Dr. Lilian Ajayi Ore, Ed.D.

We now live in a world where well-being is a top priority for leaders and their workplaces. One recommendation is establishing team culture norms prioritizing conflict resolution and personal well-being. The leader should revisit these norms when a conflict arises, emphasizing mutual respect. Once these norms are established, managing and resolving workplace tensions and conflicts becomes significantly more accessible, reducing the likelihood of these issues negatively impacting one's well-being.

Educators are known for cultivating future leadership talent in our classrooms. One effective way I foster this is by encouraging my students to express their true leadership aspirations. I ask them, "How can I support you on your academic journey? What do you envision for your future self? What do you see as your development gaps?" This approach promotes a greater level of commitment from the learner and creates a mutually beneficial learning experience for both parties.

Even the bravest leaders are never prepared for criticism. However, when coaching emerging leaders, it's important to remind them that the feedback they receive now will help improve their leadership skills over time. One of my favorite mentors once told me not to let the criticism sting but to return with a renewed sense of acceptance and self-awareness, knowing each critique is a step toward honing my leadership prowess. So, your leadership prowess will make it possible for you to withstand the weight of harsh criticism more effectively.

Leaders frequently face making decisions that are only sometimes timely and predictable. Often, these decisions are unusual, and even the most skilled decision-makers struggle to determine the right choice. Consequently, one of the most effective strategies for managing the complexities of strategic decision-making is to allow yourself adequate time. The adage "time is of the essence" holds true, but as a leader, giving yourself time to thoroughly process your options is the best way to address any challenges you might encounter. After this, when you revisit the decision, and have greater clarity in presenting the appropriate recommendations.

Being vulnerable is one of the most effective ways to foster trust in collaborative groups. As leaders, we're often advised to show no emotions, remain stoic, and share very little with our teams. However, in a post-pandemic world, leaders must be more vulnerable to connect better with their teams. One way to do this is by sharing the implications of projects on business outcomes or discussing some boardroom decisions with discretion with your team. Hence, they understand the impact and implications. This approach helps build trust and strengthens team cohesion.

As a Chief Learning Officer with over a decade of experience in higher education, one of my main recommendations is to find the right course, program, and institution for your professional development. In a world with abundant access to on-demand learning, balancing your desire for professional growth with your organization's requirement for continuous learning can be challenging. The most effective leaders strategically select courses that enhance specific skills and competencies to boost their team's productivity. My good friend and mentor, Dr. Richard Osibanjo, aptly states in an episode of his Rich Nuggets series that "learning builds trust." Trust in a team and leader dynamic drives productivity and fosters innovation.