The Everyday Leader Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:09:52 -0500 https://theeverydayleader.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 The Everyday Leader yes 66fa1422-3bf6-5813-a2c6-5f8798dfd7db Laura Thompson episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Laura Thompson https://storage.buzzsprout.com/sinnhg07wf9z5dpzseidfxks6l18?.jpg The Everyday Leader The Power of a Smile The Power of a Smile In this episode of The Everyday Leader, I dive into the power of a smile. From the science that proves smiling lowers stress and boosts happiness, to real-life stories about running, golf, and leadership, you’ll learn why your smile might be your most important leadership tool. 

]]> In this episode of The Everyday Leader, I dive into the power of a smile. From the science that proves smiling lowers stress and boosts happiness, to real-life stories about running, golf, and leadership, you’ll learn why your smile might be your most important leadership tool. 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-17694237 Mon, 18 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -0500 467 37 full false Language is Fuel Language is Fuel In this episode, LT shares a raw and honest look at how the voice in our head shapes our actions, our results, and ultimately our destiny. After realizing she had shifted from a mindset of greatness to one of just “getting through the day,” LT reflects on the power of affirmations, the importance of the language we tell ourselves, and how a simple phrase—I am capable of achieving great things—is changing the way she leads. With a fresh mindset heading into a critical two-day leadership meeting, LT challenges listeners to choose their own daily affirmation and watch how it fuels their actions.

]]> In this episode, LT shares a raw and honest look at how the voice in our head shapes our actions, our results, and ultimately our destiny. After realizing she had shifted from a mindset of greatness to one of just “getting through the day,” LT reflects on the power of affirmations, the importance of the language we tell ourselves, and how a simple phrase—I am capable of achieving great things—is changing the way she leads. With a fresh mindset heading into a critical two-day leadership meeting, LT challenges listeners to choose their own daily affirmation and watch how it fuels their actions.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-17657952 Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500 385 36 full false Why Collaboration is Key: The Third Essential Role for Leadership Success Why Collaboration is Key: The Third Essential Role for Leadership Success  In this episode of The Everyday Leader, we reveal the third essential role you need to succeed: the collaborator. Learn how collaboration can enhance creativity, reduce stress, and build stronger relationships—whether you’re training for a marathon or tackling a big work project. Discover real stories of how teaming up can lead to breakthrough results and why you can’t reach your full potential alone. Ready to transform your approach to leadership? Tune in now! 

]]>  In this episode of The Everyday Leader, we reveal the third essential role you need to succeed: the collaborator. Learn how collaboration can enhance creativity, reduce stress, and build stronger relationships—whether you’re training for a marathon or tackling a big work project. Discover real stories of how teaming up can lead to breakthrough results and why you can’t reach your full potential alone. Ready to transform your approach to leadership? Tune in now! 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-15985589 Thu, 24 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0500 474 full false Why You Need Both a Coach and a Cheerleader for Lasting Success in Leadership Why You Need Both a Coach and a Cheerleader for Lasting Success in Leadership  In this episode of The Everyday Leader, we dive into the power of having both a coach and a cheerleader in your life—and why you need to be both for others. Discover how small, daily actions compound into lasting success and learn actionable tips on how to uplift and push those around you to reach their full potential. Ready to level up your leadership? This episode is for you! 

]]>  In this episode of The Everyday Leader, we dive into the power of having both a coach and a cheerleader in your life—and why you need to be both for others. Discover how small, daily actions compound into lasting success and learn actionable tips on how to uplift and push those around you to reach their full potential. Ready to level up your leadership? This episode is for you! 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-15887156 Mon, 07 Oct 2024 21:00:00 -0500 573 full false Unveiling the Transformative Power of Daily Commitment: Lessons from MLK for Personal and Leadership Growth Unveiling the Transformative Power of Daily Commitment: Lessons from MLK for Personal and Leadership Growth Drawing inspiration from MLK's commitment to justice, we learn that commitment isn't just about big strides; it's the everyday decisions shaping our path. Dr. King's legacy teaches us that commitment is renewed daily, evident not just in grand gestures but in the everyday struggle for justice. As we honor Dr. King's legacy, let's absorb the profound lessons of commitment for our own growth. Join us at The Everyday Leader, where we explore the transformative power of commitment in leadership and personal development. Here's to a year filled with purposeful commitment, progress, and impactful achievements! 

]]> Drawing inspiration from MLK's commitment to justice, we learn that commitment isn't just about big strides; it's the everyday decisions shaping our path. Dr. King's legacy teaches us that commitment is renewed daily, evident not just in grand gestures but in the everyday struggle for justice. As we honor Dr. King's legacy, let's absorb the profound lessons of commitment for our own growth. Join us at The Everyday Leader, where we explore the transformative power of commitment in leadership and personal development. Here's to a year filled with purposeful commitment, progress, and impactful achievements! 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-14312042 Mon, 15 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0600 343 4 33 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 32: Commitment Chronicles: Unveiling Three Keys to Stay Committed The Everyday Leader Episode 32: Commitment Chronicles: Unveiling Three Keys to Stay Committed "Commitment Chronicles: Unveiling Three Keys to Stay Committed" is a podcast episode that delves into the art of commitment and offers practical strategies to fortify dedication. In this episode, listeners explore the importance of clarity in setting precise goals, breaking them into manageable steps, and understanding their significance. The discussion emphasizes the power of consistency, urging the establishment of habits that align with one's objectives. Furthermore, the episode advocates for accountability, suggesting methods to stay on track, such as sharing goals with a mentor or using habit-tracking tools. Through engaging narration and actionable insights, this podcast serves as a guide to help listeners cultivate unwavering commitment in pursuing their aspirations.

]]> "Commitment Chronicles: Unveiling Three Keys to Stay Committed" is a podcast episode that delves into the art of commitment and offers practical strategies to fortify dedication. In this episode, listeners explore the importance of clarity in setting precise goals, breaking them into manageable steps, and understanding their significance. The discussion emphasizes the power of consistency, urging the establishment of habits that align with one's objectives. Furthermore, the episode advocates for accountability, suggesting methods to stay on track, such as sharing goals with a mentor or using habit-tracking tools. Through engaging narration and actionable insights, this podcast serves as a guide to help listeners cultivate unwavering commitment in pursuing their aspirations.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-14265800 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 13:00:00 -0600 476 32 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 31: The Humble Advantage The Everyday Leader Episode 31: The Humble Advantage It's no secret that many qualities make a great leader, but humility is perhaps one of the most important. Humble leaders possess unique traits and behaviors that help them stand out from the crowd and gain the respect and trust of their followers.  As Andrew Carnegie said, "No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or to get all the credit for doing it." 

]]> It's no secret that many qualities make a great leader, but humility is perhaps one of the most important. Humble leaders possess unique traits and behaviors that help them stand out from the crowd and gain the respect and trust of their followers.  As Andrew Carnegie said, "No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or to get all the credit for doing it." 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-12693174 Fri, 21 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0500 477 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 30: One Word Vol 2 The Everyday Leader Episode 30: One Word Vol 2 While many struggle with a new year’s resolution – they are too hard, too easy, or have no stickiness to them.  What I have found that works in business and personally is selecting one word.  One word that works as your north star to guide your thoughts, decisions, and actions.

]]> While many struggle with a new year’s resolution – they are too hard, too easy, or have no stickiness to them.  What I have found that works in business and personally is selecting one word.  One word that works as your north star to guide your thoughts, decisions, and actions.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-12011643 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 17:00:00 -0600 725 30 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 29: One Word The Everyday Leader Episode 29: One Word As many our starting the new year with resolutions I am starting the new year with a word.  One word that will be my north star and guide my thoughts, decisions, and actions.  While New Year's resolutions tend to be one-dimensional, if done well, one word can impact all the areas of your life.

]]> As many our starting the new year with resolutions I am starting the new year with a word.  One word that will be my north star and guide my thoughts, decisions, and actions.  While New Year's resolutions tend to be one-dimensional, if done well, one word can impact all the areas of your life.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-11965434 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0600 444 29 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 28: Add the Merry to your Merry Christmas The Everyday Leader Episode 28: Add the Merry to your Merry Christmas Leaders inspire others to live their best lives by living the best version of themselves.  Those that look to leaders for how they should feel every other time of the year are depending on us now during the holidays.  When we find a way to manage our stress and anxiety during this busy tine we help others manage theirs.

]]> Leaders inspire others to live their best lives by living the best version of themselves.  Those that look to leaders for how they should feel every other time of the year are depending on us now during the holidays.  When we find a way to manage our stress and anxiety during this busy tine we help others manage theirs.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-9629561 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0600 540 28 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 27: Agility the Speed of Life The Everyday Leader Episode 27: Agility the Speed of Life It’s not enough to be smart enough to get the job done or driven enough to see the project to completion and having the capacity to get it done is important, but all three of these things aren’t good enough if you can’t learn, adapt, and change quickly.  Success loves speed.  Today’s leader needs agility. 

]]> It’s not enough to be smart enough to get the job done or driven enough to see the project to completion and having the capacity to get it done is important, but all three of these things aren’t good enough if you can’t learn, adapt, and change quickly.  Success loves speed.  Today’s leader needs agility. 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-9511165 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0600 577 27 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 26: What Is Servant Leadership The Everyday Leader Episode 26: What Is Servant Leadership Happy Memorial Day and thank you to all who have served.
When I think of a holiday like today I think of the key element which is service.  To serve, which makes me think of how service relates to leadership.  We have all heard the term servant leader or servant leadership.  When you hear those words what kinds of images come to mind or what actions do you think are represented by a servant leader?  What I have witnessed is that the term is very mis-represented.  Many confuse leaders doing the actual work with being a servant leader.  Listen here and learn what servant leadership is and 5 characteristics of servant leaders.

]]> Happy Memorial Day and thank you to all who have served.
When I think of a holiday like today I think of the key element which is service.  To serve, which makes me think of how service relates to leadership.  We have all heard the term servant leader or servant leadership.  When you hear those words what kinds of images come to mind or what actions do you think are represented by a servant leader?  What I have witnessed is that the term is very mis-represented.  Many confuse leaders doing the actual work with being a servant leader.  Listen here and learn what servant leadership is and 5 characteristics of servant leaders.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-8619230 Mon, 31 May 2021 13:00:00 -0500 472 26 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 25: Reward the Effort The Everyday Leader Episode 25: Reward the Effort If you want employees, team members, kids, partners that feel appreciated recognize the effort.

 “Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory”. Mahatma Gandhi

]]> If you want employees, team members, kids, partners that feel appreciated recognize the effort.

 “Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory”. Mahatma Gandhi

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-8187692 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500 468 25 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 24: Reflection: The Questions You Ask Yourself The Everyday Leader Episode 24: Reflection: The Questions You Ask Yourself Reflection is about questioning, in a positive way, what you do, what you say and why you do or say it and then deciding if there is perhaps a better way.  Why it’s important? Friends, self-reflection is essential for personal growth. Taking the time to create self-awareness will allow you to challenge your thoughts and to uncover breakthroughs. Without it, we have the potential to be reactive to people and situations. 

]]> Reflection is about questioning, in a positive way, what you do, what you say and why you do or say it and then deciding if there is perhaps a better way.  Why it’s important? Friends, self-reflection is essential for personal growth. Taking the time to create self-awareness will allow you to challenge your thoughts and to uncover breakthroughs. Without it, we have the potential to be reactive to people and situations. 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-7046911 Tue, 29 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0600 678 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 23: Success in the Simplicity The Everyday Leader Episode 23: Success in the Simplicity As a leader, what is weighing you down and keeping your from being your absolute best?  There is an amazing path to success through simplicity.

We talk a lot on this podcast about what great leaders have.  Let’s talk today about what great leaders don’t have.  Great leaders don’t have these 3 things

Cluttered schedules

Cluttered goals

Cluttered relationships

]]> As a leader, what is weighing you down and keeping your from being your absolute best?  There is an amazing path to success through simplicity.

We talk a lot on this podcast about what great leaders have.  Let’s talk today about what great leaders don’t have.  Great leaders don’t have these 3 things

Cluttered schedules

Cluttered goals

Cluttered relationships

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-6306286 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0600 594 23 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 22: Don't Just Survive: Thrive The Everyday Leader Episode 22: Don't Just Survive: Thrive Nearly 40% of Americans start their holiday shopping before Halloween. Shocking right? No wonder the displays are out so early. The holiday season traditionally does not bring out the best in shoppers. Friends, this year 2020, will be no exception to this.  We are all on edge.  COVID, social unrest, the election  I speak from experience. My retail history includes way too many Black Friday’s to count. While customers may not be exhibiting their kindest, most holly jolly behavior we must remember to rise above and always act like a pro. 

6 Tips For Working Retail During the Holidays Listen here

]]> Nearly 40% of Americans start their holiday shopping before Halloween. Shocking right? No wonder the displays are out so early. The holiday season traditionally does not bring out the best in shoppers. Friends, this year 2020, will be no exception to this.  We are all on edge.  COVID, social unrest, the election  I speak from experience. My retail history includes way too many Black Friday’s to count. While customers may not be exhibiting their kindest, most holly jolly behavior we must remember to rise above and always act like a pro. 

6 Tips For Working Retail During the Holidays Listen here

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-6171337 Sun, 01 Nov 2020 13:00:00 -0600 572 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 21 Status; Unstoppable The Everyday Leader Episode 21 Status; Unstoppable You’ve heard the term control the controllables.  People is a controllable that many leaders do not see as one because they don’t take true ownership of their team.  The great thing is, that as a leader you have the opportunity to surround yourself with the right people.  When you get the right people in the right roles doing the right things that’s when you become unstoppable.

]]> You’ve heard the term control the controllables.  People is a controllable that many leaders do not see as one because they don’t take true ownership of their team.  The great thing is, that as a leader you have the opportunity to surround yourself with the right people.  When you get the right people in the right roles doing the right things that’s when you become unstoppable.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-5420737 Sun, 13 Sep 2020 14:00:00 -0500 636 21 full false How Leaders Make Work Fulfilling How Leaders Make Work Fulfilling Leaders must create the proper environment for employees to feel their work is fulfilling.  One of my favorite authors, Patrick Lencioni, explains how in The Three Signs of a Miserable Job. 
Here are the 3 signs:

1. Anonymity

2. Irrelevance

3. Immeasurability

Let's add our own #4 Recognition.

]]> Leaders must create the proper environment for employees to feel their work is fulfilling.  One of my favorite authors, Patrick Lencioni, explains how in The Three Signs of a Miserable Job. 
Here are the 3 signs:

1. Anonymity

2. Irrelevance

3. Immeasurability

Let's add our own #4 Recognition.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-5125270 Mon, 24 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0500 722 20 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 19: Know Your Numbers Hire to Retire The Everyday Leader Episode 19: Know Your Numbers Hire to Retire There are 4 buckets of numbers you must know from hire to retire.  Listen here to make sure you know yours.

]]> There are 4 buckets of numbers you must know from hire to retire.  Listen here to make sure you know yours.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-5045951 Tue, 18 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0500 806 19 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 18: Your Team Needs These 4 Words The Everyday Leader Episode 18: Your Team Needs These 4 Words As a leader, you’re responsible for getting work done through others.  What sets the best leaders apart is belief in people.  I’ve said before leadership is the transfer of beliefs.  You don’t need your team to know what you know or be able to do what you do.  You need your team to believe what you believe. 

]]> As a leader, you’re responsible for getting work done through others.  What sets the best leaders apart is belief in people.  I’ve said before leadership is the transfer of beliefs.  You don’t need your team to know what you know or be able to do what you do.  You need your team to believe what you believe. 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-4934336 Mon, 10 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0500 649 full false The Difference Between Meh and Magnificent The Difference Between Meh and Magnificent For successful people, enthusiasm is a key driver of passion and achievement. It comes from within. If you are enthusiastic about a goal, your excitement will drive you to do your best in order to achieve it. It will keep you motivated to go on and on with it and see it through to success.  As a leader, how can you expect your team to be excited about anything if you are not? Your enthusiasm towards reaching the goal will inspire your team to be enthusiastic about the goal.  Leadership is a transfer of beliefs witnessed through the leader’s actions. 

]]> For successful people, enthusiasm is a key driver of passion and achievement. It comes from within. If you are enthusiastic about a goal, your excitement will drive you to do your best in order to achieve it. It will keep you motivated to go on and on with it and see it through to success.  As a leader, how can you expect your team to be excited about anything if you are not? Your enthusiasm towards reaching the goal will inspire your team to be enthusiastic about the goal.  Leadership is a transfer of beliefs witnessed through the leader’s actions. 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-4750700 Tue, 28 Jul 2020 11:00:00 -0500 626 17 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 16: Leaders are Learners The Everyday Leader Episode 16: Leaders are Learners Today I am going to talk about the one single thing that probably launched me further in my career than any other thing and that is the discipline of self-improvement.  You see, if you want things to be better- you want to be a better leader, you want better results, you want a better career, you want better movement up the up the ladder to bigger and better roles, you want to be the better candidate for the job, you want better relationships.  The only way to get better things is to be better yourself.

There is never a point where our need to grow stops. No matter what level of success we reach we can never stop learning and feeding our minds with new thoughts and ideas. 

]]> Today I am going to talk about the one single thing that probably launched me further in my career than any other thing and that is the discipline of self-improvement.  You see, if you want things to be better- you want to be a better leader, you want better results, you want a better career, you want better movement up the up the ladder to bigger and better roles, you want to be the better candidate for the job, you want better relationships.  The only way to get better things is to be better yourself.

There is never a point where our need to grow stops. No matter what level of success we reach we can never stop learning and feeding our minds with new thoughts and ideas. 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-4638596 Mon, 20 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0500 659 16 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 15: Land Your Dream Job The Everyday Leader Episode 15: Land Your Dream Job With the current pandemic and unemployment as high as it is it I know many of you are looking for the next move.  Your next career.  Many days you may be thinking why is my inbox empty? Why didn’t the recruiter call me or select me?
Here are 5 tips on how to land your dream job.  With a bonus #6.

]]> With the current pandemic and unemployment as high as it is it I know many of you are looking for the next move.  Your next career.  Many days you may be thinking why is my inbox empty? Why didn’t the recruiter call me or select me?
Here are 5 tips on how to land your dream job.  With a bonus #6.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-4540064 Sun, 12 Jul 2020 18:00:00 -0500 740 15 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 14: Lead Your Team Through Any Challenge The Everyday Leader Episode 14: Lead Your Team Through Any Challenge Many times, in business and life things aren’t going to go exactly as planned.  In my experience, I’ve seen too many quit on a goal or a project because some of the initial milestones did not go as planned.  This major mistake of giving up instead of retooling is what is getting in their way of unleashing their true potential.  It’s why so many leaders plateau instead of rising to new levels of success.  Anything worth doing is worth the struggle.  Average is easy.  It doesn’t take much effort to be an average leader.  Greatness? Greatness doesn’t come easy.  If it did, we would all be great.  Greatness comes by pushing through adversity, rising through challenges, being true to your purpose and overcoming any and all obstacles that come your way.

]]> Many times, in business and life things aren’t going to go exactly as planned.  In my experience, I’ve seen too many quit on a goal or a project because some of the initial milestones did not go as planned.  This major mistake of giving up instead of retooling is what is getting in their way of unleashing their true potential.  It’s why so many leaders plateau instead of rising to new levels of success.  Anything worth doing is worth the struggle.  Average is easy.  It doesn’t take much effort to be an average leader.  Greatness? Greatness doesn’t come easy.  If it did, we would all be great.  Greatness comes by pushing through adversity, rising through challenges, being true to your purpose and overcoming any and all obstacles that come your way.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-4363952 Mon, 29 Jun 2020 10:00:00 -0500 652 14 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 13: Try Something New The Everyday Leader Episode 13: Try Something New You can do the same things and have an ordinary life, or you can stretch yourself to try new things and have an extraordinary life.  How do you know what you are capable of if you do not try?  

]]> You can do the same things and have an ordinary life, or you can stretch yourself to try new things and have an extraordinary life.  How do you know what you are capable of if you do not try?  

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-4281125 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 22:00:00 -0500 598 13 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 12: Leading Your Team to Successfully Achieve a Big Goal The Everyday Leader Episode 12: Leading Your Team to Successfully Achieve a Big Goal There will be times when we must lead our teams through large overwhelming change or projects and just the thought of not knowing where to start will paralyze them with fear.  You may or soon may be facing these types of situations now with COVID and stay at home forcing you to do business differently.

Leadership is taking the BHAG and presenting it in an attainable way to the team.  Making the impossible possible.  This is not sugar coating it or making it less the big hairy beast that it is.  Your team needs to know the magnitude of the project.  They need to know that it is important, and it will certainly be difficult, but not impossible. 

]]> There will be times when we must lead our teams through large overwhelming change or projects and just the thought of not knowing where to start will paralyze them with fear.  You may or soon may be facing these types of situations now with COVID and stay at home forcing you to do business differently.

Leadership is taking the BHAG and presenting it in an attainable way to the team.  Making the impossible possible.  This is not sugar coating it or making it less the big hairy beast that it is.  Your team needs to know the magnitude of the project.  They need to know that it is important, and it will certainly be difficult, but not impossible. 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-4186610 Mon, 15 Jun 2020 15:00:00 -0500 661 12 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 11: Great Leaders Connect Their Team The Everyday Leader Episode 11: Great Leaders Connect Their Team My own experience this week reminded me of the importance of human connection.  Not the hyper-connectivity we receive from technology.  True face to face interaction with another human being.  Leaders cannot expect connection; connection is created.  

Think of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.  Belonging and connection must be felt if we want to be self-actualized and reach our full potential.  Not just encouraging your employees but expecting them to connect on a personal level will strengthen your team and contribute to your long term success.  When each team member feels a sense of belonging their contributions will increase because they will understand that they work they do every day has an impact.

]]> My own experience this week reminded me of the importance of human connection.  Not the hyper-connectivity we receive from technology.  True face to face interaction with another human being.  Leaders cannot expect connection; connection is created.  

Think of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.  Belonging and connection must be felt if we want to be self-actualized and reach our full potential.  Not just encouraging your employees but expecting them to connect on a personal level will strengthen your team and contribute to your long term success.  When each team member feels a sense of belonging their contributions will increase because they will understand that they work they do every day has an impact.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-4086347 Mon, 08 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0500 559 11 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 10; Effective Listening The Everyday Leader Episode 10; Effective Listening Effective listening is a skill and it must be learned and practiced.  Put this crucial skill in your leadership toolbox and you are more likely to inspire excellence and dedication from those you lead than if you only focus on results.  Effective listening is more than just hearing the words someone is saying.  It takes energy and immense focus.  What words they are saying is just the first part.  What is their tone?  What is their body language saying?

Building positive relations is an important part of leadership, and listening is key to building good relationships. Effectively listening to others lets them know that you are interested in their needs, as well as what they’re trying to say. Remember, they don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.  When people feel that you care about them, it will make them more likely to follow your leadership.

]]> Effective listening is a skill and it must be learned and practiced.  Put this crucial skill in your leadership toolbox and you are more likely to inspire excellence and dedication from those you lead than if you only focus on results.  Effective listening is more than just hearing the words someone is saying.  It takes energy and immense focus.  What words they are saying is just the first part.  What is their tone?  What is their body language saying?

Building positive relations is an important part of leadership, and listening is key to building good relationships. Effectively listening to others lets them know that you are interested in their needs, as well as what they’re trying to say. Remember, they don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.  When people feel that you care about them, it will make them more likely to follow your leadership.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-3999725 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 10:00:00 -0500 587 10 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 9: Leadership Legacy The Everyday Leader Episode 9: Leadership Legacy Memorial Day is about taking a time out and remembering.  As a leader when people take a time out how do you want them to remember you?  What type of memorial impression are you leaving on them?  Are you creating the leadership legacy that you expect?
A leadership legacy statement is like a mission or vision statement, but instead of goals of where you want to be it is more behavioral based.  It is how you will make your decisions during the journey towards your goals. Those principles that you want detected in your actions and will help guide you in decisions you make.  

]]> Memorial Day is about taking a time out and remembering.  As a leader when people take a time out how do you want them to remember you?  What type of memorial impression are you leaving on them?  Are you creating the leadership legacy that you expect?
A leadership legacy statement is like a mission or vision statement, but instead of goals of where you want to be it is more behavioral based.  It is how you will make your decisions during the journey towards your goals. Those principles that you want detected in your actions and will help guide you in decisions you make.  

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-3895769 Sun, 24 May 2020 12:00:00 -0500 623 9 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 8; Humility The Everyday Leader Episode 8; Humility Always stay humble and kind

“Mastery begins with humility.” Robin Sharma

Humility is not generally listed in the top characteristics of leaders.  In fact, it is frequently overlooked because some confuse humility with weakness. So yes, there are some weak ass leaders out there, but it’s not humility that makes them weak – it is other deficiencies.  Humility is greatly described in this CS Lewis quote "humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less."

]]> Always stay humble and kind

“Mastery begins with humility.” Robin Sharma

Humility is not generally listed in the top characteristics of leaders.  In fact, it is frequently overlooked because some confuse humility with weakness. So yes, there are some weak ass leaders out there, but it’s not humility that makes them weak – it is other deficiencies.  Humility is greatly described in this CS Lewis quote "humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less."

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-3809567 Mon, 18 May 2020 09:00:00 -0500 695 8 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 7; Mindful Monday The Everyday Leader Episode 7; Mindful Monday Mindfulness is considered by some to be a superpower.  When you're in tune with the present moment and how you're feeling, you're better equipped to handle really everything better, but especially stress.

]]> Mindfulness is considered by some to be a superpower.  When you're in tune with the present moment and how you're feeling, you're better equipped to handle really everything better, but especially stress.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-3711218 Mon, 11 May 2020 09:00:00 -0500 892 7 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 6: Be a Leader with Optimism The Everyday Leader Episode 6: Be a Leader with Optimism Why optimism is important for leaders?  Almost every successful leader begins with two beliefs.  The future can be better than the present and I can make it so.

]]> Why optimism is important for leaders?  Almost every successful leader begins with two beliefs.  The future can be better than the present and I can make it so.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-3602593 Sun, 03 May 2020 12:00:00 -0500 914 6 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 5 The Everyday Leader Episode 5 I’m sharing this story because there are so many choices right now – 

You can choose the couch

OR

You can choose to dive into sharpening the saw or learning new skills

OR

Can you see the tyranny of “or” here.  If I choose one path I choose to deny myself of the other path.  Or is oppressive.  It’s why so much self improvement, so many diets, and so many new ideas fail.   Poor sad little “or”.  

You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other or choose just one path.  As Jim Collins would say in his book Built to Last “Embrace the Genius of AND” 

]]> I’m sharing this story because there are so many choices right now – 

You can choose the couch

OR

You can choose to dive into sharpening the saw or learning new skills

OR

Can you see the tyranny of “or” here.  If I choose one path I choose to deny myself of the other path.  Or is oppressive.  It’s why so much self improvement, so many diets, and so many new ideas fail.   Poor sad little “or”.  

You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other or choose just one path.  As Jim Collins would say in his book Built to Last “Embrace the Genius of AND” 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-3523504 Mon, 27 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0500 546 5 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 4 The Everyday Leader Episode 4 Gratitude is the antidote for fear, anxiety, depression.  Gratitude is what turns what we have into enough. Having goals, drive and ambition can be a very positive aspect of life, it’s when striving for what we want and focusing on what we don’t have becomes so consuming that we are unable to enjoy the present moment, that this becomes a problem. If we consistently focus on thoughts of negativity and lack, our minds look for more evidence and it starts a cycle. When you change the way you look at things things change.  Change this way of looking at the world and see it through a different lens. The lens of gratitude; the act of giving thanks and acknowledging that which we already have.

]]> Gratitude is the antidote for fear, anxiety, depression.  Gratitude is what turns what we have into enough. Having goals, drive and ambition can be a very positive aspect of life, it’s when striving for what we want and focusing on what we don’t have becomes so consuming that we are unable to enjoy the present moment, that this becomes a problem. If we consistently focus on thoughts of negativity and lack, our minds look for more evidence and it starts a cycle. When you change the way you look at things things change.  Change this way of looking at the world and see it through a different lens. The lens of gratitude; the act of giving thanks and acknowledging that which we already have.

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-3431236 Mon, 20 Apr 2020 10:00:00 -0500 688 4 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 3 The Everyday Leader Episode 3 Today I’m going to share with you the most powerful habit to stop doing.  If you stop doing this right now.  Today! You will dramatically start to get different results in your life.  I love this one because it’s totally doable for everyone, you can start it immediately, and it requires no money just effort.  I also love it because it is a two-fer.  We are going to stop doing something today and replace it with something else so we will get two habits of the most successful leaders at once

Are you ready

This habit if you stop doing now – and I know that you are doing it.  I see it on your social media posts and its become worse since the current pandemic that we are experiencing. 

]]> Today I’m going to share with you the most powerful habit to stop doing.  If you stop doing this right now.  Today! You will dramatically start to get different results in your life.  I love this one because it’s totally doable for everyone, you can start it immediately, and it requires no money just effort.  I also love it because it is a two-fer.  We are going to stop doing something today and replace it with something else so we will get two habits of the most successful leaders at once

Are you ready

This habit if you stop doing now – and I know that you are doing it.  I see it on your social media posts and its become worse since the current pandemic that we are experiencing. 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-3335371 Sun, 12 Apr 2020 14:00:00 -0500 616 3 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 2 The Everyday Leader Episode 2 We are working on replacing our limiting beliefs with positive beliefs and so we must start working on our actions.  Why?  Because again

Our mindset fuels our actions and our actions fuel our results.  If we want different results than what we have had then we need different actions. You’ve heard that saying – the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.  New results require new actions.

What actions? 

]]> We are working on replacing our limiting beliefs with positive beliefs and so we must start working on our actions.  Why?  Because again

Our mindset fuels our actions and our actions fuel our results.  If we want different results than what we have had then we need different actions. You’ve heard that saying – the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.  New results require new actions.

What actions? 

]]> Laura Thompson Buzzsprout-3247957 Mon, 06 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0500 563 leadership, self improvement, personal development 2 full false The Everyday Leader Episode 1 The Everyday Leader Episode 1 Welcome to the very first episode of The Everyday Leader.  Lessons you can use to build and grow your influence every day.

This podcast is for everyone.  Leaders are not defined by a title.  We are all leaders in some aspect of our lives.  John Maxwell says "leadership is influence."

In this episode we discuss the mindset of a leader and 3 steps to level up your mindset.
1) Find out what the most successful do
2) Change your self talk
3) Walk the walk

]]> Welcome to the very first episode of The Everyday Leader.  Lessons you can use to build and grow your influence every day.

This podcast is for everyone.  Leaders are not defined by a title.  We are all leaders in some aspect of our lives.  John Maxwell says "leadership is influence."

In this episode we discuss the mindset of a leader and 3 steps to level up your mindset.
1) Find out what the most successful do
2) Change your self talk
3) Walk the walk

]]> laura Buzzsprout-3165940 Sun, 29 Mar 2020 16:00:00 -0500 351 1 full false