Hello, Leader.

Reflect

Reflection is a critical skill for your continued development as a leader. Hundreds of scholarly research articles have been published with supporting data. If you want to take your leadership to the next level, create a process for reflection. Listen in as leadership expert, John Maxwell, gives a two-minute overview of why and how to start a reflective practice as a leader. Ask yourself simple questions like "Who did I add value to today?" and "What good did I do today?" Evaluate and reflect on your day each and every single night, then set the goal tomorrow for how you can achieve more or do better!

Watch Minute with Maxwell: REFLECTION

Recognize

Recognizing your teams can improve engagement, productivity, and the likelihood of your people continuing to choose UI as their employer. Consider recognizing your faculty or staff for an outstanding accomplishment, contribution to the UI or the State of Iowa, or for a superior commitment to public service with a Campus Award.

STAFF COUNCIL AWARDS

Details and nomination forms for each award are available on the Staff Council Awards page. Deadline for nominations is January 12, 2024. For questions or help, email the Staff Awards Committee.

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE & ACHIEVEMENT AMONG WOMEN AWARDS

Descriptions of all CEEAW awards
Deadline to submit nominations is January 19, 2024.

Some Myths about Recognition...

Recognizing the good work of your direct reports, peers, and colleagues is one of the best ways to promote engagement and build relationships. Despite this, many leaders struggle to engage in recognition efforts properly. To help you avoid this leadership pitfall, we are dispelling some recognition myths and offering solutions to some common issues.

Myth #1: I don’t have enough time or money to recognize my staff.

Recognition does not need to cost anything or take much time. A timely, handwritten note containing specific examples of actions the recipient has taken that you appreciate can be extremely meaningful.

Myth #2: Everyone prefers the same type of recognition.

There is no one-size-fits-all method of recognition. While some people may prefer to be recognized privately, others may want to be recognized during a departmental/unit meeting. To ensure that your recognition has the maximum, intended impact, find out how your staff members like to be recognized.

Myth #3: I already recognize my team’s efforts enough.

Gallup suggests that employee recognition has the greatest impact when it occurs at least once per week. As previously mentioned, recognition does not always need to be grand effort. A sincere note or a “Thanks! Your work on ___ really helped me with ___.” is enough to show your co-workers you notice their efforts.  

Renew

According to Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Chair ELRIWMA & Senior fellow (Harvard University), "In the quest for sustained success, the art of leadership requires a symphony of strategies that encompass both ambition and well-being. The pursuit of renewal isn't a mere indulgence; it's a cornerstone of enlightened leadership. In the Forbes article “Empowering Leadership: Navigating Renewal For Lasting Success, she speaks of the value of 'fostering a culture that values rest as much as ambition.'

Need more convincing? Visit the Blogpost, to read or listen to "3 Reasons Why Vacations are Critical to Succeeding at Leadership," by an Inc. magazine Top Leadership Speaker, internationally-acclaimed leadership writer and TEDx speaker, Tanveer Naseer.

Sharing the News

Like what you are reading? Post, pass on to someone, suggest links, or sign up for our monthly newsletter. 

Connect with us! If you have opportunities to share, let us know in advance for future issues. Send ideas to oe-leader@uiowa.edu.