Dr. Will Ramey Leadership Archives

August 7, 2023

Building Collective Purpose | Dr. Will Ramey

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Research Backed Approaches to Leadership and Team Dynamics by Dr. Will Ramey, The Leadership Dr.

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Building Collective Purpose

In the dynamic world of leadership, one of the most powerful forces is building a collective purpose within our teams. Today, we delve into the art of uniting individuals with diverse talents and backgrounds towards a common goal. When I led teams in the Army, collective purpose made a big difference in how people showed up. It was the super glue that helped hold us together when times got tough. Knowing that we were serving something bigger than ourselves. Feeling connected to something that required us to work together instead of being individual contributors allowed us to move mountains.

Building collective purpose ignites passion, fosters collaboration, and unlocks the full potential of our teams. I want to share with you this powerful difference maker. Together, let’s explore the strategies and benefits of aligning our team members under a shared purpose that fuels our journey towards greatness.

Understanding Collective Purpose: The Essence of Unity

Purpose is the enduring intention to achieve a long-term meaningful objective that makes a positive lasting impression on the world. A collective purpose is the shared understanding and belief in a team’s purpose. This will drive commitment and actions within your team.

Collective purpose is the driving force that unites individuals around a shared mission or vision. It transcends individual objectives and brings together team members with diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences, aligning them towards a common goal. As leaders, we hold the key to ignite this collective purpose and unleash its transformative power within our teams. Take a moment to reflect. Do you have a group of individual contributors that are moving forward at the same time? Or, is your team bonded together by a shared sense of purpose and are supporting each other to move forward in synch towards their common objective?

The Strategies for Building Collective Purpose

Define a Compelling Vision: A clear and compelling vision acts as a magnetic force, attracting team members towards a shared objective. Craft a vision that inspires passion, resonates with each team member, and reflects the impact of their collective efforts.

Communicate with Authenticity: Be an authentic communicator, sharing your vision with genuine passion and conviction. Your enthusiasm will be contagious, stirring the hearts of your team members and rallying them around the common cause.

Foster Open Dialogue: Encourage open dialogue and active listening within your team. Create a safe space where team members can express their ideas, concerns, and aspirations. Embrace diversity of thought, as it enriches the collective purpose.

Lead by Example: Demonstrate your commitment to the collective purpose through your actions. Embody the values and principles that underpin the vision, inspiring your team members to do the same.

Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and celebrate achievements, both big and small. Acknowledge the efforts of each team member and the progress made towards the collective purpose. Celebrations foster a sense of camaraderie and strengthen the bond among the team.

The Benefits of Collective Purpose

Heightened Motivation: A shared purpose elevates team members’ motivation, giving them a sense of belonging and pride in their work. When individuals feel connected to a larger mission, they become intrinsically driven to excel.

Enhanced Collaboration: Collective purpose promotes collaboration, breaking down silos, and fostering a spirit of cooperation. Team members collaborate not just for their individual gain but for the greater good of the team and organization.

Resilience in Adversity: During challenging times, a collective purpose acts as an anchor, keeping the team resilient and focused on overcoming obstacles. Together, the team can navigate through adversity and emerge stronger.

Increased Innovation: A united team is more likely to innovate and think outside the box. Diverse perspectives converge to create innovative solutions that lead to growth and success.

Embrace the Power of Collective Purpose

As leaders, we possess the extraordinary ability to unite our teams under a common purpose, igniting a shared passion for excellence. Leverage your position of power for good. By defining a compelling vision, fostering open dialogue, and leading with authenticity, we build a collective purpose that propels our teams towards unprecedented achievements.

Together, let’s celebrate the benefits of collective purpose – heightened motivation, enhanced collaboration, resilience in adversity, and increased innovation. Embrace the power of collective purpose, and watch your team rise to new heights of success, impact, and fulfillment. Together, we will create a future defined by unity and greatness.

Check out my TEDxTalk about how shared leadership saved my life: Dr. Will Ramey Delivers TEDx Talk on Shared Leadership

Let’s Work Together:

Looking for a personal coach to help you strengthen your self-awareness and navigate leading people? Let’s talk! Connect with me on LinkedIn Dr. William Ramey | LinkedIn

Interested in having me facilitate a leadership or team development workshop for your organization? Reach out or checkout my website: Will Ramey Leadership & Team Dynamic Workshop

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July 31, 2023

Exploring Decision-making Styles | Dr. Will Ramey

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Research Backed Approaches to Leadership and Team Dynamics by Dr. Will Ramey, The Leadership Dr.

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Exploring Decision-Making Styles

Today, we embark on an insightful journey into the world of decision-making styles, bringing you the research from Susanne Scott and Reginald Bruce. In the dynamic landscape of leadership, decision-making is a fundamental skill that significantly influences the success of individuals and organizations alike. Understanding the five distinctive decision-making styles can equip you with the knowledge to make sound judgments and drive positive outcomes. Let’s dive in!

When we talk about decision-making styles, we’re basically referring to the typical ways people make decisions. It’s your usual approach or habits when facing choices. Another way to understand it is as the way each person sees and handles decision-making tasks. Decision-making styles are the learned, automatic response that you have when in a decision-making situation. It’s essential to note that this isn’t a fixed personality trait; instead, it’s more of a habit-based tendency to react in a certain manner when dealing with specific decisions.

The Five Decision-Making Styles

Research into decision-making has uncovered five primary decision-making styles, each representing a unique approach to making choices.

Rational Decision-Making Style: Leaders with this style analyze decisions meticulously, relying on logic, data, and objective information. They consider all available facts before arriving at a conclusion. Rational decision-makers excel in structured situations where a systematic evaluation is required.

Intuitive Decision-Making Style: Intuitive leaders rely on their gut feelings, instincts, and insights when making decisions. They have a natural ability to grasp the essence of a situation quickly, even when faced with limited information. Intuitive decision-makers excel in fast-paced and uncertain environments.

Dependent Decision-Making Style: Leaders with this style seek external guidance and validation when making choices. They often turn to others for advice and support, which can foster collaborative decision-making but may also lead to indecisiveness.

Avoidant Decision-Making Style: Avoidant decision-makers tend to procrastinate or actively avoid making choices, particularly when faced with difficult or high-stakes decisions. This style can hinder progress and create challenges in leadership roles.

Spontaneous Decision-Making Style: Leaders with a spontaneous style make quick decisions based on their immediate reactions and preferences. While this can lead to fast action, it may also increase the risk of overlooking crucial information.

Each decision-making style has its strengths and weaknesses, making it essential for leaders to recognize their dominant style and adapt their approach to different situations.

Harnessing Decision-Making Styles

Know Yourself: Reflect on your decision-making style and recognize its influence on your leadership outcomes. Self-awareness is key to understanding your biases and making more conscious decisions.

Embrace Diversity: Encourage diversity in your team, both in terms of skills and decision-making styles. A mix of approaches can lead to well-rounded decisions and innovative solutions.

Balance Rationality and Intuition: Understand when to rely on rational analysis and when to trust your intuition. A combination of both can lead to comprehensive and well-informed decisions.

Address Avoidance: If you tend to avoid decision-making, identify the underlying reasons and work on building confidence in making choices. Seek support from mentors or colleagues if needed.

Assess Decision Outcomes: Regularly evaluate the results of your decisions. Learn from successes and failures to refine your decision-making skills over time.

Empowering Your Decision-Making Skills

Decision-making styles play a vital role in leadership effectiveness. We explored five distinct styles: rational, intuitive, dependent, avoidant, and spontaneous. Being aware of your dominant style and understanding its implications will help you make better decisions as a leader.

As you lead your team or organization, remember that effective decision-making involves a balance of rationality and intuition. Embrace diversity within your team and foster an environment where various styles can thrive. Address any avoidant tendencies and cultivate a proactive approach to decision-making.

Thank you for joining us on this exploration of decision-making styles in leadership. We hope this knowledge empowers you to harness the strengths of your style and make impactful decisions that drive success. Until next time, lead with confidence and wisdom!

Let’s Work Together:

Looking for a personal coach to help you strengthen your self-awareness and navigate leading people? Let’s talk! Connect with me on LinkedIn Dr. William Ramey | LinkedIn

Interested in having me facilitate a leadership or team development workshop for your organization? Reach out or checkout my website: Will Ramey Leadership & Team Dynamic Workshop

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Check out my TEDxTalk on shared leadership here:

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July 17, 2023

Avoiding Decision Fatigue | Dr. Will Ramey

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Research Backed Approaches to Leadership and Team Dynamics by Dr. Will Ramey, The Leadership Dr.

Brought to you by our friends at Sweat Tent! Get $100 OFF your purchase with code OTS at SweatTent.com.

Conquering Decision Fatigue: Unlocking the Potential of Effective Leadership

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Leaders, your day is filled with making decisions. Allocating resources, shifting priorities, unplanned absences, selecting people for promotion or training opportunities. It can be overwhelming. I’ve come home and said, “Please don’t ask me to make any more decisions today.” I hit what is known as decision fatigue.

As leaders, we navigate a sea of choices every day, and understanding the impact of decision fatigue on our teams and ourselves is crucial. Fear not, for I bring good news—there are practical strategies to mitigate decision fatigue and harness the power of effective leadership. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and explore this concept together!

Understanding Decision Fatigue:

Decision fatigue refers to the mental exhaustion that occurs when we make a series of decisions, one after the other, without sufficient breaks. Researchers have found that the average person makes 35,000 decisions a day, some conscious, some unconscious. These decisions take time and energy each and every time. Our brains have a limited capacity for decision-making, and as we exhaust this cognitive resource, our judgment, creativity, and productivity suffer. Think of it as a mental energy tank that depletes with each choice we make throughout the day.

The Impact on Leading a Team:

Decision fatigue can have a profound impact on leadership, both at an individual level and within teams. When leaders are fatigued, their ability to make sound judgments and thoughtful decisions becomes compromised. This can lead to a decline in overall team performance and morale. Additionally, fatigued leaders may be more prone to taking shortcuts, relying on impulsive or automatic responses rather than carefully considering all options.

Mitigating Decision Fatigue: 3 Strategies for Effective Leadership

Prioritize and Delegate:

As leaders, we often feel the need to be involved in every decision, big or small. However, this approach can be overwhelming and counterproductive. To combat decision fatigue, prioritize your decisions based on their importance and impact. Identify tasks and choices that can be delegated to capable team members, empowering them to make decisions within their areas of expertise. This not only lightens your load but also promotes team growth and ownership.

Implement Decision-Making Frameworks:

Decision-making frameworks are like roadmaps for your brain. By creating and utilizing predefined frameworks, such as checklists or decision trees, you can streamline your decision-making process and reduce cognitive load. These frameworks serve as guides, ensuring that important factors are considered without getting lost in the overwhelming sea of options. Remember, frameworks don’t limit creativity; they enhance it by providing structure and clarity.

Take Strategic Breaks:

Pausing to recharge your mental energy tank is vital for combating decision fatigue. Build strategic breaks into your day to allow your brain to recuperate. These breaks can take the form of short walks, mindfulness exercises, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. By stepping away momentarily, you give your brain a chance to reset, fostering clarity, focus, and renewed decision-making capacity. Nature and Decision-Making | Dr. Will Ramey

Make the Adjustment

Decision fatigue is a formidable foe that can hinder effective leadership and team performance. By understanding this concept and implementing strategies to mitigate its impact, leaders can navigate the treacherous waters of decision-making with greater clarity and efficiency. Remember, prioritize and delegate, implement decision-making frameworks, and take strategic breaks. By incorporating these practices into your leadership style, you’ll unlock the potential for better decision-making and cultivate a more energized and productive team.

Stay focused, step away when needed, and let’s conquer decision fatigue together!

Let’s Work Together:

Looking for a personal coach to help you strengthen your self-awareness and navigate leading people? Let’s talk! Connect with me on LinkedIn Dr. William Ramey | LinkedIn

Interested in having me facilitate a leadership or team development workshop for your organization? Reach out or checkout my website: Will Ramey Leadership & Team Dynamic Workshop

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Leadership Lessons from the Putting Green

July 10, 2023

Leadership Lessons and Mini-Golf | Dr. Willl Ramey

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Research Backed Approaches to Leadership and Team Dynamics by Dr. Will Ramey, The Leadership Dr.

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Navigating Success One Putt at a Time

I’m a big nerd! I’ll be the first to admit it. I geek out about the science of leadership, teamwork, organizational behavior. Sometimes it’s hard to shut that side of my brain off. For example, while out on a fun-filled family day at the mini-golf course I started to see some parallels between leading and mini-golf. Maybe it was the fresh air, sunshine, and family time. Let’s dive in!

Leadership skills can be cultivated and honed through a variety of activities, and even a casual game like mini-golf offers valuable lessons that can enhance one’s leadership abilities. Mini-golf, with its unique challenges and intricacies, presents an opportunity to explore key leadership principles. From strategic planning to adaptability, this classic game offers valuable insights into effective leadership. We delve into the leadership lessons that can be gleaned from the world of mini-golf, shedding light on how this recreational activity can shape and strengthen leadership skills.

Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making:

Mini-golf requires strategic thinking and decision-making similar to its larger counterpart. Each hole presents a new challenge, demanding careful analysis of the course layout, obstacles, and angles to determine the optimal shot. Likewise, leaders must navigate their organizations through complex situations, weighing multiple factors and making informed decisions. Mini-golf teaches leaders to assess risks, anticipate consequences, and strategically plan their moves. By embracing the strategic mindset cultivated on the mini-golf course, leaders can make well-informed decisions, optimize resources, and steer their teams towards success.

Adaptability and Flexibility:

Mini-golf courses often feature diverse and unexpected obstacles that require adaptability and flexibility in gameplay. Leaders face similar unpredictability in their professional journey, encountering unforeseen challenges and shifting landscapes. Mini-golf teaches leaders to think on their feet, adjust their strategies, and embrace change with grace. By remaining adaptable and flexible, leaders can inspire their teams to navigate ambiguity, explore new approaches, and seize opportunities even in uncertain circumstances.

Resilience and Learning from Failure:

Mini-golf, like any sport, involves moments of failure and disappointment. Missing a putt or encountering obstacles can test one’s resilience and determination. Leaders, too, face setbacks and failures on their path to success. Mini-golf teaches leaders the importance of bouncing back, learning from failures, and maintaining a positive attitude (Leader Self-Awareness). By embracing a growth mindset and encouraging their team members to do the same, leaders can create a culture of resilience and continuous improvement. Learning from failures becomes a catalyst for innovation, fostering a sense of empowerment and progress within the organization.

Effective Communication and Collaboration:

While mini-golf is often an individual activity, it can also be enjoyed as a team endeavor. Collaborative mini-golf events require effective communication and coordination to achieve a shared goal. Leaders must likewise foster a culture of open communication and collaboration within their teams. Mini-golf teaches leaders the value of clear communication, active listening, and leveraging individual strengths for collective success. By promoting effective teamwork, leaders can create an environment that encourages idea-sharing, enhances problem-solving, and cultivates a sense of camaraderie among team members.

From the Putting Green to the Boardroom

Mini-golf may be a recreational activity, but it offers valuable leadership lessons that transcend the greens and windmills. Strategic thinking, adaptability, resilience, and effective communication are all critical skills honed on the miniature course. By embracing these leadership principles learned from mini-golf, leaders can navigate their organizations with confidence and agility. Mini-golf teaches leaders to make strategic decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, bounce back from failure, and foster a collaborative environment. So, whether you’re putting on a mini-golf course or leading a team in the boardroom, the lessons from mini-golf can equip you with the skills to become a more effective and inspiring leader in any domain.

Let’s Work Together:

Looking for a personal coach to help you strengthen your self-awareness and navigate leading people? Let’s talk! Connect with me on LinkedIn Dr. William Ramey | LinkedIn

Interested in having me facilitate a leadership or team development workshop for your organization? Reach out or checkout my website: Will Ramey Leadership & Team Dynamic Workshop

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Leadership Lessons While Learning to SUP

July 3, 2023

Stand Up Paddleboarding & Leadership | Dr. Will Ramey

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Reasearch Backed Approaches to Leadership and Team Dynamics with Dr. Will Ramey, The Leadership Dr.

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Leadership Lessons from the Lake

I’m shifting gears a little this week to share something more personal. I’ve recently taken up stand up paddleboarding. I wanted a way to get out on the water and soak up some vitamin D. Honestly, I’ve been searching for ways to stay mentally healthy and aligned. Getting outdoors and surrounding myself with as many elements of mother nature as possible has helped me align, gain clarity, and increase my ability to be present with my family, my team, and myself. While out on the water I find time to let my mind go where it needs to go. Often times leaders don’t make time to reflect Leaders – Make Time to Reflect or practice mindfulness because of the hustle and bustle we place on ourselves. While packing up my board I realized there is a lot of parallels between learning to stand up paddleboard and leadership.

Here’s a list of ten lessons from stand up paddleboarding that can be applied to leading a team:

Balance: Just like maintaining balance on a paddleboard, leading a team requires finding equilibrium. A leader must distribute resources, handle conflicts, and manage priorities to keep the team on track.
Clear Vision: Paddleboarding requires looking ahead to maintain stability and steer in the right direction. Similarly, leading a team involves having a clear vision and setting goals to guide everyone towards success.
Communication: Effective communication is vital in both paddleboarding and team leadership. A paddleboarder communicates intentions, hazards, and directions to others, while a leader must ensure effective information flow, active listening, and concise messaging within the team.
Adaptability: Paddleboarders often encounter changing weather conditions or unexpected obstacles. Similarly, leaders must adapt to unforeseen circumstances, adjust strategies, and guide the team through uncertainties.
Trust Building: In SUP, maintaining balance relies on trust in your equipment and capabilities. Likewise, leaders need to build trust within their team by fostering open communication, delegating responsibilities, and demonstrating reliability.
Collaboration: Paddleboarding with others can improve stability and make the experience more enjoyable. Similarly, successful team leaders foster collaboration, encourage diverse perspectives, and leverage the collective strengths of team members.
Decision Making: Paddleboarders make quick decisions to navigate obstacles or changing currents. Similarly, leaders must make timely decisions, analyze risks, and choose the best course of action for the team’s progress.
Resilience: Falling off the paddleboard or encountering challenges is common. Both paddleboarders and leaders need resilience to bounce back from setbacks, learn from failures, and inspire the team to persevere.
Feedback: Paddleboarders adjust their technique based on the feedback received from their body and the water. Likewise, leaders should provide constructive feedback to team members, encourage continuous improvement, and be open to receiving feedback themselves.
Enjoyment: Stand-up paddleboarding is not only about reaching a destination; it’s also about enjoying the journey. Similarly, team leaders should create a positive and enjoyable work environment that fosters camaraderie, motivation, and a sense of fulfillment for team members.

Clarity and Alignment

By drawing parallels between stand-up paddleboarding and team leadership, we can gain insights into the skills and mindset required to lead effectively. Lessons and learning are all around us if we open ourselves up to it. Get outside, get in nature, and give yourself the gift of clarity and mindfulness. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go further, let’s go together!

Looking for a personal coach to help you strengthen your self-awareness and navigate leading people? Let’s talk! Connect with me on LinkedIn Dr. William Ramey | LinkedIn

Interested in having me facilitate a leadership or team development workshop for your organization? Reach out or checkout my website: Will Ramey Leadership & Team Dynamic Workshop

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Check out my OnTheStacks Podcast episode here:

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June 26, 2023

Nature and Decision-Making | Dr. Will Ramey

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Research Back Approaches to Leadership and Team Dynamics with Dr. Will Ramey, The Leadership Dr.

Brought to you by our friends at Sweat Tent! Get $100 OFF your purchase with code OTS at SweatTent.com.

The Top Five Benefits of Being Outdoors and How It Enhances Decision-Making Skills

I’ve had days where I go from building to building, meeting to meeting, and only see the light of day through the occasional window. By the end of the day, my mind is fuzzy, my frustrations run high, and I don’t want to make any more decisions. Unfortunately, my role requires a high cognitive load. One way to enhance decision-making is to get outdoor exposure.

In our increasingly fast-paced and digitally connected world, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound benefits of spending time outdoors. From scenic walks in nature to engaging in outdoor activities, immersing ourselves in the natural world offers numerous advantages for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Moreover, studies suggest that being outdoors can significantly enhance our decision-making abilities. In this article, we will explore the top five benefits of spending time outdoors and how it contributes to becoming a better decision maker.

Reduced Stress and Enhanced Cognitive Function:

Stepping out into nature provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing us to unwind and reduce stress levels. Exposure to natural environments has been shown to lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and a calmer state of mind. When stress is reduced, cognitive function improves, enabling clearer thinking, increased focus, and better decision-making skills.

Improved Mental Clarity and Creativity:

The outdoor environment stimulates our senses, providing a refreshing change from the often sterile and monotonous indoor settings. Spending time outdoors exposes us to diverse stimuli, such as fresh air, natural sounds, and vibrant colors, which can enhance mental clarity and spark creativity. These factors contribute to improved cognitive flexibility, enabling us to think outside the box, explore alternative perspectives, and make more innovative decisions.

Energizing Body and Mind through Physical Activity:

Outdoor activities offer more than just an opportunity to embrace nature; they inspire movement and exercise. Regular physical activity increases blood circulation, optimizing oxygen flow to the brain, and releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers. As we elevate our physical activity levels, our energy soars, providing a valuable boost to our decision-making capabilities. Scientific evidence reveals that those who engage in outdoor exercise regularly display sharper cognitive skills, improved memory retention, and enhanced problem-solving abilities.

The Power of Sunlight: Illuminating Decision-Making Potential:

Sunlight is not just a radiant source of warmth; it also bestows us with vital vitamin D. This essential nutrient plays a central role in regulating brain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which profoundly impact our mood and emotional stability. Research suggests that insufficient vitamin D levels contribute to cognitive impairment and increased vulnerability to depression. By embracing the outdoors and embracing natural sunlight, we can optimize our vitamin D levels, supporting the neural processes crucial for sound decision-making.

Heightened Connection with Nature and Increased Intuition:

Nature has a remarkable way of connecting us with the world around us and fostering a sense of mindfulness. Being outdoors provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the natural environment, which can inspire introspection and self-reflection. This connection with nature enhances our ability to tap into our intuition and gut feelings, essential components of effective decision-making. By trusting our instincts and aligning with the wisdom of the natural world, we can make decisions that are more authentic and aligned with our values.

Finding ways to get outdoors takes a little coordination and planning. Here are three ways you can be more intentional to get outdoors and improve, not only your health, but your decision-making.

1. Incorporate Outdoor Meetings or Walking Discussions:

One effective way for leaders to leverage the benefits of being outdoors is by incorporating outdoor meetings or walking discussions into their work routine. Instead of confining meetings to stuffy conference rooms, consider taking your team outside to a nearby park, garden, or even a rooftop terrace. Walking meetings not only provide a change of scenery but also stimulate physical movement, which can enhance blood flow and cognitive function. This dynamic environment encourages open dialogue, creativity, and a more relaxed atmosphere, fostering better decision-making by capitalizing on the benefits of the outdoors.

2. Encourage Outdoor Breaks and Mindfulness Practices:

Leaders can create a culture that values and promotes outdoor breaks and mindfulness practices within the workplace. Encourage employees to take short breaks outside during the day, whether it’s for a breath of fresh air, a walk around the block, or simply enjoying a few moments of solitude in a nearby green space. These outdoor breaks allow individuals to recharge, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity, which in turn can lead to improved decision-making skills. Additionally, leaders can introduce mindfulness practices such as guided meditation sessions outdoors, further amplifying the benefits of the natural environment in nurturing focused attention and presence. How Mindfulness Helps You Lead | Dr. Will Ramey | OnTheStacks

3. Organize Outdoor Team-Building Activities:

To foster a collaborative and innovative work environment, leaders can organize outdoor team-building activities. These activities can range from adventure challenges, such as hiking, rock climbing, or canoeing, to more relaxed gatherings like picnics or team sports. Outdoor team-building experiences not only promote camaraderie and trust among team members but also provide an opportunity for individuals to step outside their comfort zones, adapt to new situations, and think creatively. By engaging in outdoor activities together, teams can strengthen their bonds, enhance communication, and develop better decision-making dynamics that can translate into the workplace.

Get Outside to Make Better Decisions

The benefits of spending time outdoors extend far beyond physical fitness and relaxation. Engaging with nature provides a myriad of advantages, including reduced stress levels, improved cognitive function, enhanced creativity, increased energy, and a heightened sense of intuition. By embracing the outdoors, we can cultivate our decision-making skills, making more informed choices in our personal and professional lives. So, next time you’re faced with a decision, consider stepping outside and allowing the power of nature to guide you toward the best possible outcome.

Looking for a personal coach to help you strengthen your self-awareness and navigate leading people? Let’s talk! Connect with me on LinkedIn Dr. William Ramey | LinkedIn

Interested in having me facilitate a leadership or team development workshop for your organization? Reach out or checkout my website: Will Ramey Leadership & Team Dynamic Workshop

Scale your content 10X Faster with Jasper, your AI writing assistant! Try Jasper for FREE – Click Here!

Check out my OnTheStacks Podcast episode here:

If you find value and enjoy our content, smash that YouTube Subscribe button here: OnTheStacks YouTube Channel

Want to see more OnTheStacks Content?

May 30, 2023

Smashing Your Goals as a Leader | Dr. Will Ramey

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Research Backed Approaches to Leadership and Team Dynamics with Dr. Will Ramey, The Leadership Dr.

Understanding who you want to become and putting a system in place helps you achieve your leadership goals. We share three steps to take so you can make sustainable and continuous growth as a leader to get the outcomes you desire. Let’s get into it!

Jumpstart Your Goals

When is the best time to start…NOW! It’s not a new year, it’s not a major milestone. However, you’ve got goals you want to accomplish. You have something you want to overcome. Focus on that feeling of optimism. It’s always the right time to refresh, restart, or reimage yourself. It’s a fantastic time to jumpstart, set goals, and build or break habits. The time is now! Whether your goals are professional or personal here are three pieces of the puzzle that will help you achieve whatever outcome you set for yourself.

Let’s think of this as an equation:
Who I Want to Be + My Habit System = My Desired Outcome

1. Start with the End in Mind

Identifying a goal or objective you want to achieve is great but don’t forget, it is actually the result or outcome you are looking for. It comes at the end of the equation. Take time to visualize your outcome. Picture yourself at the end, having achieved your goal.

Who is around you? How do you feel? Now walk it back in time – What steps did you take to get there? How long did you take to get there? Visualization is a powerful tool when it comes to future oriented achievement. It allows you to see yourself succeeding.

2. Understand WHO you are becoming

Let’s move to the left side of that equation. It’s not just the result but the journey to get you there. It’s imperative to understand what achieving this goal means to who you are trying to become. Who do you want to become by the end of this journey? What is important for you to feel? What is important to you about achieving this outcome? Who do you need to show up as?

Identifying a clear concise outcome is great, what will keep you moving towards that goal is being highly self-aware of the tie it has to who you are becoming in the process. To dive deep and tap into the true importance of your desired outcome, you can practice a little “self-coaching”.

Try this reflective writing process. Write out and answer these questions:
What is the outcome I’m trying to achieve? What happens if I’m able to achieve this outcome? Who is impacted? How will achieving my goal change who I am? Who do I want to become along the way?

The goal is the outcome – making it personal and being self-aware of who you want to become by achieving the goal is powerful. It gives your goal more purpose beyond the surface level of accomplishment.

3. The Habit System

The last piece of the equation is putting a system in place for change. The system you put in place will lead you to your desired result. Think about it from the wide world of sports. The outcome is to Win. To win you must score the most points. To score points you must have a process in place… The process can be thought of as your how. Different goals require different systems. Systems will bring about the change you seek, through your habits. Understanding the habit loop will help you put the best system in place for achieving your goal.

Take the outcome you want and break it down into manageable achievable steps. What’s the first step you can take? What resources do you need? How will you be accountable? When will you start? Now we are ready to enter the Habit Loop.

The Loop

According to James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits, the habit loop starts with a 1. cue that triggers a 2. craving, which motivates a 3. response, which provides a 4. reward, which satisfies the craving and, ultimately, becomes associated with the cue. Together, these four steps form a neurological feedback loop that allows you to create automatic habits.

Ultimately – You want to make good habits fun and attractive and you want to break bad habits by making them unattractive and invisible.

Remember to celebrate the small wins along the path. Small wins or setbacks have a multiplying impact over the long term. Build your positive momentum.

Looking forward to seeing you achieve your professional and personal goals!
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Looking for a personal coach to help you strengthen your self-awareness and navigate leading people? Let’s talk! Connect with me on LinkedIn Dr. William Ramey | LinkedIn

Interested in having me facilitate a leadership or team development workshop for your organization? Reach out or checkout my website: Will Ramey Leadership & Team Dynamic Workshop

Scale your content 10X Faster with Jasper, your AI writing assistant! Try Jasper for FREE – Click Here!

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May 23, 2023

The Power of Mental Health in Leadership | Dr. Will Ramey

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Research backed approaches to leadership and team dynamics with Dr. Will Ramey, The Leadership Dr.

Mastering the Mind: The Power of Mental Health in Leadership

May is mental health awareness month. As leaders we are stewards of well-being at work. Our actions contribute to the work environment for our teams. We must also understand how to safeguard our own mental health to be at our best. This week we take time to explore how leaders can strengthen and protect their mental health and promote a positive environment for their team. Let’s dive in.

Leading the way for Mental Health

I’ve stumbled at leading by example for positive mental health practices. I thought I could box everything up, bury myself in work and as time moved on so would I. Not true! Focusing on action and hitting the gym had short term positive results. In the long run, it was costing me. I didn’t learn how to clear my head, acknowledge my thoughts, and understand what was happening to move on in a positive way. That all changed when I started practicing mindfulness and learning how to be a coach. I would focus on physical well-being (doing) or accomplishing whatever was next on my list (doing). What I was avoiding was feeling, emotion, and acknowledging my thoughts (being). I was a human doing, not a human being. As a leader, and for the good of my team, I needed to balance doing and being.

As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of modern business, it is essential for us to recognize that our greatest asset lies within ourselves and our teams. By fostering a positive mental health environment, we can unleash our full potential, drive innovation, and inspire those around us to reach new heights. So, let us explore the importance of mental health and discover how we can safeguard our own well-being while nurturing the thriving minds of our teams.

The Leader’s Mental Well-being

As leaders, we are the catalysts for progress and change. However, this responsibility can sometimes come at a cost to our mental well-being. The pressures of decision-making, high expectations, and constant demands can lead to stress, burnout, and even emotional exhaustion. Therefore, it is paramount that we prioritize our own mental health to ensure our long-term effectiveness as leaders.

Self-awareness: The foundation of mental health lies in self-awareness. By recognizing and acknowledging our emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, we can better navigate the challenges we face. Embrace mindfulness practices, such as meditation and reflection, to cultivate a deeper understanding of your own mental state. How to Practice Mindfulness

Self-care: Treat yourself with kindness and caring, as you would for anyone on your team. Prioritize self-care activities that replenish your energy, such as exercise, hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones. Remember, when your cup is full, you have more to offer those around you.

Seek support: Leaders are not immune to struggles. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from mentors, coaches, or mental health professionals. By creating a support network, you can gain valuable insights, guidance, and a safe space to share your challenges.

Creating a Positive Mental Health Team Environment

Leadership involves fostering an environment where team members can flourish. When we prioritize the mental health of our teams, we create a foundation for success and create a space where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Open communication: Encourage a culture of open dialogue where team members feel safe to discuss their mental health concerns. Regular check-ins and one-on-one meetings can provide an avenue for support and ensure that individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.

Normalize self-care: Lead by example and openly prioritize self-care activities. Encourage your team to take breaks, practice mindfulness, and engage in activities that promote their well-being. When self-care is seen as a valuable practice, it permeates the entire organization.

Promote work-life balance: Recognize that employees have lives outside of work and encourage a healthy balance between work and personal life. Flexible schedules, remote work options, and time off for personal matters can help reduce stress and improve overall mental health.

Training and resources: Invest in mental health training and provide resources for your team. Offer workshops on stress management, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Consider partnering with mental health professionals to provide counseling services or employee assistance programs.

Lead the Way

In the pursuit of excellence and progress, let us not overlook the significance of mental health. As leaders, we have a responsibility to prioritize our own well-being while creating an environment that fosters the mental health of our teams. By practicing self-awareness, self-care, and seeking support, we fortify our own minds. Simultaneously, by encouraging open communication, promoting self-care, and providing resources, we empower our teams to unleash their full potential.

Remember, the strength of a team lies in the well-being of its individual members. When we prioritize mental health, we create a culture of resilience, empathy, and collaboration. Together, we can overcome challenges, adapt to change, and achieve extraordinary results.

As leaders, we have the power to shape the narrative around mental health and create an environment where mental well-being is valued, supported, and nurtured. In this fast-paced and ever-evolving world, mental health has emerged as a critical factor in both personal and professional success. The positive impact of prioritizing mental health goes beyond the individual level—it ripples through entire organizations, driving productivity, engagement, and overall well-being.

Looking for a personal coach to help you strengthen your self-awareness and navigate leading people? Let’s talk! Connect with me on LinkedIn Dr. William Ramey | LinkedIn

Interested in having me facilitate a leadership or team development workshop for your organization? Reach out or checkout my website: Will Ramey Leadership & Team Dynamic Workshop

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January 24, 2023

Happiness and Leadership | Dr. Will Ramey

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Research Backed Approaches to Leadership and Team Dynamics with Dr. Will Ramey, The Leadership Dr.

Happiness at work pays dividends for leaders and teams in the form of improved communication, decision-making, and ultimately productivity. We share the connection between happiness and leadership and how leaders can invite in more happiness through practicing gratitude, giving recognition, and reflective positive writing. Let’s get to it!

One or more links below may contain an affiliate link, which if you make a purchase, we might earn a commission that helps us keep the mics on!

The Slippery Slope

You’re leading a team, working long hours, solving complex problems, and then you hit the slump. Resource cuts, people moving on, and you get passed over for that promotion. We’ve all probably been there at some point in time, I know I have. Your happiness tank at work is on empty and now it’s coming out in negative ways. You become short with your team members, your give o’shiz meter is pegged, and you begin to spiral only seeing the negative.

I’ve hit that wall at work where I find myself just going through the motions, not giving my 100% best, and I began to question myself. You’re not alone and the good news is by engaging in a little positive psychology you can turn this around quickly.

The Link between Happiness and Leadership

Studies have shown that happiness at work not only raises engagement and satisfaction levels but business outcomes such as productivity and task accuracy increase too. Leaders have such an impact on how their team operates. Happy leaders, setting the conditions for happy team members will yield positive productive results. Happy leaders are more effective because of the effect on various aspects of leadership, such as decision-making, communication, and motivation.

Think about the jobs you’ve held and the teams you’ve led where you’ve been the happiest. I am willing to bet, they’ve been the most rewarding experiences. For me, it was when I was leading my crew as a Space Operations Officer. We were cohesive, built strong bonds, laughed at work, and knocked it out of the park!

Happiness Comes from Within

Holding a variety of leadership positions in my career has been rewarding and stressful. Some days were definitely tougher than others. I found myself on the verge of burnout, yet some positions, like my Space Crew, were energy giving. I needed to learn why and discovered that happiness comes from within. It takes practice.

Reflecting on the link between happiness and leadership recently led me to a conversation with Ashish Kothari, Founder of The Happiness Squad. Ashish is on a mission to launch a happiness revolution touching a billion+ lives over the next 20 years and help people live with more joy, health, love and meaning. Our conversation reminded me that leaders can find meaning in their work and avoid the downward spiral by incorporating small habits in their day.

If you are interested in taking a deep dive into proven practices to help you overcome stress and reframe your mindset to lead at your best, pick up a copy of Hardwired for Happiness. Read on to see how happiness impacts leadership and three simple steps to improve your happiness at work.

Tap the Photo or link below to grab a copy of Ashish’s Hardwired for Happiness book!

Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life: Ashish Kothari

Impact on Decision Making

One of the main ways that happiness impacts leadership is through decision-making. Happy leaders tend to be more confident and optimistic, which allows them to make better decisions. They are less likely to be swayed by fear or uncertainty, and they tend to be more resilient in the face of challenges.

Additionally, happy leaders are better able to see the big picture and take a strategic view of a situation, which allows them to make more informed decisions. Leading my Space Crew was challenging, and the work was highly technical. We heavily relied on each other to make complex decisions and creatively solve problems. The camaraderie we built paid us back during execution of our job.

Impact on Communication

Another way that happiness impacts leadership is through communication. Happy leaders tend to be more approachable and easier to talk to, which helps them to build stronger relationships with their team members. They are more likely to be able to establish trust and rapport with others, which allows them to communicate more effectively.

Additionally, happy leaders are better able to empathize with others, which helps them to understand the perspectives of their team members and to provide more effective guidance and support. My Space Crew was very junior. Most of them were fresh out of the schoolhouse and this was their first assignment. We made time to do fun team building activities together both on and off duty. We built bonds through positive experiences, and it led to higher trust and clearer communication during our operations.

Impact on Inspiration

Lastly, happiness also plays a role in inspiration. Happy leaders tend to be more energized and engaged, which allows them to inspire their team members. When a leader is happy, the whole team seems to be more productive, more innovative, and more committed to the goals of the organization. Happy leaders lead by example and their positive attitude towards their work and their team creates a more positive work environment that in turn, leads to a more engaged and inspired team. This is explained by social learning theory and trickle-down effects.

Simply put, team leaders can set the tone for the day. Knowing this, I did my best to show up each and every day to set an uplifting tone, checking in on my crew, finding the positive, and starting the day on a positive note no matter what challenges lay ahead.

How to Improve Your Happiness

Happiness comes from within. Self-awareness and connection to your inner voice are important aspects of improving happiness. Here are three effective practices that leaders can use to improve their happiness and in turn, their leadership.

Writing down three new things you are grateful for each day
Taking 3-5 mins to focus on your breath throughout the day
At the close of the day writing two emails giving recognition to a team member or peer

I cherish the time I spent with my Space Crew. It was one of the happiest leadership experiences I’ve had in my career. Happiness and leadership are closely connected, and the more happiness a leader experiences, the more happiness their team can experience. Let’s spark that change and watch what happens.

Reach out to me on LinkedIn Dr. William Ramey | LinkedIn

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January 17, 2023

Dr. Will Ramey Joins the OnTheStacks Team of Bloggers

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Research Backed Approaches to Leadership and Team Dynamics with Dr. Will Ramey, The Leadership Dr.

We’re excited to officially announce that Dr. Will Ramey, a Leadership Expert in building high performance teams through a “Shared Leadership” method, has joined the OnTheStacks Team of bloggers to share his expertise, knowledge, and experiences to help you be the best leader for your team.

Here’s a little blurb from the Leadership Doc himself about what you can expect going forward!

Who is Dr. Will Ramey?

Dr. Will Ramey – The Scholarly Leadership Practitioner. I am here to help you and your team achieve success together.

You may recognize my name and some of these leadership concepts from Ep.128 of the #OnTheStacks Podcast.

I have had the privilege of leading teams with combined experiences serving as a U.S. Army Officer, a group leader for a Fortune 50 Company, and leading at the Director level for the Department of Defense. I’ve led a variety of teams from maintenance and distribution to city management and space control. Yes, space, the final frontier where I earned the little-known Army Space Badge.

My favorite aspect of leadership has been helping others grow & reach their full potential so that teams achieve success together. I’ve been a student of leadership and organizational behavior for most of my career. This intrigue led me to study and learn about the relationship of leaders and teams at the doctoral level of academia. I’ve researched leaders and teams receiving my Doctorate from Drexel University.

I currently serve as the CXO of Shared Leadership, LLC, a full spectrum leadership and team development solutions company. I get the opportunity to work with amazing individuals and teams to positively impact their lives by improving work environments.

Why am I here?

When it comes to leadership & team building, I’ve had my fair share of struggles and triumphs. I’ve felt everything from overwhelm and exhaustion to pride and exhilaration. I’ve had the privilege of leading people in a variety of environments and industries. Leading people, developing team dynamics, and achieving high performance can feel like a solo rollercoaster ride at times. Not anymore!

Leadership can no longer only be thought of as a top-down directive approach to getting people to execute tasks based on one person’s position. Leadership can be a social interactive process that occurs between people, regardless of position, however, we still need appointed team leaders who are competent and have upstanding character. These team leaders bring the best out of their teams.

The world of work is changing and how we lead will change with it. You don’t have to carry the burden of leadership on your own. Share the responsibilities with your team regardless. The good news is, you are not alone, and this is where I come in.

What is Our Mission?

At Shared Leadership, LLC we are on a mission to spark positive change in workplace culture. We help teams reframe the top-down leadership model and elevate team dynamics so leadership can be shared, and performance goes up!

We believe that you don’t need a title to lead, and that everyone has the ability to contribute, influence, and share in ownership of outcomes. When teams share in leadership, they are more creative, committed, satisfied, and outperform the competition.

Now this mission also includes sharing these tactics, techniques, and tips with you here on the OnTheStacks blog.

Learn to reshape your mindset and strengthen your abilities to constructively lead and shape a positive, psychologically safe work environment. Gain a fresh perspective on team dynamics and processes to elevate performance. Contribute to an up-beat, optimistic work environment where challenges are welcomed, and objectives are achieved.

I’ve researched leadership behaviors and team dynamics in organizations. I bring the latest science from the field of organizational behavior, leadership, and team dynamics to provide evidence-based solutions for you.

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drwilliamramey/

Want to learn more about me?! Watch my episode from the #OnTheStacks Podcast here:

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