Category: Self-Mastery
Please Don’t Do It That Way: How Not to Help
“This doesn’t make sense to me!” Halfway down the train car, a woman’s voice was rising. She was assisting one of her two daughters with homework, and her aggravated tone caught my attention. “This doesn’t... Continue reading
What Can You Do When a Customer Explodes?
I just watched a customer take offense in a situation where no one was actually in the wrong. She reached into an awkward -- although salvageable -- circumstance, and pulled out a negative experience for... Continue reading
What to Do When You Have Trouble Praising Employees
Practically every executive knows that praise is a crucial management tool. Gallup research shows that when managers recognize employees’ strengths and positive characteristics, rather than focusing on their weaknesses and negative characteristics, employee engagement goes... Continue reading
Are You Tired of Being Condescended To?
In the past 10 days, three people from different organizations have complained to me about a boss or colleague who’s behaved condescendingly toward them. Not one of the three is a slouch, or a junior... Continue reading
This Is How to be a Leader in Name Only
Aspiring, self-aware leaders think of leadership as a practice and a way of life. They’re always looking for growth opportunities and greater self-mastery, whatever their rank or title. And yet a surprising number of executives... Continue reading
How to Save Yourself from Being Manipulated
This piece was originally posted three years ago, on 6/27/17. Sadly, it's still relevant. 6/20/20 One of the particularly interesting things about the recent testimony from fired FBI Director James Comey in front of the... Continue reading
How to Get Ready When You Have to Deliver Bad News
However hard it is for you to be the bearer of bad tidings and to take responsibility for getting the delivery right, take the opportunity to prepare. At minimum, preparation consists of three stages: Determining... Continue reading
What to Do When Priorities Are in Conflict
Expand your market share. Increase your margin. Reorganize your team. Given the constant drumbeat of new and changing initiatives, it’s reasonable to wonder which priorities are truly the most important. I hear about this from... Continue reading