Workplace creativity and innovation are sought after goals in many organizations. Ever wonder how to get the creative juices flowing? Practicing creativity not only helps leaders make quick, confident decisions, innovate, and problem solve; creativity also helps us interact with others at a higher level.Living in this creative zone is as beneficial for leaders as it is for artists. Observe artists at work, whether it is performing artists, painters, sculptors, writers, or designers. Artists are present in the moment of creating with razor sharp focus as the divine download fills the spaces of their mind, heart, and body.Pablo Picasso reminds us, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”The best way to start tapping into our creativity is do what we did as children—play. Let’s get the creative juices flowing with the abandonment of child-like play.I would love to hear from you. What do you think? How do you get your creative juices flowing?With love,Maria
Three Ways To Find Renewal In Your Leadership Development
As we move into the season of Spring, a sense of wonder and renewal comes upon me. This is such a beautiful time of year, fresh with new beginnings and renewal. It is important for us, as leaders, to take the time for renewal and reflection in our leadership development.As leaders, we have to give it, share it, mentor it, and grow it. It is love, knowledge, care, trust, love. As leaders, we have a responsibility to be students of those that went before us, stewards of our gifts and talents, and mentors to those that come after us.Our challenge is to go through our own inward journey, describe the lessons we’ve learned, and then return to teach those lessons to the next generation of leaders.As we better define our personal leadership models with renewal in mind, I would love to discuss this further with you. What do you do for renewal?With love,Maria
Leadership Models Should Be Built With Legacy In Mind
We all leave a legacy, whether by choice or unconsciously. So why not intentionally create our personal leadership models built with legacy in mind? Do you really want someone else to define your legacy? Meaningfulness, is feeling a part of something bigger, as big as a legacy.The yearning for something more is evident in our society. Work-related illnesses are on the rise, and stress reduction workshops are everywhere. Proof of peoples’ desire for a more spiritual and holistic life is on grocery store shelves, in advertising, and in kitchens and baths across America. The evidence is out there—we want more!I invite you to discover a model of leadership that can help you realize meaning, abundance, and can inspire and motivate those around you in meaningful experiences. Let us be a part of something bigger and let us start now!As we better define our personal leadership models with this legacy in mind, I would love to discuss this further with you. What type of legacy do you want to leave?With love,Maria
Why Social Responsibility is Changing Corporations
Consumers, employees, and leaders are demanding socially responsible behavior of themselves and others. Walmart, Starbucks, Walt Disney, and many changing corporations are incorporating this policy into their competitive strategies.If companies choose not to comply with our wishes, we go elsewhere—because we can. Have you noticed the recent impact of social responsibility in our business culture?We see social responsibility manifested in the philanthropic activities organizations are doing; and they are not just writing checks to non-profits. Companies are building schools, putting shoes on children, and teaching third-world countries how to harvest water.We have business models emerging with the primary purpose of serving others. And guess what? These businesses are making money! They have learned how to connect the heart with the bank account. If you feel love within you, you will look out on a world with mercy and of love. That is exactly what some organizations are doing.As we explore the concept of social responsibility and corporate culture changes, I would love to discuss this further with you. How is your organization practicing social responsibility?With love,Maria
Five Types Of Power In Leadership
Power is a hot topic. Not all power is equal. In this video, I review the five types of power in leadership, how shared power can make followers uncomfortable, and some considerations you will be able to apply going forward.We have been taught for too long, to let others define our thoughts, feelings, jobs, lives, and meaning for us. What to think, what to wear, how to feel—is it any wonder we get nervous when we receive permission or power to make decisions or design aspects of our lives for ourselves?Like anything else in this world, all forms of power can be for the greater good or for selfish and egoic purposes. As we review these five types of power, consider your former bosses and your own leadership style as you prepare to better define what kind of leader you choose to become.I would love to hear from you. What is your go-to type of power and why?With love,Maria
Two Ways To Improve Your Leadership Style
Leaders are constantly looking for way to improve and grow. When it comes to improving our leadership style, there are two major ways that are often overlooked – the mindfulness of both meditation and prayer. Prayer, meditation, and leadership. What in the world, do these three things have in common?Everything.As leaders, we have a responsibility to lead and inspire with clarity. In our busy world, we often do not take the time to just think and get really clear about the vision and more importantly, the path, systems, and steps necessary to realize the vision.And even worse, we think we have to get there on our own.Well, the good news is that we are not on our own.Forbes Magazine also discusses how Fortune 500 leaders apply this concept in their daily routines, in this video we explore how prayer and meditation can directly improve our leadership style and ability.I would love to hear from you. How do you sit in stillness?With love,Maria
How The Stories We Tell Ourselves Guide Personal Success
Perceptions are the stories we tell ourselves regarding what we see and how we interpret the world around us. Les Brown, one of the great 21st century storytellers said, “How people live their lives is as a result of the stories that they believe about themselves.” Your personal success is a result of your perceptions.What are your stories? Do they serve you as your aspire to reach your highest potential? Do your stories lift you up or do they bring you down? Do your stories represent who you really are, your true essence?In this video we address some of the common misperceptions in those stories we work into our daily lives and explore the options that come with creating a story that leads to a fuller, more exciting, and fulfilling life without fear.I would love to hear from you. What story do you tell? Does is serve you or drain you?With love,Maria
How Getting Organized Impacts Your Freedom At Work
I’ve always considered myself a tidy person, but I also must admit that sometimes I get overwhelmed and lose control of my time. I’ve noticed it directly affects my daily business in a big way and I lose a sense of freedom at work. In those times of overwhelm, I need to get a grip on getting organized!Very recently, I found myself in this space of needing to regain control of my time and organization again. I realized that nearly every time I arrive at this place, I experienced the same symptoms in my thoughts and behaviors.In this video, we explore not only the need for getting organized and some techniques to do so, but also the freeing result of cleaning up the clutter in our mind and on our desk.I would love to hear from you. What steps do you take to get organized?With love,Maria
How Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy will Motivate Your Employees
Abraham Maslow’s well-known and highly respected Hierarchy of Needs theory describes five levels of needs. But what does Maslow’s theory have to do with leadership and motivation for our employees?As we understand this next generation of Millennials joining the work-force, it is important that we review the basics of what types of areas by which our employees are fundamentally motivated.In this video, we explore three assumptions that are basic for all leaders to understand from Maslow’s Hierarchy that ultimately could help motivate our employees and help them think twice before seeking employment elsewhere.I would love to hear from you. Did you identify at what level you are in your current position? What is one immediate action you can take today, based on this knowledge?With love,Maria
How Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. continues to inspire with these 11 Quotes on Leadership
Today, in the United States, we celebrate the great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—his life, his work, and his love. His most famous speech, “I Have a Dream” inspired us toward action for equality, justice, and love. From his masterful and inspirational orations, I’ve selected 11 key quotes on leadership that encourage me even now.I have a dream, too. In fact, I am sure you too, have a dream... and I venture to guess that it is similar to my dream…a collective dream. That dream is the radical, necessary, ubiquitous dream of shifting from a world steeped in fear, to a love-based world.In this video, we explore these 11 comments from Dr. King and the great leadership lessons in each message that continues to guide pivotal leaders today.I would love to hear from you. What is your favorite Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quote and why?With love,Maria
How the Art of Leadership Storytelling Begins with 6 Steps to Captivate Your Audience
One of the most effective ways to teach is through storytelling – sharing your story. Nietzsche stated, “The more abstract the truth you wish to teach, the more you must allure the senses to it.” That is exactly what storytelling does; it allures the senses. In this episode, you will learn how to effectively implement the art of leadership storytelling by beginning with these six steps to captivate your audience.Throughout history, the art of storytelling demonstrates this powerful technique used to teach. Aristotle, Plato, Jesus, Buddha, Lao Tzu, Rumi, Gibran, Hemingway, Emerson, and even Bob Dylan and Smokey Robinson have allured us with their gifted storytellingThis clear form of teaching captures us through our feelings, connecting with us through our hearts. The emotional heart-tug we get with good stories heightens our attention and holds us captive. We are fully present in those captive moments of a great story, giving our undivided attention to the details. This technique presents an incredible opportunity for the learner to not only be present with full attention, but also to retain the information ready to call upon it when needed.In this video, I share with you these six simple steps to captivate audiences with the art of leadership storytelling.I would love to hear from you. What is the best story you’ve told about your leadership?With love,Maria
How to make your intention your reality with 10 powerful steps to success.
As we begin a new year, many of us are setting our New Year’s Resolutions. Instead, I like to set intentions. In this episode, I share with you how to make your intention your reality with 10 steps to success.I love the start of a new year. In our home, we have a tradition of stating all that we were grateful for in the past year and proclaiming our hopes and intentions for the new.This activity of reflection grounds us in the here and now. While this may sound like a contradiction, the activity of reflecting on the past and setting an intention for the future brings us fully present in the moment with awareness of our thoughts and feelings. It is not until we fully experience those full realizations combining thoughts and feelings can we then release them to the past (which is where they belong) and focus our energy on creating the today and tomorrow we desire.In this video, I share with you 10 powerful steps to realize your full intentions for 2015.I would love to hear from you. What is your tradition to start the New Year?With love,Maria
How to Lead Effectively with Realistic Expectations
The image we have of the perfect Hollywood leader leaves us feeling less than adequate. We need to know how to lead effectively with realistic expectations and stop buying into the superhuman leader concept.Many models of leadership exist. A favorite of many, with massive buy-in is the Hollywood version of leadership. Our society has embraced and idolized a stereotypical leader we see depicted in films like Patton and the Lone Ranger.This type of leader is nearly omnipotent, strong, and able to handle almost everything that comes his (yes, his) way almost single-handedly. He has all of the answers and endless energy. In many organizations, we’ve come to expect this type of leader to lead and guide us through the hard times and reign in the good times. These leaders are expected to have strength, courage, valor, and vision.This perception and expectation of leadership is harmful to both the leaders and the followers. It is unrealistic. Inevitably, the Hollywood leader in organizations, communities, and countries fail, leaving the followers disillusioned and fearful. The leaders in organizations that succumb to this model pay a hefty price of, isolation, stress, fear of failure, stress-related illness, or worse. In this episode, I discuss why we create these types of leaders and the danger to our organizations these expectations may have.I would love to hear from you. What do you think it takes to be a great leader?With love,Maria
How to Light Up a Room and reflect Leadership Love
I love this quote by Edith Wharton, “There are two ways of spreading light…To be a candle or the mirror that reflects it”. We can both light up a room and reflect leadership love.In this season of light, I ponder what light represents in our lives and how that relates to our leadership. I love Edith Wharton’s perspective of spreading light, but what exactly does that mean?In this episode, I share with you how we can be both the candle and the mirror that reflects the light.Light in the darkness and lightening the load are profound ways we demonstrate love-based leadership. In this season of light, I wish you a blessed holiday season and a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.I would love to hear from you. How can you be a light to others today?With love,Maria
How to Leverage Wisdom and Learning to Grow Your Leadership Style
I was recently asked, “What is wisdom?” That is one of those questions that stops me in my tracks. What a simple, yet complex answer. This video is to help you know how to leverage wisdom and learning to grow you leadership style. Because of my preference to err on the side of simplicity, I thought the answer to the question might certainly reside in simplicity. After all, as my friend Dorothy always says, “Simple is profound.”Before we define wisdom, let’s first look at what wisdom is not. Wisdom is not knowledge. Wisdom is not education. Wisdom is not experience.Wisdom is circular. We receive it, put it out there, live it, and receive it again. Wisdom is not an achievement where we check the box and move on; it is not an arrival. We taste it and we know of it as we travel on the journey. Wisdom is definitely a process, and not one that is ever truly finished. In actuality, the more we learn, the more we learn that which we do not know. Socrates knew this when he said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” Enter—wisdom.The simplicity in understanding wisdom, is that it is a combination of all three activities: knowledge, experience, and learning from those experiences. Wisdom, simply stated, is the combination of knowledge and experience.In this episode, I share with you the two key elements that create wisdom in your leadership style and two great quotes by Albert Einstein and Socrates.I would love to hear from you. Today, reflect on a recent experience in stillness. Begin with the process in your heard and slowly move the thought energy to your heart. Then listen with the profoundness and simplicity of wisdom. Share any insights or Aha moments below and continue our discussion after the episode.With love,Maria
How to Create Successful Organizations and Inspire Others
So much of what we do as leaders is to create vision, motivate, and inspire others to reach that vision. We imagine what our organizations will be like when we are successful at meeting our goals, meeting the mission, and realizing the vision. We may even imagine leadership and life in abundant, peaceful, and joyful ways.I love John Lennon’s song, Imagine. When I look at lyrics from this famous song, I am struck by the simplicity of his statements and the call to action. Living life in peace is possible in our world, our countries, our communities, our organizations, and our families. Peace begins with us, and feeling peaceful within ourselves. Of course, our internal peace is steeped in self-love.Feeling peaceful in our workplaces is sometimes challenging, but not impossible. To shift to peace, requires awareness and a commitment to live life in peace. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world”.In this episode, I share with you thoughts to create the success and change you want to see in your organization and the world.I would love to hear from you. What do you want to see in your organization, community, and world and what are you willing to commit to today to be the change you want to see?With love,Maria
How to Nurture Your Soul and Experience Spiritual Development
Taking a holistic approach to leadership, we want to develop our whole selves. As with our mind and body, it is important to take care of our soul. When you nurture your soul, experiencing spiritual development, you too, experience profound leadership development.When we do not care for our souls, we end up with what Albert Schweitzer referred to as, “A sleeping sickness of the soul. Its symptoms are loss of seriousness, enthusiasm, and zest. When we live superficially, pursue no goals deeper than material success, and never stop to listen to our inner voices, we stunt our spiritual development.”Listening to and honoring your heart’s call honors your soul, your core, and your very essence. When we are aligned with our soul, with our spirit, we are authentic, abundant, and at peace. Meaning is not a destination, but a way of life, like the air we breathe. There is no better way to achieve well being and love for ourselves than aligning with our spirit.In today’s episode, I share with you ideas to nurture you soul and what makes mine leap from my body.I would love to hear from you. What do you do to nurture your soul?With love,Maria
How to Cultivate Gratitude and Increase Abundance
Gratitude is the portal through which abundance flows. So how exactly, do we cultivate gratitude and increase abundance?Writing and speaking about gratitude is one of my favorite topics, as I have written blogs, articles, and chapters about the virtues of thankfulness. Near Thanksgiving, I cannot help but revisit this topic again. It warms my heart to see the 30-day challenge many people have taken this month. I see tweets and posts with gratitude expressed each day for someone or something. Woohoo!I would love to see the challenge extend another month, quarter, or even a year-long commitment to keeping a gratitude journal or gratitude board in our homes or offices. Let’s challenge ourselves to find elements of gratitude in the mundane or laborious tasks we do each and every day.In a previous Dr. Maria TV episode, http://drmariachurch.com/its-all-about-attitude/, I shared three strategies to cultivate a gratitude practice. In this episode, I share with you two additional activities to attract more abundance into your life and I throw down the gauntlet to accept a SUPER challenge!I would love to hear from you. To which gratitude challenge are you willing to commit?With love,Maria
How to Inspire Innovation and Create a Competitive Advantage
Innovation and knowledge creation are extremely important in today’s global marketplace. Many organizations thrive on innovative ideas and others struggle to creative a competitive advantage with new knowledge and innovative goods and services. So, what is the key to knowledge creation?According to two Japanese researchers, Nonaka and Nishiguchi, organizations must have ba present in the organizational space for knowledge creation to occur. Ba, loosely defined, is an energy by which knowledge and innovation are created.In this episode, I share with you four elements that must be present for ba to exist.I would love to hear from you. What can you do today to invite ba in?With love,Maria
How to Turn Power and Empowerment into an Effective Leadership Strategy
Power and empowerment are not just buzzwords of the day, but can be an effective leadership strategy to move your team into action. Power is a word that brings about different mental models for different people. Many times messages of power are wrapped in fear, hope, darkness, and light. Power is both greatly misunderstood and terribly misused.Empowerment, too, is a concept that conjures up different impressions for different people.As a leader, power is one of the aspects we expect in leadership. Unfortunately, for many of us, the image of power is one of aggression, dominance, and fear. This type of power can in fact motivate people, but it is not sustaining. This type of power grows resentment in the eyes and hearts of followers.In this episode, I share with you one of my favorite empowerment quotes by Lao Tzu and five steps to claim your power.I would love to hear from you. What is one immediate step you can take right now to self-empower?With love,Maria