Are You Building Leaders for Tomorrow?

The outlook for future leadership certainly seems bleak, judging from the current landscape managers describe nationwide:

• The 2015 Business and Human Capital Challenges report from the Society of Human Resource Management found that one of the top concerns among HR and business leaders was the development of the next generation of leaders.
• Workplace Trends’ Global Workforce Leadership survey in February and March said that leadership is the hardest skill to find in employees.
• A 2015 Gallup study of 2.5 million manager-led teams found that a mere 18 percent of current managers said their companies had the talent required for leadership.
• Not surprisingly, among the 1,000 employees surveyed by Workplace Trends, only 36 percent said leadership was a strength in their organization.

With the demand for leadership development on the rise, companies are scrambling for solutions that are effective and quick and require a minimal investment of time and money. Fortunately, there is good news.

That news? Leaders are made, not born. While no one is created with leadership in his or her bones, many people in business are ambitious, strong communicators from the start. So, it’s up to employers to determine who shows the motivation and tendency toward leadership -- and then develop it.

But how does an organization find these diamonds in the rough? The answer is, observe how employees communicate, and identify those who seem to be the most motivational team members These young leaders are usually hiding in plain sight. They solve problems creatively, take charge and plan strategies well, and are the people others go to when they have questions or need guidance.

Once these "A" players are found, organizations should cultivate their leadership skills and "grow them" within the company using the following simple techniques:

1. Use technology to educate.

Fires don’t start with roaring flames -- they need kindling, logs, access to air and, finally, a spark. Those who want to learn leadership skills will do so, given the right opportunity andtools. Give them their spark.

Many employers worry about the cost of professional development, which is understandable. Why would they invest time and money into employees who may leave at the drop of a hat? Good news: There are many free online resources employers can offer to their staff to develop their leadership skills. Examples include Coursera, Alison.com, Open Learn, andMindtools.com. MIT even offers an online version of Organizational Leadership and Change, a graduate level university course.

Other resources vary in cost, but may be worth a look. For example, career counselors help employees gain confidence and feel more inspired. They typically use processes and build action plans geared toward goal achievement.

Webinars are also great tools. Professional organizations like the American Management Association offer webinars that are interactive and offer step-by-step guides to learning new skills.

2. Encourage networking and engagement.

Great leaders keep their fingers on the pulse of the industry. A great method for keeping informed is regularly networking and engaging with colleagues.

Teach employees to create professional relationships and confidently initiate conversations. Expanding their networks builds crucial leadership skills like communication and makes them strong representatives for the company.

Refer them to tools like Let’s Lunch, so they can easily coordinate and meet with experts in their field who can help them achieve career success.

In addition to outside experts, focus on internal mentors. The 2016 Deloitte Millennial Survey found that 94 percent of 7,700 respondents surveyed said their mentors' advice was good, and 91 percent said their mentors showed a good level of interest in the their development. When managers can create a relationship with employees that makes the former feel less like a boss and more like a guide or a coach, they can have a great influence on employees.

Establish this dynamic to earn trust and respect. Employees are more apt to listen to and engage with leaders who develop a strong sense of camaraderie on the team. When those employees see an investment of time and energy from their employer, they will reciprocate and show an eagerness to grow in the company.

3. Suggest personal development techniques.

Personal development is a major part of any great leader’s life. Encourage employees to explore techniques in their personal lives to improve their awareness, develop their talents and build human capital while enhancing their quality of life.

There are various tools companies can use -- like exercise.  An April 2015 study from Leeds Metropolitan University found an increase in productivity and satisfaction and improved time management skills when employees exercised during business hours. Encourage exercise regimens and offer flexibility during business hours to provide employees with gym time.

Mindfulness practices are another tool. Yoga, tai chi and meditation are all great for building a sense of "present moment" awareness that helps with decision-making and productivity. There are several free and low cost online resources that can teach meditation, such as Headspace, Calm,Sattva and Buddhify.

These lifestyle choices can increase knowledge and effectively reduce stress and improve productivity. A less-stressed, more productive employee is more apt to learn and develop his or her leadership skills.

Heather R Huhman

12 Best Long Weekend Destinations This Summer

Without full-freedom summers like those of our school days, adults have one saving grace for our collective sanity in hot weather: summer Fridays. They are legit the best invention to hit the workplace since the water cooler and G-Chat. By the end of the summer, you barely remember what it’s like to work a five-day week (#Legalize4DayWorkWeeks).

Some of those long weekends are best used for catching up on sleep and completing mundane errands around the house. But there will be times when you’re going to want more. You’re going to need a change of scenery — an adventure, if you will.

The long weekend vacation is an art. You want a destination with a blend of local charm and a laid-back attitude. What you DON’T want is a location so jam-packed with activities that it will leave you feeling stressed when you inevitably can’t hit everything.

There’s a fine balance that must be struck.

Here are 12 long weekend destinations that check all the right boxes for those summer Fridays.

Bar Harbor, ME

No one would tell you to take a weekend trip to Maine in the winter…or fall…or even spring. But when summer hits this northeastern gem, the magic is palpable.

Bar Harbor has all the trappings of a classic beach town (local ice cream shops, quaint local boutiques), only it’s even more idyllic than what you’re probably accustomed to. Its rocky coast boasts an adorable lighthouse and amazing lobster, plus manageable prices to boot.

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Reno, NV

“The biggest little city in the world.” That’s Reno’s tagline, and it’s ready to defend that reputation.

With Vegas completely oversaturated in the American tourism industry, Reno is on the rise for the same traits of glitz and gambling, only with fewer tourists. Bonus: There’s a growing brewery culture in the city, so you can trade in those sugary casino cocktails for some craft beer.

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Point Pleasant, NJ

Seaside Heights and the Wildwoods get all the glory of the Jersey Shore. Yet if you want a little less fist pumping and a little more relaxing, head due north to Point Pleasant.

Time-travel your way back to the 1950s with a stay in a “Doo Wop Motel,” so-called because the décor is filled with golden-era kitsch.

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Upper Peninsula, MI

The upper Midwest is all about that Lake Life, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the crème de la crème of Lake Life, with its myriad charming towns and wilderness adventures.

One day you can be kayaking through the Les Cheneaux area; the next you can explore Tahquamenon Falls; and then you can end the day with a dinner at one of the many marinas on Lake Superior.

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Willamette Valley, OR

There had to be a wine weekend included in this list, yet the Sonoma and Napa Valleys of California are so well-known they’re almost a given at this point. Trade in California’s vines for the burgeoning wine scene of Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Given its proximity to hipster Portland, you’ll find many oenophiles exploring the wine trails on their bikes. It’s a good way to work off those Pinot Noir calories.

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Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque tourism is booming, putting this modest city on the cusp of becoming the next great southwest metropolis.

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St. Louis, MO

There’s more to St. Louis than the famous arch (though let’s be honest, that’s pretty cool too). The “Gateway to the West” is chock-full of green space, with a fabulous botanical garden and its urban sculpture park, Citygarden.

And let’s not forget about that mouth-watering BBQ. Ribs are a must when you’re in St. Louis.

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Adirondack Mountains, NY

Here’s something you probably didn’t know: Adirondack Park is bigger than both Yellowstone and Yosemite in terms of National Parks. That’s 6 million acres of High Peaks, pristine lakes and practically unspoiled nature.

Try staying in the small town of Saranac Lake, or opt for the site of the 1980 Olympics, Lake Placid.

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Sedona, AZ

Red Rock is one of the coolest natural wonders in the continental US, and Sedona, Arizona, has them in spades. Among the most popular, and coolest, are the Pink Jeep tours of the Red Rocks. It’s bound to bring out the renegade inside you.

When you’ve satisfied your sense of adventure, you can unwind with a prickly pear margarita (a local specialty) or soak up the culture at one of the many lauded art galleries.

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Pacific Coast Highway, CA

Everyone needs a solid road trip to make a summer memorable. The Pacific Coast Highway is the gold standard of road trips. US 1 is hella scenic, with its cliffs and ocean views.

Within a long weekend, think of how many coastal towns you can visit. You can hit the Danish village of Solvang in the morning, and then stop for some fresh avocados in Santa Barbara in the afternoon — and that’s just day one.

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Quebec, Canada

You can’t have a productive long weekend in Europe without feeling like you missed everything. Look instead to our neighbor to the north, and try out Quebec for a weekend.

It has all the feel of a French village (French is the official language after all) — only at a fraction of the cost. Plus there’s always a festival for you to experience a taste of local culture.

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Maui, HI

I know, I know. A weekend in Hawaii is a SPLURGE. But sometimes you just have to treat yourself, and if you’re going to treat yourself, Hawaii is the place to do it.

Maui is the long weekend destination of your dreams. White sand beaches, clear water, amazing surfing. And when you need a break from all that sunlight, the island boasts some incredible spas to make you forget about all your tension and troubles.

I mean, put it this way: Would you ever regret a weekend in Hawaii? I don’t think so.

 Blair Thill

10 Inspirational Quotes From Women Business Leaders

By 2020, Alexander Hamilton’s solemn mug will be replaced on the $10 bill with the face of, yes, a woman. Will it be a woman from the world of business? There’s no word yet on who it will be but we’re sure she will be awesome.

Regardless of whose face ends up on the bill, enjoy 10 of the most inspirational quotes from women who not only played the leadership game -- they reinvented it.

Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx

Image credit: Gillian Zoe Segal | Wikimedia Commons

“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.”

Listen to one of America’s richest self-made woman, Sara Blakely, who at the age of 44, sits on a fortune of approximately $1 billion thanks to the success of her popular undergarments. Her Spanx line has expanded to jeans and yoga wear, and -- to date -- her company remains privately owned.

Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook

Image credit: Drew Altizer | Flickr

“Option A is not available. So let’s kick the sh** out of option B."

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg continues to inspire with her frank words of courage following her husband, David Goldberg’s, death. In a tribute post to her husband on Facebook last month, Sandberg wrote about her struggle with acceptance and related a situation where she had to step in for a father-child activity. “I want Dave,” she wrote. “I want option A.” However, she wrote of her resolve to honor his memory and kick the sh** out of option B.”   

Lori Greiner, inventor, QVC host and ‘Shark Tank’ investor

Image credit: lorigreiner.com

"Dear optimist, pessimist, and realist -- while you guys were busy arguing about the glass of wine, I drank it! Sincerely, the opportunist!"

The “Queen of QVC,” Lori Greiner, who joined the ABC show Shark Tank in 2012 alongside Barbara Corcoran. Greiner has hosted a QVC show calledThe Clever & Unique Creations Show since 1998 and hawks her popular products, such as jewelry organizers, on the channel. She also runs a product development and marketing company in Chicago.

Mellody Hobson, of Ariel Investments

Image credit: Joi Ito | Flickr

“If we can learn to deal with our discomfort and just relax into it we'll have a better life.”

As a standout African-American female leader in the finance sector, Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments and chairwoman on several boards, including Disney Animation, can speak from experience about being accustomed to discomfort. Hobson also is a vocal advocate for diversity, saying, “Invite people into your life that don’t look or think like you.”

Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics

Image credit: marykay.com

“Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t know that so it goes on flying anyway.”

Mary Kay Ash founded Mary Kay Cosmetics in 1963. Her entrepreneurial talents emerged long before, when she joined the direct sales force of Stanley Home products in the 1930s as a side gig, which became her full-time job in 1939 -- after her husband ran off and left her to support three children. Success in spite of tragedies, including her second husband’s death shortly before her first cosmetics store was poised to open, set a high bar of grit and fortitude.

Barbara Corcoran, real estate magnate and ‘Shark Tank’ investor

Image credit: LinkedIn Pulse | Flickr

"The difference between successful people and others is how long they spend time feeling sorry for themselves."

Barbara Corcoran, who got straight Ds in high school and college, founded one of New York City’s premiere real-estate firms, The Corcoran Group, in 1973 for $1,000 in seed money. She turned it into an empire and sold it for $60 million. In 2009, she joined the cast of ABC’s Shark Tank, and later co-founded Barbara Corcoran Venture Partners, an angel investment company.

Eileen Fisher, fashion designer

Image credit: Matt Dunham | Flickr

“Life-fulfilling work is never about the money -- when you feel true passion for something, you instinctively find ways to nurture it.”

Eileen Fisher founded her line of eco-friendly, organic women’s loungewear in 1984 and currently employs more than 1,100 employees with over 60 stores across the U.S. She’s described her business as “an obsession” -- one of her son’s first phrases was “crinkle rayon.” While her obsession is flourishing, Fisher said her divorce and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, gave her perspective to make sure her most important relationships remain at the forefront -- including taking care of herself.

Melinda Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Image credit: Kjetil Ree | Wikimedia Commons

“If you are successful, it is because somewhere, sometime, someone gave you a life or an idea that started you in the right direction. Remember also that you are indebted to life until you help some less fortunate person, just as you were helped.”

Melinda Gates -- also known as the wife of the richest man in the world, Bill Gates -- is formidable in her own right. Before marrying Gates, she was a general manager of information products at Microsoft. Since quitting her job there in 1996, she’s been both a powerful figurehead and hands on in the Gates Foundation mission to fund projects that will impact global health.

Andrea Jung, former CEO of AVON and president of Grameen America

Image credit: Caseyculture | Wikimedia Commons

“My parents ingrained in me early on that the perfect score is always something to strive for. I want to win and I want to succeed no matter what.”

The former CEO of AVON who resigned from her post in 2012 following the company’s poor financial performance and investor furor, Andrea Jung now runs Grameen America, a microfinance organization, which was created by Nobel Peace Prize-winning microlender Muhammad Yunus -- the nonprofit lends microloans to America’s poor. And yes, some of those micro-borrowers are probably Avon sales people.

Arianna Huffington, editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post

Image credit: David Shankbone | Wikimedia Commons

“We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes -- understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.”

Arianna Huffington, who recently signed on to remain editor-in-chief ofAOL/Huffington Post until 2019, shared her #fails with graduates at Sarah Lawrence College in 2011: her failed epic romance with the late-London Times columnist Bernard Levin and her original plans for The Huffington Post to be a highbrow literary site that nobody was going to read, “but everyone was going to pretend to have read it.” Turns out, she did all right.  

Carolyn Sun

8 Things Exceptional Thinkers Do Every Day

Everything that we are and everything that we are not is an end result from our current level of thinking. Every great achievement in history came from exceptional thinking. Every man or woman to ever rise to the top of their profession had exceptional thinking that played a major role in getting them to where they are.

I have never met a high achiever who lacked in their level of thinking. Our feelings, emotions, professional success and happiness levels are all affected by our thinking and what takes place on a daily basis from the neck up.

If you aren’t currently happy with where you are at in life or in your professional journey, there is great news. You can drastically alter where you are and everything around you by changing your thinking. Just like any other important habit, you can’t become an exceptional thinker if you practice it only once in awhile. Working on your mind and thinking must become a daily practice.

Here are eight things exceptional thinkers do daily.

1. They focus on the positive.

Every single day of our lives, we have a choice when we wake up in the morning whether we are going to direct our focus on the positive or negative. Exceptional thinkers know the importance of where they direct their focus. They fully understand that it impacts their energy levels and will determine how they perform. You can eliminate a lot of the worry, stress, and anxiety just by choosing to focus on the positive. Regardless of how big or small, force yourself to see the good in every situation no matter how miniscule it may be.

2. They spend time in solitude.

Exceptional thinkers know that we live in a noisy and distracting world and therefore prioritize the importance of spending time alone. If you go pick up an autobiography of your favorite inventor, president, or even athlete, you will realize that they valued alone time to reflect and think in solitude.

3. They have a long-term vision.

Exceptional thinkers have a clear vision of where they want to be in the future and all of the things that they need to do in order to make that become a reality. They rarely get discouraged and disappointed because of short-term obstacles because of this powerful long-term vision that they have for their life.

4. They have a mindset-development routine.

Whether it’s a special morning routine to jump start their day, reading positive books first thing in the morning, or listening to empowering podcasts and audiobooks while commuting, they go to work on their mind daily. Most people wait for something positive to happen throughout their day to have good thoughts, but exceptional thinkers are proactive towards positively developing their mind every chance they get.

5. They only associate with those who build them up.

There is nothing more detrimental to one’s thinking than hanging around others who are constantly negative and energy vampires. You adopt the habits and channel the energy of those around you, so make it a habit to surround yourself with positive people and remain in good company.

6. They eat clean and healthy.

A large majority of the population is oblivious as to what you put into your body on a daily basis and how that plays a role in your thinking. What you drink and eat every single day greatly impacts how you feel and how well your brain operates.

To further understand just how important what you eat is to how well you think, I highly recommend checking out Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Daniel Amen. Two of my favorites when it comes to brain optimization and thriving on all cylinders.

7. They find time to regularly workout.

I have talked about the benefits of working out and how it can tremendously impact productivity levels, but the same goes for brain health and increasing your current level of thinking. The endorphins released during routine exercise are packed with positivity.

8. They have an attitude of gratitude.

Your thinking and life in general is just that much better when you possess an attitude of gratitude and find ways to regularly acknowledge all that you are grateful for. It’s impossible to be truly grateful and miserable at the same time.

There are a lot of things that exceptional thinkers do on a daily basis to help them rise above, but the above eight things that I have listed have greatly impacted the way I think on a daily basis. When you understand just how important your mind is and work to constantly upgrade your level of thinking, your life will be upgraded in return.

Matt Mayberry

6 Startup Tips for Women Entrepreneurs

In 2015, the number of women-owned firms increased again. Women now own about 30 percent of U.S. businesses and employ nearly 8 million workers. Businesses owned by women provide one in seven jobs in privately-owned businesses, reports Womenable.com.

It’s not uncommon for women to face unique challenges, especially when trying to juggle traditional roles of wife and mother with the demands of starting and running a business. Over the years as a business owner myself, and through training women to run their own etiquette businesses, I have learned a few tips that may help women looking to start a business.

1. Find your passion.

You are going to spend many long hours working in and on your business, so pick an industry that you don’t just like, but are passionate about. When you are passionate, it shows, and your enthusiasm and belief in what you are doing translates to your customers, sparking their enthusiasm about what you are offering.

2. Fit your business to your personal goals.

Are you looking to work part time to supplement the family income or work around the children’s schedules or are you focused on building a full-time business? Is money or freedom the goal, or both? There’s no rule that you have to work a full-time schedule when you run a business -- start a boutique business or work as a consultant. Choose a business and business style that suits your picture of a fulfilling life.

3. Keep your home and work life separate.

It is important to set aside time for both personal and work lives, in order to give each the attention it deserves. Set specific office hours and unless there is an emergency, stick to them. Train yourself to work during office hours and do not accept calls or check emails after hours. Your customers and clients will also conform to your schedule as long as you stick to it. That means not calling or emailing others after hours. Create a separate work area, whether inside the home or in outside office space, and shut the door to the office after hours.

4. Embrace technology.

Don’t let the lure of an incoming message get you off track, whether you are concentrating on a project or spending quality time with your loved ones. Let emails wait until morning or check them at certain times of the day only, allow your voicemail to take calls, and employ auto responders. Let technology work for you.

5. Form genuine connections.

It can be difficult to work alone, so the connections you make will prove invaluable, and not only for business. Find a mentor or create a women’s support group and share your ideas, goals and frustrations. Use the “village” to help you navigate the business landscape. Join a women’s business association such as the National Association of Business Owners (NAWBO) or the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) for professional support and resources.

6. Define your brand.

Carefully define your brand: what does it look like and what does it stand for? And stick to it. Make everything you do and offer conform to the brand, from color schemes, logo design, packaging, correspondence, and presentations, to customer service, and the company culture and mission. Do not deviate from your brand. It is the message and consistency by which your clients know, remember and trust you.

Having your own business is an adventure, so embrace the challenges and rewards it offers.

Jacqueline Whitmore