Welcome to Merge's Monthly Mega Minute - a bite-sized, yet substantial and practical, nugget of information that you can use immediately to enhance your professional and personal success.

Set them up to succeed by helping them fail

"I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career", once remarked Michael Jordan, celebrated American basketball player who is noted for his leadership of the Chicago Bulls to several NBA championships. "I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game-winning shot and I have missed. I have failed over and over again in my life – and that's precisely why I succeed."

Leaders, never forget that you are a coach and developer of your people. And as difficult as
failure can sometimes be, it is an opportunity for your employees to grow. I am not advocating
that you deliberately set your employees up to fail; in fact quite the contrary. Instead, help them
take calculated risks so that they can push the limits of their own boundaries, and expect that
often they will be unsuccessful in their attempts. And every time that they are unsuccessful, help
them stand up, dust themselves off, and move forward. Make it safe for them to fail! Remember
that people polish their skills by doing it right, but they truly learn from making mistakes.

So what do you think? Does Michael Jordan have it right? Do I have it right? I’d love to know
about your experiences. Please add your comment directly on the blog at www.turningmanagersintoleaders.com/blog.

How to build and use your personal power — Merge’s latest column in The Globe and Mail

If you want to tap into your personal power to advance your career, inspire others, and influence
outcomes, then there are three important things you should consider. Merge explains in her
latest column inThe Globe. At work, we constantly have opportunities to advocate for ourselves. Tap into your personal power

Turning Managers Into Leaders

• Video: Improve your virtual or hybrid team communication with this simple exercise. The Story Circle is a fantastic exercise to enhance your virtual or hybrid team communication. Merge explains how it works
• Begin with the end in mind — a leadership lesson from the Cheshire cat.  Alice in
  Wonderland's Cheshire Cat's nonsensical dialogue carries a powerful leadership lesson. Find
  out what it is
• Diversity and inclusion are good, but “belonging” is better.  A well-known quote about
  diversity and inclusion is no longer sufficient to express what needs to be done. Merge
  explains
  

Did you know that Merge is one of only 57 Canadians to hold the prestigious Certified
Speaking Professional (CSP) credential?

This designation is an international standard of speaking and platform excellence, awarded only
to accomplished speakers who meet strict criteria, including a proven track record of client
satisfaction. Fewer than 17% of speakers worldwide have earned this credential, placing Merge
among the top echelon of professional speakers. To achieve the CSP, speakers must meet
rigorous requirements, including a specified number of fee-paid presentations, a diverse client
base, continuing education credits, and several consecutive years of business experience. Merge
is a proud professional member of both the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and
the Global Speakers Federation, under whose auspices this designation is granted. For more
information about the CSP designation, click here.