transcript of a video on YouTube.

Michelle Ray (Twitter) is one of the best international leadership keynote speakers in Vancouver. She helps you discover your potential through presentations, coaching and consulting. With over 20 years of experience Michelle has worked with hundreds of companies around the world. She is taking bookings for speaking engagements and can be contacted at MichelleRay.com

It’s Not You, It’s Me. Four Reasons Why Some Leaders Need to Look In The Mirror

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“Mirror Mirror on the Wall. Who’s the Fairest of Them All?” And the Wicked Queen would wait for the magic mirror’s expected response:  “My Queen, you are the fairest in the land.” And so it was, until one day the mirror shockingly revealed that times had changed:  “My Queen, you are the fairest here so true. But Snow White beyond the mountains at the seven Dwarfs is a thousand times more beautiful than you.” Instead of facing the truth, the Wicked Queen vowed to poison Snow White, plotting revenge at every opportunity. [Read more…] about It’s Not You, It’s Me. Four Reasons Why Some Leaders Need to Look In The Mirror

How to tell people at work what you really think of them

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Act One Scene One:  Learning a brand new way of implementing: “Don’t get mad, get even.”

During a recent training session regarding workplace relationships, I asked attendees to think of a time when a co-worker, client or manager’s words left them absolutely speechless.  Shock waves filled the room as participants willingly shared their stories. One example in particular threw everyone for a loop. As one of the attendees revealed the details of an encounter with a VP, the workshop discussion quickly heated up as people chimed in with their best comebacks. The collective “you have got to be kidding” sentiment made me think about the importance of knowing how to respond professionally to a disparaging remark in order to keep one’s credibility and composure, as well managing as the ramifications of unpleasant business interactions spiralling out of control.

What were the words that left everyone aghast? [Read more…] about How to tell people at work what you really think of them