Trust and Building Teams

How to build a culture of trust that enables accountability, ownership, and strong performance. A culture of trust is built through relationships where people trust you to consistently treat them with respect, fairness, and gratitude for the talents and ideas they bring to their work. When trust becomes a team norm, friction decreases, accountability increases, and teams perform without constant oversight.

validation in leadership

Validation in Leadership: The Most Important Way to Help People Grow at Work

Validation in leadership is an often overlooked skill that builds trust and performance. Key Takeaways Validation at work is one of the deepest human needs—and one of the most overlooked leadership skills. Nothing motivates people more than feeling seen, heard, and valued. When managers learn to validate their team members’ feelings and experiences, they unlock hidden potential for trust, learning, and motivation. Validation isn’t just “being nice.” It’s a powerful, practical tool for leading people. Used well, it can transform…

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GOOD Model of conversation banner

The GOOD Model of Conversation: How to Coach Instead of Command

If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking, “Why am I doing all the thinking?” the GOOD model of conversation is for you. It’s a four-step coaching approach—Goals, Options, Obstacles, Do—that turns managers into coaches. When someone asks for advice, it’s tempting to tell them what to do. However, telling people what they should do is micromanaging and judgmental. Instead, the GOOD model offers an easy way to take a coaching approach, using questions to guide them forward. Why…

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best leadership books list

12 Best Leadership Books (That Actually Changed How I Lead)

Today I’m sharing my list of the best leadership books that changed how I think and what I do as a leader. This is a personal, field-tested list—books with stories and tools I still use. Below are my picks for the best leadership books that actually changed how I lead. How I chose these best leadership books First, I looked for great reads and practical ideas you can apply right away. Next, I prioritized memorable stories that illustrate impact. Finally,…

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Lisa D. Foster, Ph.D. ACC  is an independent coach. As an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation, Lisa honors and abides by the ICF Code of Ethics.  All coaching sessions and consultations are confidential.

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