Many companies use some kind of program for “measuring quality,” but the result of these assessment is typically expressed in “error rates.” Error rates are pretty worthwhile when they’re used to identify process steps that... Continue reading
A lot of what passes for coaching -- in workplaces, in homes, even on kids’ sports teams -- is really just a lot of exhortations and fervent repetitions of normative statements. It doesn’t help the... Continue reading
How do you handle a perpetually negative employee? You may get an idea from this bit of conversation that I had with a distressed client about a pivotal but consistently negative staff member we’ll refer... Continue reading
At a recent meeting, I observed as team members wrangled over what should have been a straightforward process discussion. Not only did their disagreements about “the way things are supposed to be done” get heated... Continue reading
In any organization -- and it only takes two people to make an organization -- you’ll be exposed to bad behavior from time to time. This is true in all kinds of settings: at school,... Continue reading
The Customer is always right, comes first, and is King! And Service is our middle name, with a smile. These are lovely slogans and declarations of intent -- but truthfully, people tend to pay more... Continue reading
For the past six weeks I’ve been writing about why employees need to be able to give their bosses feedback -- and what both managers and organizations lose when they discourage that feedback. Now it’s... Continue reading
Any student of management will tell you that it’s stupid to ignore your staff’s feedback -- not to mention impolite, inefficient, and often directly and obviously damaging. You don’t necessarily have to act on staff... Continue reading
In recent posts, we’ve discussed the difficulty of approaching your management with critical feedback even if you’re full of compassion for their difficult situation and have chosen the most propitious time, place, and circumstances possible.... Continue reading
If you manage others, you may find it hard to believe that your subordinates aren’t comfortable engaging with you about the work and the workplace. But don’t assume it’s because they’re apathetic or weak. Leading... Continue reading
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