Welcome to the May 2017 edition of the Leadership Development Carnival!

At the core of my decision to create Weaving Influence was my love of reading and my belief that books can connect people in a unique way. As <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3069265/five-reasons-the-next-book-you-read-should-be-fiction" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post by Stephanie Vozza</a> explains, reading (especially fiction) can help a reader improve their reasoning skills and increase their capacity to solve complex problems. We hope you'll consider adding this month's contributions to your reading list.

The Lead Change Group would also like to thank <a href="https://twitter.com/boesch" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kris Boesch</a>, author of <a href="https://cultureworksbook.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Culture Works</a>, for sponsoring the Lead Change Group (including this carnival) for May 2017.
<h3>Let's Get Started</h3>
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<strong>Anne Perschel</strong> of <a href="http://germaneconsulting.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Germane Coaching and Consulting</a> provided <a href="http://germaneconsulting.com/avoid-flipping-your-lid-challenging-leadership-situations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">8 Steps to Avoid Flipping Your Lid in Challenging Leadership Situations</a>. Anne writes, "You’re flipping your lid because you and all other human beings are designed to do exactly that. Find out why we flip. Then discover 8 steps that will keep your lid un-flippped." Find Anne on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/bizshrink" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@bizshrink</a>.
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<strong>Beth Beutler</strong> of <a href="http://www.bethbeutler.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">H.O.P.E. Unlimited</a> provided <a href="http://www.bethbeutler.com/make-appointments-with-yourself-video/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Make Appointments With Yourself</a>. In the post, Beth<b> </b>provides a 2-minute HOPE Hint about the value of making appointments with yourself. Find Beth on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/bethbeutler" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@bethbeutler</a>.
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<strong>Bill Treasurer</strong> of <a href="http://giantleapconsulting.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giant Leap Consulting</a> provided <a href="http://giantleapconsulting.com/leadership-development/5-strategies-to-address-conflict-as-a-manager/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">5 Strategies to Address Conflict as a Manager</a>. Bill recaps, "Conflict is inevitable, and part of being a leader is dealing with this conflict. If dealt with correctly, conflict can be an impetus for change. Here are five techniques to effectively deal with conflict." Find Bill on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/btreasurer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@btreasurer</a>.
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<strong>Chris Edmonds</strong> of the <a href="http://drivingresultsthroughculture.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Purposeful Culture Group</a> contributed <a href="http://drivingresultsthroughculture.com/culture-leadership-charge-drive-your-desired-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Culture Leadership Charge: Drive Your Desired Culture</a>. In this post, Chris gives pointers regarding how you, as a leader, can ensure you’re paying close enough attention to the quality of your team or company’s work culture. Follow Chris on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/scedmonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@scedmonds</a>.
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<strong>Christopher Avery</strong> of <a href="http://christopheravery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Christopher Avery and the Leadership Gift</a> provided <a href="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.christopheravery.com/blog/relearning-how-to-want/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1493813824184000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF5q_281n71_h1MsVzYN0HB9mZ8Kg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Relearning How to Want</a>. Christopher summarizes, " Freedom, power, and choice come to us when we pursue what we truly want. Unfortunately, most of us don't know what we truly want. This post reveals how relearning how to want drives self-leadership, and how you can achieve it." Find Christopher on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/Christopheraver" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@christopheraver</a>.
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<strong>Cy Wakeman</strong> of <a href="http://www.realitybasedleadership.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reality-Based Leadership</a> contributed <a href="https://medium.com/@CyWakeman/how-to-deal-with-the-toughest-resistor-on-your-team-b08467abcb1d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Deal with the Toughest Resistor on Your Team</a>. In the post, Cy explains the principle behind this thought: "Nobody does anything we don’t agree to" as it applies to the  most difficult people on our teams. Find Cy on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/CyWakeman" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@cywakeman</a>.
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<strong>Dan McCarthy</strong> of <a href="http://www.greatleadershipbydan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Great Leadership</a> provided <a href="http://www.greatleadershipbydan.com/2017/04/improvisational-leadership-use-improv.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Improvisational Leadership: Use Improv to Avoid Leadership Pitfalls</a>. Dan recaps, "In this guest post from Bob Kulhan<strong><em>,</em> </strong>he describes a number of bad leadership characters and habits and how to use some simple improvisational techniques to help fix them." Find Dan on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/greatleadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@greatleadership</a>.
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<strong>Dana Theus</strong> of <a href="http://inpowercoaching.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">InPower Coaching</a> contributed <a href="https://inpowercoaching.com/3-things-dog-reminded-employee-performance-employee-engagement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">3 Things My Dog Reminded Me About Employee Performance and Employee Engagement</a>. Dana writes, "Just like I had slipped into complacency with Mike and his last minute deadlines, and with Loki’s squirrel chasing, most of us slip into accepting low performance from employees until it’s too late. We write people off as “untrainable and uncoachable” when it’s really we who need to learn how to train and coach." Find Dana on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/DanaTheus" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@DanaTheus</a>.
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<strong>David Grossman </strong>of <a href="http://www.yourthoughtpartner.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Grossman Group</a> shared <a href="http://www.yourthoughtpartner.com/blog/kick-email-to-the-curb-over-spring-break" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kick Email to the Curb Over Spring Break</a>. David writes, "Why don’t we not leave email at the office when we’re on vacation? Because it’s hard. But the more we set up our teams and colleagues to be successful without us, the better we become, our colleagues become empowered, and we’re able to get some necessary R&amp;R. Get tips and strategies today to help your next vacation be email free." Discover David on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/ThoughtPartner" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@thoughtpartner</a>
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<strong>Eileen McDargh</strong> of <a href="http://www.eileenmcdargh.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Resiliency Group</a> provided <a href="http://www.eileenmcdargh.com/resiliency-motivational-speakers-blog/three-letter-leaders-create-clarity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Three-Letter Leaders Create Clarity</a>. Eileen recaps, "In the age of 140 character tweets and 12-minute Ted talks, much can be gained by considering what three-letter titles can do to clarify roles and responsibilities. Everyone knows the roles and responsibilities for a CEO, CFO and CTO but change the wording and a different picture emerges. Imagine, for example, a CEO tasked as the Chief Engagement Officer." Find Eileen on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/macdarling" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@macdarling</a>.
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<strong>Jim Taggart</strong> of <a href="https://changingwinds.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Changing Winds</a> provided <a href="https://changingwinds.wordpress.com/2017/04/16/call-me-nick-leadership-in-running-shoes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">“Call Me Nick!” Leadership in Running Shoes</a>. Jim shares, "Top leaders need to connect regularly with the people who get the work done in their organizations. Putting on a pair of running shoes will keep you more nimble. Don’t believe it? Read about 'Call me Nick'!" Find Jim on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/72keys" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@72keys</a>.
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<strong>Joel Garfinkle</strong> of the <a href="http://careeradvancementblog.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Career Advancement Blog</a> submitted <a href="http://careeradvancementblog.com/phrases-used-by-leaders" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Six Team-Building Phrases Used by Great Leaders</a>. Joel recaps: "To become a better leader, it's essential to build team morale. You can achieve this by using these six team-building phrases." Discover Joel on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/JoelGarfinkle" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@JoelGarfinkle</a>.
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<strong>Jon VerBeck </strong>of <a href="http://www.jonverbeck.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">JonVerbeck.com</a> submitted <a href="http://www.jonverbeck.com/whats-the-score/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">What's the Score? </a>. In his post, Jon takes the opportunity of spring (and the completion of March Madness) to suggest how you can know the score in your business. Discover Jon on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/jonverbeck1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jonverbeck1</a>.
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<strong>Julie Winkle-Giulioni </strong>of <a href="http://www.juliewinklegiulioni.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Julie Winkle-Giulioni</a> provided <a href="http://www.juliewinklegiulioni.com/blog/leadership-matters/4-raises-that-fit-any-budget/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">4 Raises That Fit Any Budget</a>. Julie recaps, "Effective leaders understand that limits on external motivators don’t have to limit their ability to tap internal sources of employee motivation. This brief post and animated video demonstrate that while pay raises might be in short supply, there are always four ‘raises’ available to leaders... and they cost literally nothing." Find Julie on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/julie_wg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@julie_wg</a>.
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<strong>Karin Hurt </strong>of <a href="http://letsgrowleaders.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Let's Grow Leaders</a> contributed <a href="http://letsgrowleaders.com/4-questions-to-keep-your-team-focused-and-working-on-what-matters-most/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Four Questions to Keep Your Team Focused and Working on What Matters Most</a>. In the post, Karin gives pointers about staying in tune with the MIT—the most important thing. Follow Karin on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/LetsGrowLeaders" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@letsgrowleaders</a>.
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<strong>Linda Fisher Thornton</strong> of<strong> </strong><a href="https://leadingincontext.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Leading in Context</a>  shared <a href="https://leadingincontext.com/2017/04/05/great-leaders-find-gold-within/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">"Great Leaders" Find Gold Within</a>. Linda recaps: "Great leadership is often defined based on efficiency, effectiveness or profitability, but that’s no way to define a journey of character building and authenticity. There’s much more to the story that needs to be told." Find Linda on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/leadingincontxt" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@leadingincontxt</a>.
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<strong>Lisa Kohn </strong>of <a href="http://chatsworthconsulting.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chatsworth Consulting</a> submitted <a href="http://chatsworthconsulting.com/2017/04/13/its-one-of-the-hardest-things-to-say-but-the-best-leaders-say-it/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">It’s One of the Hardest Things to Say But the Best Leaders Say It</a>. In this post, Lisa shares three little words that can help you be the best leader you can be. Discover Lisa on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/ThoughtfulLdrs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@thoughtfulldrs</a>.
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<strong>Marcella Bremer</strong> of <a href="http://www.leadershipandchangemagazine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Leadership and Change Magazine</a> provided <a href="https://www.leadershipandchangemagazine.com/the-positive-mindset-to-broaden-your-view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Positive Mindset - to broaden your view</a>. Marcella recaps, "<span style="font-size: medium;">In this blog post, I compare the conventional mental map and the positive mindset of possibilities. When you add the </span><span style="font-size: medium;">positive mindset you broaden your view and your repertory of responses. It is both/and rather than either/or. Highly recommended for all leaders: positive thinking and learning to see the positive potential of situations and people!</span>" Find Marcella on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcellaBremer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@marcellabremer</a>.
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<strong>Mary Ila Ward </strong>of <a href="http://horizonpointconsulting.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Horizon Point Consulting</a> provided <a href="http://horizonpointconsulting.com/blog3/item/3-tips-for-successfully-onboarding-new-hires/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">3 Tips for Successfully Onboarding New Hires</a>. Mary recaps, "Whether you are a company of three or a company of 30,000, onboarding can make or break employee engagement and retention even before day one. Having an onboarding strategy that is executed well starts with a plan. In this post, Mary Ila shares 3 tips for leaders to successfully onboard new hires." Find Mary on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/maryilaward" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@maryilaward</a>.
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<strong>Mary Jo Asmus </strong>of <a href="http://www.aspire-cs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aspire Collaborative Services, LLC</a> provided <a href="http://www.aspire-cs.com/work-executive-coach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">When to Work With an Executive Coach</a>. Mary Jo recaps, "Coaching takes time and energy. Consider this<b> </b>“Top Ten” list before committing to working with an executive coach." Find Mary Jo on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/mjasmus" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@mjasmus</a>.
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<strong>Mike Hoban</strong> of <a href="http://www.ddiworld.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Development Dimensions International (DDI)</a> provided <a href="http://www.ddiworld.com/blog/tmi/april-2017/could-siri-become-your-leadership-coach" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Could Siri Become Your Leadership Coach?</a>. Mike recaps, "What if you had a personal advisor that could help you be a better leader? An advisor with great listening skills, who knows you extremely well and is available 24/7? But here’s the catch: that resource would be a machine." Find Mike on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/ddiworld" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ddiworld</a>.
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<strong>Miki Saxon</strong> of <a href="http://mappingcompanysuccess.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MAPping Company Success</a> contributed <a href="http://mappingcompanysuccess.com/2017/04/psychological-manipulation-the-popular-new-management-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Psychological Manipulation: The Popular New Management Tool</a>. Miki writes, "60 years ago companies were condemned for using psychological manipulation on their customers via ads.These days it's an accepted practice to design your products and ads to be as addictive as possible. Now psychological manipulation has moved on to the management arena, with Uber leading the rush." Discover Miki on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/OptionSanity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@optionsanity</a>.
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<strong>Molly Page</strong> of <a href="https://www.thindifference.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Thin Difference</a> contributed <a href="https://www.thindifference.com/2017/04/the-power-of-3-simple-words/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Power of 3 Simple Words</a>. Molly summarizes, "It’s been said that we don’t only learn from good examples. Recently we've seen several public relation debacles play out in the news, these can serve as lessons for all of us about the power of 3 simple words.." Follow Thin Difference on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/ThinDifference" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@thindifference</a> and Molly at <a href="https://twitter.com/mollypg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@mollypg</a>.
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<strong>Neal Burgis</strong> of <a href="http://www.successful-solutions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Burgis Successful Solutions</a> submitted <a href="http://www.successful-solutions.com/2017/04/26/connecting-your-leadership-with-your-employees/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Connecting Your Leadership with Your Employees</a>. Neal recaps, "The connection leaders have with their employees has been found to increase productivity and performance. If you don’t have a connection with employees they won’t feel they own the work they produce. Therefore, they won’t put a lot of effort into doing work for you." Find Neal on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/Exec_Solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@exec_solutions</a>.
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<strong>Paula Kiger</strong> of <a href="http://biggreenpen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Big Green Pen</a> provided <a href="http://weavinginfluence.com/inspiration/lessons-on-centeredness-from-a-missing-cardboard-tube/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lessons on Centeredness from a Missing Cardboard Tube</a>. Paula recaps, "There is so much talk about mindfulness and staying centered these days. One of the best analogies I found came from a rather mundane source." Find Paula on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/biggreenpen" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@biggreenpen</a>.
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<strong>Randy Conley</strong> of <a href="http://leadingwithtrust.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Leading With Trust</a> shared <a href="https://leadingwithtrust.com/2017/04/23/4-ways-to-get-your-followers-to-know-you-as-a-real-person/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">4 Ways to Get Your Followers to Know You as a REAL Person</a>. Randy writes, "Research shows that many employees don’t see their leaders as real people; they form mental images of the leader based on limited interactions and random pieces of information. Using the acronym REAL, Randy <span class="il">Conley</span> provides four ways leaders can develop authentic relationships with their employees that foster trust, loyalty, and engagement." Find Randy on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/RandyConley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@randyconley</a>.
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<strong>Shelley Row</strong> of <a href="http://www.shelleyrow.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shelley Row</a> provided <a href="http://www.shelleyrow.com/what-consensus-really-is/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Three Steps to True Consensus: It’s More Than Flip Charts and Colored Dots</a>. In the post, Shelley shares what it means to develop true consensus on your team. You will better understand what consensus truly is. Find Shelley on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/shelleyrow" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@shelleyrow</a>.
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<strong>Susan Mazza</strong> of <a href="http://randomactsofleadership.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Random Acts of Leadership</a> provided <a href="http://randomactsofleadership.com/9-ways-leader-earn-trust/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">9 Ways a Leader Can Earn Trust</a>. Susan explains, "When it comes to earning trust as a leader, your actions speak far more loudly than your words. Here are 9 actions you can take on a daily basis to actively earn the trust of those you lead and greatly increase your chances of being trusted with the things that really matter." Follow Susan on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/SusanMazza" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@susanmazza</a>.
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<strong>Wally Bock</strong> of <a href="http://threestarleadership.com/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Three Star Leadership</a> provided <a href="http://www.threestarleadership.com/leadership/beware-of-these-three-leadership-traps" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of These Three Leadership Traps</a>. Wally recaps, "One reason leadership traps are so dangerous is that you set them for yourself." Find Wally on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/wallybock" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@wallybock</a>.
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<em>Thank you to everyone who submitted articles for this month's carnival! If you would like to be on the distribution list for submission calls, please contact Paula Kiger (paula @ weavinginfluence (dot) com)!</em>

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