If your company values collaboration over independence, Fast Company recommends that hiring managers ask the following questions to find the people who are the best fit for your collaborative culture. Tell me about a time you worked with a team. What was your approach to collaborating with your teammates? What role did you play […]
Read More → If your company boasts an entrepreneurial culture, Fast Company offers these tips to help you find people who will best fit in. To assess a candidate’s ability to work in an independent environment, ask questions like: Tell me about a project you planned and executed with little or no supervision. What approach did you […]
Read More →Today’s leaders need a keen understanding of the people who report to them, and the unique obstacles they must overcome to be successful. Marion Anderson once said, “Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it.” Her message provides clear encouragement to seek to understand […]
Read More →When hiring, know what your company culture is and, if it’s changing, what you want it to become. Fast Company has identified three different company cultures and a structured method for hiring those who best fit. The independent entrepreneurial culture is best for people who are resourceful and thrive on autonomy. The collaborative culture is […]
Read More →As companies step up their sexual harassment training, it’s important to make sure it’s effective and relevant. The Society of HR Management reported that when Portland State University’s VP of HR noticed his all-male audience wasn’t paying attention during a training, he gave them an assignment. Each man was to ask one woman in his […]
Read More →Can working for someone you consider a bad manager damage your health? A recent Gallup blog post, characterizes having a bad manager as a one-two punch. You feel miserable at work, and as a result you feel miserable at home. This compounds stress and harms overall well-being. When employees are unhappy and unhealthy, absenteeism, performance, […]
Read More → While it’s fairly common for people who are successful as an individual contributor to rise to levels that involve managing others, research conducted by Gallup says that about one in ten people possess the right talents to manage others. If you’re wondering who to promote into positions where they manage people, Gallup says you […]
Read More →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 […]
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