Stikkord: Leadership Development

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Selvinnsikt som fundament for ledelse – nøkkelen til bærekraftig suksess

Hva er det viktigste en leder trenger å mestre i vår komplekse og dynamiske verden? Teknologisk innsikt, strategisk klokskap eller kanskje evnen til å motivere medarbeidere? Alt dette er viktig, men det finnes én egenskap som ofte blir oversett, til tross for at den er helt avgjørende: selvinnsikt.

Selvinnsikt handler ikke bare om å forstå dine styrker og svakheter, men også om å være klar over hvordan du påvirker andre mennesker rundt deg. Dette er kjernen i Rune Semundseths bok, Kjernen i ledelse, hvor han påpeker at selvinnsikt er selve fundamentet en god leder bygger sin rolle og påvirkning på.

De fire lederrollene – KISS-modellen

Semundseth introduserer fire sentrale lederroller, elegant samlet under akronymet KISS:

  • Kompetansebyggeren: Lederens evne til å dyrke og utvikle talent, kompetanse og faglighet i organisasjonen. En kompetansebygger forstår hvor viktig det er å investere i menneskers vekst.
  • Inspiratoren: Lederen som tenner gnisten og skaper mening. Inspiratoren får medarbeidere til å ville mer, våge mer og tro på det umulige.
  • Strategen: Lederen med overblikk og perspektiv, som ser muligheter og retning der andre ser kaos og usikkerhet. Strategen tar modige beslutninger som setter organisasjonen i posisjon til langsiktig suksess.
  • Sekundanten: Den empatiske støttespilleren som står ved medarbeidernes side i gode og vanskelige tider. Sekundanten gir støtte, korrigerer forsiktig, og er en trygg base for å teste grenser og utvikle mot.

Refleksjon som superkraft

Men hvordan blir man god i disse rollene? Rune argumenterer for at svaret ligger i refleksjon, et av de mest kraftfulle verktøyene ledere har tilgjengelig. Boken trekker inn forskning om læring og metakognisjon, som bekrefter hvor viktig det er å ikke bare handle, men også forstå hvorfor og hvordan vi handler.

Metakognisjon, eller det å tenke over egen tenkning, hjelper ledere å finjustere sin atferd og oppnå en dypere forståelse av seg selv og sin lederstil. Når ledere aktivt reflekterer, kan de raskere korrigere kursen, unngå fallgruver og forsterke det som fungerer.

Fra selvinnsikt til lederskap med mening

Å utvikle selvinnsikt er ingen enkel prosess – den krever mot, ærlighet og tålmodighet. Men belønningen er uvurderlig. En leder med god selvinnsikt forstår sin påvirkning, både den tilsiktede og den utilsiktede. Det skaper et lederskap som er genuint, autentisk og effektivt.

Boken Kjernen i ledelse utfordrer oss til å stille viktige spørsmål:

  • Hvordan opplever andre mitt lederskap?
  • Hvilken lederrolle (KISS) er min styrke, og hvilken bør jeg utvikle videre?
  • Hva kan jeg gjøre for å skape større innsikt og refleksjon rundt mitt eget lederskap?

Tør du ta reisen?

Å bli en leder med sterk selvinnsikt er en kontinuerlig reise. Rune Semundseth gir deg verktøyene, perspektivene og forskningsgrunnlaget du trenger for å lykkes. Men avgjørelsen – og motet til å sette dette ut i praksis – ligger hos deg.

Så, er du klar til å bygge ditt lederskap på fundamentet av selvinnsikt?

Les boken. Reflekter. Utvikle deg. Fordi fremtidens ledere er de som kjenner seg selv aller best.

And in English

Self-awareness as the foundation of leadership – the key to sustainable success

What is the most important skill a leader needs to master in our complex and dynamic world? Technological insight, strategic wisdom, or perhaps the ability to motivate employees? All these aspects are vital, but there’s one skill often overlooked, despite being absolutely critical: self-awareness.

Self-awareness isn’t just about knowing your strengths and weaknesses; it’s also about understanding how you affect the people around you. This is at the core of Rune Semundseth’s book, The Essence of Leadership (Kjernen i ledelse), where he emphasizes that self-awareness is the essential foundation upon which effective leadership is built.

The Four Leadership Roles – The KISS Model

Semundseth introduces four central leadership roles, elegantly grouped under the acronym KISS:

  • The Competence Builder: The leader’s ability to cultivate and develop talent, skills, and professional expertise within the organization. A competence builder understands the importance of investing in people’s growth.
  • The Inspirer: The leader who ignites passion and creates meaning. The Inspirer motivates employees to aspire for more, take risks, and believe in achieving the seemingly impossible.
  • The Strategist: The leader who provides vision and perspective, recognizing opportunities and direction where others see chaos and uncertainty. The Strategist makes courageous decisions positioning the organization for long-term success.
  • The Supporter: The empathetic ally who stands by team members during both good times and difficult periods. The Supporter provides gentle correction, encouragement, and a safe foundation for testing boundaries and building courage.

Reflection as a Superpower

But how does one excel in these roles? Rune argues that the answer lies in reflection, one of the most powerful tools leaders have at their disposal. Drawing on research in learning and metacognition, the book highlights how essential it is not only to act but also to understand the reasons and methods behind our actions.

Metacognition, or thinking about one’s own thinking, enables leaders to fine-tune their behavior and gain deeper insights into themselves and their leadership styles. Leaders who actively reflect can swiftly correct their course, avoid pitfalls, and reinforce effective strategies.

From Self-awareness to Meaningful Leadership

Developing self-awareness isn’t an easy process—it requires courage, honesty, and patience. Yet, the rewards are invaluable. A leader with strong self-awareness understands their impact, both intended and unintended. This results in a leadership style that is genuine, authentic, and effective.

The Essence of Leadership challenges us to ask crucial questions:

  • How do others perceive my leadership?
  • Which leadership role (KISS) is my strength, and which one should I further develop?
  • What can I do to foster deeper insight and reflection around my own leadership?

Are You Ready for the Journey?

Becoming a leader with robust self-awareness is an ongoing journey. Rune Semundseth provides the tools, perspectives, and research foundation needed to succeed. However, the decision—and the courage to put this into practice—is yours alone.

So, are you ready to build your leadership on the foundation of self-awareness?

Read the book. Reflect. Grow. Because the leaders of tomorrow are those who understand themselves the best.

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Coaching in Chaos: How to Master Fear and Future Leadership

What does it take to be one of the top coaches in the world? In this exclusive conversation, Dr. Marcia Reynolds—recognized globally as a top 5 leadership coach—shares her incredible journey, her groundbreaking insights, and her powerful perspectives on the future of coaching in a rapidly changing world.

From Uncertainty to Mastery: Marcia’s Journey

Marcia Reynolds didn’t start at the top. She began her career facing uncertainties and doubts, much like any aspiring professional. Through resilience, curiosity, and a relentless passion for personal growth, she navigated challenges and fears to emerge as one of coaching’s most influential voices. Marcia candidly shares the pivotal moments and difficult decisions that shaped her remarkable career.

AI and Coaching: Threat or Opportunity?

With artificial intelligence rapidly advancing, many coaches are asking themselves: «What role will I play when technology takes over?» Marcia brings clarity and calm to this question, exploring how AI can become a powerful partner rather than a replacement. She highlights the enduring human qualities—empathy, intuition, and deep emotional connection—that technology cannot replicate.

Bridging the Gap: Leadership in a Chaotic World

Marcia passionately advocates for authentic human connection and leadership rooted in empathy and vulnerability. Her upcoming keynote, «Bridging the Gap: Preserving Humanity in a Chaotic World,» offers practical strategies for leaders and individuals to thrive personally and professionally despite uncertainty. She challenges us to rethink how we lead, live, and love in an increasingly fragmented world.

Conquering Fear: The Heart of Effective Coaching

Fear is inevitable—but what separates outstanding coaches from the rest is how they handle it. Marcia emphasizes the transformative power of embracing vulnerability and authenticity. She shares personal experiences where facing fear directly led to her greatest breakthroughs and successes.

Insight from Bestselling Books

In her acclaimed books, «Coach the Person, Not the Problem» and «Outsmart Your Brain,» Marcia offers profound yet practical tools to help coaches and leaders:

  • Understand the critical difference between addressing immediate issues and deeply understanding the person behind the problem.
  • Master techniques to overcome limiting beliefs and optimize mental clarity, focus, and performance.

Marcia’s Top Advice for Coaches (New and Experienced!)

Whether you’re just starting your coaching journey or you’ve been in the field for years, Marcia shares her invaluable insights:

  • Avoid common pitfalls by focusing on the person rather than just the issue.
  • Embrace vulnerability and courageously face your own fears—this authenticity will profoundly impact your clients.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Marcia Reynolds reminds us that the future belongs to those who dare to face uncertainty with curiosity and courage. Coaching isn’t merely about solving problems; it’s about understanding the human beings behind them.

Ready to dive deeper into Marcia’s inspiring insights and actionable strategies? Don’t miss our full conversation—it’s an empowering journey you won’t want to skip!

Stay brave, stay curious, and keep coaching the person, not just the problem.

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A Conversation with Jennybeth Ekeland: Navigating the Landscape of Mentoring

Jennybeth Ekeland

In this episode of our podcast, we are delighted to have a conversation with Jennybeth Ekeland, an expert with over 25 years in the field of mentoring. Jennybeth shares the wealth of her knowledge and experience. And providing insights into how effective mentoring works both theoretically and practically.

We delve into what a «learning alliance» is and why it is the cornerstone of a successful mentoring relationship. Jennybeth walks us through examples from her own experiences, including the biggest challenges she has faced and how she has overcome them.

Throughout our conversation, listeners will gain insights into how to measure the success of a mentoring program and what elements are critical for its success. Jennybeth also shares her vision for the future of mentoring, particularly in relation to technological advances and digitalization.

This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in personal and professional development through mentoring, offering valuable advice and insights that can be implemented in both personal careers and within organizational frameworks.

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A Conversation with Per-Egill Frostmann: Insights on Leadership, Change Management, and the Future of Leadership

In the latest episode of «The Talk by Mentorguru», I had the pleasure of interviewing Per-Egill Frostmann, one of Norway’s most experienced advisors in leadership and organizational development. With over 30 years of experience as an executive coach, mentor, and consultant, Per-Egill has worked with leading organizations in Norway and internationally.

Key Topics We Covered in the Episode:

  1. How to Build Effective Leadership Teams – What distinguishes a high-performing team from one that struggles?
  2. Common Pitfalls in Change Management – Per-Egill shares his experiences on what often goes wrong and how to avoid it.
  3. The Future of Leadership – How can today’s leaders prepare for a world that is changing faster than ever?
  4. Personal Reflection – How do you stay motivated and relevant after decades of demanding work?

Key Quotes from the Episode:

  • «We learn more from our failures than from our successes.»
  • «Cultural differences challenge leaders to think differently but also provide great opportunities.»
  • «Effective leadership teams start with trust – without it, everything else falls apart.»
  • Chris Argyris says: «No one can develop anyone else, except the individual themselves. The door to development is locked from the inside.»

Listen to the Full Episode:

Tune in to gain all these insights and more! You can find us on your favorite podcast platform.

Join the Conversation:

What do you think are the biggest leadership challenges of the future? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss!

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The Art of Change – Small Steps, Big Results

Change is everywhere. It’s inevitable in both work and life. But why do we resist something that is so natural? Our brain loves comfort – it’s an expert at exaggerating threats and convincing us to stay put. But what if we could learn to embrace change?

Why Do We Resist Change?
It’s not because we’re lazy. It’s because of uncertainty. Our reptilian brain is hardwired to keep us safe, not happy. Change feels like a threat, even when it’s an opportunity to grow.

How to Approach Change with Curiosity:

  1. Small Steps Lead to Big Results:
    Start by switching one habit – your toothpaste, your route to work, or say «yes» to something you’d normally say «no» to. Small choices can lead to significant transformations over time.
  2. Make Your Brain Less Dramatic:
    When your brain screams «CHAOS!» – breathe. Ask yourself: What’s the worst that can happen? Write down one thing you can learn from the situation.
  3. Remember the Butterfly Effect:
    Even the smallest actions can have massive consequences. Maybe it’s time to test a tiny change and see how it ripples through the rest of your life.

Conclusion:
Change doesn’t have to be scary. It can be innovative, inspiring, and even fun. Take a small step outside your comfort zone today – you never know what might happen!

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Knowledge Industry vs. Self-Education Industry: A Showdown (7 minutes of your life well spent)

First things first: let’s define the playing field.

The Knowledge Industry is the cool cousin in your professional family, dealing with sectors that produce, refine, and distribute the most powerful substance known to humankind: knowledge. We’re talking education, R&D, IT solutions that make your brain hurt just thinking about them, and those elite consultants who probably charge per second.

Then, there’s the Self-Education Industry. Imagine all the DIY enthusiasts but for learning—people pursuing knowledge outside traditional classrooms, armed with Wi-Fi and too much caffeine. This is the space of online courses, e-books, webinars, video tutorials, and apps. It’s like Hogwarts for grown-ups who want to learn accounting or advanced salsa from their couch.

The Good, the Bad, and the “Why Am I Doing This?” of Self-Education

The Pros:

  • Flexibility that fits around your chaotic life.
  • Customizable learning paths that don’t require a thousand-page syllabus.
  • Skills are as fresh as that “first day of school” outfit.

The Cons:

  • Quality control that sometimes makes you wonder if your instructor just Googled the syllabus.
  • The paradox of choice—too many courses make you click on Netflix instead.
  • Lack of hand-holding, which can be great until you’re metaphorically drowning in educational PDFs.

The Titans: Udemy and Coursera

Udemy is like the Walmart of online learning. Need to know how to code? Check. Want to learn underwater basket weaving? Double-check. With over 100,000 courses, there’s something for everyone, and most courses are priced in that sweet $25-$200 range. But watch out: anyone can teach, so sometimes it’s more “Steve from accounting shares Excel tips” than “Professor from MIT breaks down quantum physics.”

Coursera, on the other hand, is Udemy’s more academic, snooty sibling. Backed by universities and offering everything from certificates to degrees, Coursera boasts partnerships with over 100 Fortune 500 companies and 82 million students. The downside? It can lean more theoretical, so you might learn the art of persuasion but still not convince your dog to stop barking at 3 a.m.

Why Coaches and Mentors Should Care – “Ah, I see” moments for mentors and coaches

Now, why am I, a man who prefers deep conversations and caffeine to trends, waxing poetic about the Knowledge Industry? Because, my friends, this trend could be your ticket to a bigger impact (and, let’s be honest, a healthier bank account).

Three key benefits for coaches and mentors:

  1. Staying Updated: The Knowledge Industry is like a buffet for your brain. Want to learn the newest techniques in motivational interviewing? Need a brush-up on emotional intelligence? There’s a course (or ten) for that.
  2. Building Expertise: Specialization is the name of the game. Why not position yourself as “the coach who conquered executive coaching” or the mentor known for mindfulness workshops that leave participants Zen’d out?
  3. Monetizing Your Knowledge: Why not throw your hat into the self-education ring by developing your own course? Be the Udemy instructor you wish you’d had.

Mark Your Digital Territory

Let’s talk about social media, the necessary evil. If you’re not using it, you’re basically coaching in a void. Here’s how to stop lurking and start thriving:

Pro tips:

  • Know Your Audience: LinkedIn for the suit-and-tie crowd, Instagram for those who live on avocado toast.
  • Make Your Profile Pop: Ditch the selfie and bring on the pro headshots. No one trusts life advice from someone with an angle that screams, “My arm is my tripod.”
  • Engage, Engage, Engage: Social media is a two-way street. Reply to comments, share insights, and don’t be afraid to slide into relevant DMs (professionally, of course).

And don’t underestimate the power of video content—people love seeing a face behind the tips. It builds trust faster than a free coaching session.

The Final Countdown: Online Presence Matters (because who doesn’t want to be found?)

To wrap up, here’s why you need an online presence:

  • Visibility: The more you show up online, the more likely you’ll be found by someone who really, really needs your expertise.
  • Credibility: Sharing knowledge makes people trust you. Sharing success stories makes them want to trust you.
  • Scalability: With an online footprint, you can go from coaching 10 people a month to inspiring thousands with webinars, online courses, and e-books.

In conclusion, the Knowledge and Self-Education industries are like the Wild West, full of opportunities waiting for coaches and mentors who dare to explore. So saddle up, build that online profile, and start sharing your brilliance. Your future clients are just a course or social media post away from finding you.

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The Power of Team Coaching – Part 1

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of business, effective teamwork has become a cornerstone of success. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of nurturing collaboration, communication, and synergy among their teams. Team coaching, a specialized form of coaching, has emerged as a powerful tool to help teams reach their full potential. The next three articles explores the concept of team coaching, its benefits, and how it can transform teams and organizations.

Understanding Team Coaching

Team coaching is a structured and systematic process aimed at enhancing the performance, productivity, and overall effectiveness of a team. It goes beyond individual coaching and focuses on the dynamics, relationships, and collective behaviors within a group of individuals working towards a common goal.

The primary objective of team coaching is to foster an environment where team members can collaborate, innovate, and achieve their shared objectives.

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Closing dinner for the 11`th mentoring program

In mid may I had closing dinner for the 11`th mentoring program for NHS, and I want to share with you my speech for both the mentee and mentors. In addition all the mentee had a small speech to their mentor, which we filmed because not all could come. The mentee is students within hospitality and hotel management and the mentors is leaders in the same branch, hospitality and hotel management and development.

«A year has gone and I hope you all have excelled because of the program.
To have a mentor is like being in the spotlight and you have a person who follows you. A person who is genuine and sincere.

To be a mentor is rewarding and you also have that spotlight on you. A person is questioning all you do and you get to reflect over your job role.

For the student (mentee) this is a start, you are in the beginning of your career.
Remember this programmed what it did for your development this year. Use mentors next time also AND when time comes BE A MENTOR!

To all the mentors THANK YOU for your dedication and willingness to help a student in the beginning of a career. And helping NHS to make this a special year for the students.

For Å.H and me its fantastic to see the students in the very beginning, in the interview and seeing them now. Its like another person and we know the impact it can have. We thank you all for participated in this 11`th mentoring program for student at NHS».

Thank you!

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Leadership When It Matters Most: Should Mentoring Be a Part of the Equation? – Part 1

Leadership is a critical component of any organization’s success, and it is never more apparent than in times of crisis or when important decisions need to be made. Whether it’s navigating a global pandemic, facing financial hardships, or dealing with a major industry disruption, effective leadership can make all the difference. But what role does mentoring play in leadership when it matters most? Should leaders prioritize mentorship during challenging times? This article explores the intersection of leadership and mentoring and highlights the benefits of incorporating mentoring into leadership practices during crucial moments.

The Importance of Leadership During Critical Times

Leadership is not just about guiding a team during smooth sailing; it’s about steering the ship through turbulent waters. When an organization faces a crisis or is confronted with a significant decision, strong and visionary leadership becomes paramount. Effective leaders must inspire confidence, provide direction, and offer solutions when the going gets tough. They must also maintain morale, communicate transparently, and adapt swiftly to changing circumstances.

Leadership, however, is not solely about the person in charge but extends to the team as a whole. Leaders are tasked with developing the skills and capabilities of their team members to ensure the organization can overcome challenges collectively.

The Role of Mentoring in Leadership

Mentoring is a practice that involves an experienced individual (the mentor) guiding and supporting a less-experienced person (the mentee) in their personal or professional development. While mentoring is often associated with career growth and skill-building, it also plays a crucial role in leadership development, particularly during times of crisis or important decision-making.

Here are some reasons why mentoring should be a part of leadership when it matters most:

  1. Knowledge Transfer: Mentoring allows experienced leaders to share their wisdom, knowledge, and expertise with emerging leaders. During critical moments, this knowledge transfer can be invaluable in making informed decisions and navigating complex situations.
  2. Emotional Support: Leadership during challenging times can be emotionally taxing. Mentoring provides a safe space for leaders to discuss their concerns, fears, and uncertainties with a trusted mentor, which can help alleviate stress and improve decision-making.
  3. Skill Development: Effective leaders possess a wide range of skills, including communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. Mentoring provides an opportunity for mentees to develop these skills under the guidance of experienced leaders.
  4. Accountability: Mentoring relationships often involve setting goals and tracking progress. This accountability can be particularly beneficial during high-stress periods, ensuring that leaders stay focused on their objectives.
  5. Perspective and Feedback: Mentors can offer valuable outside perspectives and honest feedback, helping leaders make more informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.

Read my next blogpost where I write more about this theme.

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The Leadership Effect – Guestblogger

 

It is with great honour I represent our guestblogger Rik Nemanick, from The Leadership Effect. You will in the following weeks get blogposts about the rules of mentoring.

Ph. D. Rik Nemanick has spent more than 10 years helping organizations get more out of their mentoring programs by focusing mentoring where it will have the most impact, accelerating the development of mentoring partnerships, and building social capital within and between organizations. He co-founded The Leadership Effect in the United States to help companies identify and develop their leadership talent. He is currently working on a book on his Eight Rules of Mentoring.

Rik is an adjunct faculty member in Saint Louis University’s MBA program and an instructor in Washington University’s Masters of Human Resource Management program. He has given seminars on mentoring and organizational change to various professional organizations and through Washington University’s University College. Rik holds a doctorate in organizational psychology from Saint Louis University.