This Is How to Give Feedback and Not Make People Feel Stupid
“Oh, heavens,” I thought, “I’ve offended her!” I had wanted to be helpful and friendly, but instead I was confusing and possibly insulting -- I had given feedback as if the problem was with the... Continue reading
How to Counteract Two Hidden Problems of Developing Leaders
Clients often ask me to design or participate in their leadership development programs. These programs require significant investment and senior leaders view them as a way to groom and strengthen high-potential employees -- the ones... Continue reading
Is It Time to Shake Up Shake Shack?
How does the chain break in chain service? Danny Meyer would not be happy with this story. The famed New York City restaurateur and Shake Shack founder has explained that his business strategy is “built... Continue reading
How to Improve Your Team’s Performance with Questions
A media director asked me for a simple, straightforward approach to developing his very new team’s knowledge and proficiency. He explained that he has no time or budget for formal training or workshops. My strong... Continue reading
Sorry, But Leaders Aren’t Entitled to Be Opinionated
“But I’m entitled to my opinion!” a vice president insisted. I was facilitating a work session with a client’s leadership team. Our goal was to resolve a longstanding business problem, with the full participation of... Continue reading
Who Needs Attention, and Can I Get a Quality Latte with It?
The other morning, I was feeling cranky, unfocused, and unproductive -- the perfect situation for coffee. Sadly, I haven’t been allowed to have caffeine for a couple of years, on doctor’s orders, and I miss... Continue reading
This Is How to Lead from the Ground Up
Leadership can be a function of raw power, or of influence. Based on analysis of a current news item, here are seven underlying principles that, when applied properly and consistently, ought to make any leadership... Continue reading
Please Stop Sending Me Annoying Emails Like These!
I’m used to receiving prospecting emails from companies that claim they’ll lift response rates, help me be more productive, and provide other kinds of help to a small business like mine. But sometimes I so... Continue reading