The leaders in the room were Baby Boomers and members of Generation X. The panelists were Millennials. I was their facilitator for a candid conversation. Here’s how the panelists answered questions about how they want to be managed. The Millennials said they want feedback – clear, honest communication about what they’re doing that’s working well […]
Read More →During a recent panel discussion where Millennials shared their views with one company’s leaders, they expressed their desire for work-life balance and continuous learning and growth. The group told a room of Baby Boomers and GenXers that if they’re not growing and developing, they are more likely to leave. Doing the same thing every day […]
Read More →Recently, I facilitated a panel discussion among a group of Millennials who shared their perspective with the company’s leadership. The leaders — all of whom were Baby Boomers and members of Generation X – wanted a better understanding of the Millennials in their workforce. As part of this open and honest forum, the Millennial panelists […]
Read More →Who is on your “go-to” list? Who are the people you reach out to for new projects, innovative suggestions, opinions or feedback? Is it always the same narrow group, or do you consciously work to expand and diversify the members of your personal think thank? To create an inclusive culture, it’s extremely important that you […]
Read More → We’ve all encountered people who are quick to say “No” to suggestions or new ideas. Before any apparent consideration occurs, they instantly shoot down most, if not all people, who come to them with their ideas. Here’s what I recommend if you have a person like that in your life. Ask your question and […]
Read More →A direct report walks up to you and asks, “Can we talk?” She describes a problem she’s having. What’s your reflex response? Do you immediately launch into offering a solution? If so, you just robbed an eager employee of a chance to exercise her own problem-solving muscles. Instead of immediately focusing on resolving problems, listen […]
Read More →There’s No US vs. THEM Recently, I facilitated an all-hands meeting where participants talked about state of the business. I repeatedly heard comments like, “The company” doesn’t promote from within. “The company” is risk averse. “The company’s” merit and bonus programs are unfair. It’s hard to know who to trust in “this company.” After allowing […]
Read More → In her TED Talk, Margaret Heffernan tells the story of an evolutionary biologist at Purdue University, who housed a flock of competitive, super chickens together with the goal of increasing productivity. Six generations later, all but three of the birds had been pecked to death. Yet, the flock of average chickens managed to live together […]
Read More →Sales Superstars Don’t Necessarily Make Good Leaders If you’re a senior executive don’t be swayed by star performers who aren’t team players. Stop being overly inclusive as a means of avoiding conflict. And, be honest when a team member’s performance no longer makes the grade. A recent article by McKinsey & Company says the talent […]
Read More → Lift the Burden By Acting With Integrity Here’s a Zig Ziglar quote I really like: “With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt.” These words make me breathe more easily. What a beautiful, unburdened way […]
Read More →Regular One-On-Ones Could Prevent Future Crises Few leaders have the luxury of exclusively leading people. Typically, leaders have extensive to-do lists of their own. But, as a leader, your highest priority is supporting, motivating, guiding and inspiring the people who report to you. If you’re not already holding regular one-on-ones with key members of your […]
Read More →What Made Businesses Great In 2001 Still Works Today Jim Collin’s book “Good to Great” was written in 2001. The “Level 5 Leaders” he wrote about were most effective at producing high returns. But by their very nature, Level 5 Leaders aren’t in the headlines. Their accomplishments are rarely showcased as examples of success. But […]
Read More →Pledges and Commitments That Create Accountability Ever held a meeting where everyone seemed enthusiastic about the topic and next steps? But, soon after, it was back to business as usual? Here are two tips that may increase commitment and foster progress. After introducing the meeting’s purpose, objectives and agenda, ask participants to respond to this […]
Read More →If Not This Season, Then When? I enjoy this time of year. And, it’s seems many others do, as well. It’s a season of fun-filled gatherings and sharing good wishes. Kindness, warm smiles and generosity are legitimized in all dimensions of life. Giving takes center stage and even goes beyond the material. Perhaps you and […]
Read More →In addition to meeting day-to-day goals, leaders are responsible for developing and communicating vision – the broader organization’s vision, as well as their department’s. Successful leaders revisit their vision often with staff and make sure their team can articulate the priorities that drive business results. If you’re in a leadership role, have you’ve taken the […]
Read More →Clients tell me that they share my videos and podcasts with their teams. One client says she starts her staff meetings off by playing one of my videos. She finds the messages helpful for aligning their focus, strengthening confidence and enhancing emotional intelligence. If you’re looking for tools to help your team grow professionally or […]
Read More →Often times, when leaders announce a major change, resistance from vocal stakeholders soon follows. If you’re lucky, the people with issues will come to you directly – giving you a chance to address grievances. But, more likely, the grumbling will happen out of earshot, although not without manifesting itself in one form or another. If […]
Read More →In a recent “60 Minutes” interview with Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer, he shared his approach to providing outstanding hospitality. He trains his staff to identify the boss at every table so they can make sure that person leaves happy. For Meyer, that’s the secret to creating loyal customers in a crowded industry. I began […]
Read More →Do You Possess These 6 Inspiring Leadership Qualities? Inspiring leadership is increasingly important as evidenced by polls that say a high percentage of today’s workers are disengaged. Some experts lay a portion of the blame on managers who are not cut out to manage people. The wrong manager can sink morale, drive away valuable talent […]
Read More →Are your job descriptions for new hires filled with unrealistic and overly specific hiring specifications? An article from The Society for Human Resource Management says recruiters call these “Purple Squirrels.” Steven Linder, The Workplace Group’s talent acquisition and development partner, explains that things have evolved since the job market changed due to the recession. Many […]
Read More →
