How to Use Praise to Help Strengthen Strengths
In the last session of a workshop series on teamwork with an up-and-coming group of middle managers, I led the group through an exercise around an activity that we don’t do often enough, either in... Continue readingDon’t Paper Over the Reality of Customer Experience
You’ve probably seen that embarrassing Seinfield episode (weren’t they all?) when Elaine is in a public restroom and realizes that there’s no toilet paper in her stall. If this has ever happened to you, it... Continue reading
Do You Need to Work with Someone Who Rolls Over and Plays Dead?
Has this happened to you? You may think you have a clear agreement with a colleague about concepts, details or both, but then nothing happens. They seem fully on board in meetings and public settings,... Continue reading
Don’t You Want the Benefit of the Benefit of the Doubt?
I hate to be in default or in the wrong, or to create a problem for someone. So I was quite distressed when I was scolded by a client’s administrator -- not someone I usually... Continue reading
Why Screening for Experience Alone Won’t Ensure Job Success
Clients and other business people often ask me for interview questions that will reveal which candidates are most likely to succeed in a particular job. But there’s no standard set of questions, because it’s all... Continue reading
How to Progress While the Rules Are Changing
I was speaking with a high-potential middle manager who’s struggling with a raft of organizational changes including modifications of sales policies, comp plans, and various other crucial aspects of work life. He expressed tremendous frustration... Continue reading
Leaders Need to Be Where Their People Need Them
Where do you lead from? Is it from the front, issuing commands and carrying a flag? From the back, perhaps with just a nod and barely a whisper? Or do you lead from somewhere in... Continue reading
The Difference Between Whining and Telling Necessary Truths
No executive wants to deal with “Vic the Victim” or “Negative Ned”. And no employee really wants to be the perpetual bearer of bad tidings. But the truth, although often inconvenient, is actually a crucial... Continue reading