Our Archive

Blog Archives

Dropinceo > Blog > 2023 > July

The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Empathetic Communication

Summer is beginning to wind down, but I’m still receiving plenty of “out of office” notifications, and honestly I couldn’t be happier. I’m seeing more people prioritize their time and as a culture, I know we’re shifting to a more fulfilling way to work and live. 

It’s because of that shift that I wanted to take a moment to discuss communication and how we can be more intentional about the way we share information. Over the past few weeks I’ve shared ways to create boundaries around your own time and email habits, but today I wanted to give you a few pointers on how you can communicate in a way that allows your team to uphold those same boundaries you’re trying to implement for yourself, while still being productive. 

At the end of the day, it’s up to you as the leader to set the standard of how and when you communicate with your team. I’m hoping that these insights will give you some direction when making plans for upcoming projects.

Here are some key takeaways for creating empathetic communication habits:

  • The Power of Lean Communication: Get straight to the point in your subject lines, use concise language, and include a clear call to action. This approach not only grabs attention but also shows your commitment to helping others.
  • Start with Gratitude: Even if the previous communication wasn’t respectful, take the high road. Thank the other person for any information they provided. This sets a positive tone and fosters better results.
  • Clear Call to Action: Make it easy for others to respond and help you. Specify what you need, offer assistance, and set up a meeting to walk them through the details.
  • Respect Others’ Time: Keep emails short and to the point, with no more than five sentences. Include attachments for additional details and close with a respectful salutation.

By following this framework, you’ll not only be seen as an empathetic leader but also enjoy higher response rates. I encourage you to try these tips and see the difference they make.

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my story about framework, please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 7/28/23. 

Maybe you simply need a support system to apply these new insights. I find leaders need a place to talk through the challenges and that’s why I created The Drop In CEO Collective, a forum for C-Suite leaders of today and tomorrow. To learn more about our next event you can visit our page and register. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me via my website and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success. 

Read More

Mastering the Art of Unplugging

This year, I’m embracing simplicity, and I’ve got three pillars to guide me: investing in myself, expanding my reach to help more of you, and prioritizing my well-being. I’m happy to report that my recent annual physical showed that these efforts are paying off!

One of the biggest challenges of prioritizing well-being can be the challenge of disconnecting from work, especially when on vacation. I’ve been there, constantly checking emails, and I know it’s a struggle. But I’ve learned that most emails can wait, and it’s all about discipline and time blocking. I’ve also learned the hard way that strategic work should be a priority. After a wake-up call in the form of a negative performance review, I took a course on understanding what’s important versus urgent and developed new strategies.

Here are a few of my top tips for prioritizing and managing time in the summer:

  • Take stock of your current workload and prepare your backup for your time away. It’s never too early to make sure your replacement has all of the information they need to be successful.
  • Prepare for your vacation by reaching out to your customers and internal stakeholders beforehand. Introduce them to your backup to ensure business continuity and peace of mind for everyone involved.
  • Try turning off your phone in the middle of the day. It’s a game-changer. You’ll be able to focus on creating lasting memories with your loved ones and leave a positive impression on those around you.

Remember, it’s not about being on top of your email, but about creating meaningful experiences. What legacy do you want to leave behind?

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my story about framework, please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 7/21/23. 

Maybe you simply need a support system to apply these new insights. I find leaders need a place to talk through the challenges and that’s why I created The Drop In CEO Collective, a forum for C-Suite leaders of today and tomorrow. To learn more about our next event you can visit our page and register. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me via my website and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success. 

Read More

Why Do We Struggle to Take Vacations?

Vacations are not just a luxury, they are a necessity. Over the years I have realized that if I truly want to maintain consistency and productivity, I have to schedule mandatory breaks in my schedule. 

If you’re wondering why it seems so difficult to pry yourself away from work for more than a few hours at a time, you’re not alone. In fact, a Harvard study of 60,000 CEOs found that while they worked an average of 9.7 hours a day, over 70 percent of reported vacation days still included at least 2.5 hours of work. So even when they were supposedly taking a break, leaders were still checking in via email, taking work calls, and generally performing business. Sound familiar? 

It’s time to question our resistance to taking vacation and fully embrace the benefits that come with relaxation.

If you find yourself hesitant to submit your PTO request, I’ve got a framework of questions for you to reflect on:

  • How does it feel to have a clear mind?
  • How can you get more time for clarity? 
  • How do you define yourself?
  • How does your work define you?
  • What would happen if you took time off?
  • Would your team survive without you?
  • Have you set them up for success without you? 
  • Is your leadership style preventing you from taking a vacation?
  • What would life look like if you weren’t so tired? 

The answers to these questions will help you gain a better understanding of what’s holding you back from taking time away from your job and where you can start making decisions that move you forward.

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action.

I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my story about framework, please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 7/14/23. 

Maybe you simply need a support system to apply these new insights. I find leaders need a place to talk through the challenges and that’s why I created The Drop In CEO Collective, a forum for C-Suite leaders of today and tomorrow. To learn more about our next event you can visit our page and register. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me via my website and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success.

Read More

Strategies for Staying Focused While Everyone’s on Vacation

As we all know, summer brings with it a whole new set of challenges when it comes to getting things done. The sun is shining, the beach is calling, and it feels like everyone and their dog is on vacation. It’s no wonder our productivity takes a hit during this time of year.

For example, I am having a challenge with a client, this client and trying to schedule a kickoff meeting. I’ve been met with vacations and all kinds of scheduling issues. In the end, the Project Lead agreed to push it off an entire month when we knew everyone was back from vacation. While it didn’t meet my own self-imposed sense of urgency, it was more important for the entire team to be present and rested. After all, the greater calling is to have people present and engaged. Starting something in haste just to check it off your list is not the true purpose. Your purpose is to guide others. And sometimes the timing may be different than when you planned it. You have to accept this. 

You cannot always be in control, but you can be in control of your discipline and patience with the process. When you start later, you’ll have the opportunity to show your skills and your leadership because you were patient with when to start the process. Leaders need discipline to know that timing is everything and sometimes the greater need for your people is patience.

Here’s a simple framework for practicing patience as a leader during the summer months:

Step 1: Accept the Situation

First things first, let’s acknowledge the reality of the situation. It’s summer, people are out enjoying their time off, and that means things might move a bit slower. Instead of fighting against it, embrace it. Accept that things may take longer than usual and use this as an opportunity to practice patience and flexibility.

Step 2: Take an Inventory of Your Goals

Now that we’ve accepted the summer slowdown, it’s time to reassess our goals. Take a moment to reflect on what you want to achieve during this period and prioritize your tasks accordingly. Maybe there are some projects that can be put on hold until things pick up again, or perhaps you can focus on those independent tasks that have been lingering on your to-do list.

Step 3: Get Back on Track

Okay, so we’ve accepted the situation and reevaluated our goals. Now it’s time to get back on track. Look at your schedule and identify those pockets of time where you can really make progress. Maybe it’s early mornings or late evenings when the distractions are minimal. Whatever it is, carve out that dedicated time for focused work and make the most of it.

Step 4: Catch Up on Independent Work

Summer is the perfect time to tackle those solo projects that require your undivided attention. With fewer interruptions and distractions, you can finally dive deep into that research, write that article, or revamp your website. Use this time to power through those tasks that don’t necessarily require the input or availability of others.

Step 5: Embrace the Personal

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to embrace the personal side of summer. Take advantage of those longer evenings and sunny weekends to recharge your batteries and indulge in activities you enjoy.

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my story about framework, please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 7/7/23. 

Maybe you simply need a support system to apply these new insights. I find leaders need a place to talk through the challenges and that’s why I created The Drop In CEO Collective, a forum for C-Suite leaders of today and tomorrow. To learn more about our next event you can visit our page and register. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me via my website and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success. 

Read More

Why is Mid-Year Evaluation Important for Your Goals?

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of achieving your goals? Do you feel like you’re off course and struggling to find your way back? When we hit the halfway point in the year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by how much we still have to accomplish by the end of the year. Taking a moment to reflect and refocus is critical for avoiding burnout and optimizing our actions for better results. 

One of the ways we do this is by focusing on how closely our actions align with our purpose (one of the seven points of the CEO’s Compass.) Recently I sat down and tracked all of the business connections and opportunities I was creating and realized that only about 5% were truly aligned to the work I wanted to do. While other opportunities might be good financially or appealing to my creative side, they weren’t getting me closer to my ultimate goal. Understanding that allowed me to make decisions to utilize my time in ways that more closely aligned with my purpose, and while I can say no with confidence, I can also say YES to the right opportunities faster. 

Making fast, aligned decisions is easy when you run it through the first 5 points of the CEO’s Compass:

  • Purpose: Are your current actions aligned with your true purpose?
  • People: Do you have the right people with the right skills in place to lead them to success?
  • Performance: Performance is human centric. Are you utilizing the people around you (yourself, your team, and your community) in a way that gets you to your goal?
  • Process: Is your current process streamlined to get you where you need to go, or is there room for improvement?
  • Platform: Are you using the right tools for this process? How can technology help you?

Ask yourself these questions. Invest in yourself. If you already have your clearly defined actions and you are on track, Kudos to you. But if you found that people around you are not on track, consider sharing this article with them. Maybe talk to them about the CEO’s Compass – a tremendous resource that might get you unstuck from where you happen to be.

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my story about framework, please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 6/30/23. 

Maybe you simply need a support system to apply these new insights. I find leaders need a place to talk through the challenges and that’s why I created The Drop In CEO Collective, a forum for C-Suite leaders of today and tomorrow. To learn more about our next event you can visit our page and register. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me via my website and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success. 

Read More