Do You Frequently CC the Boss When Emailing Co-Workers? Does the boss request that she be CC’d to stay in the loop? Research from the University of Cambridge suggests that this damages trust. To many, copying the boss on emails is a clear signal that you suspect they’ll under deliver. It can feel like a […]
Read More →Although no one listening is likely to be on the 2024 moon mission, we can all learn a lot from the astronauts NASA has chosen. In a recent Inc.com article Psychologist James Picano shared the three qualities — besides the technical skills and abilities — that made these women and men ideal for the job. They […]
Read More →In my experience, I’ve seen how innovation and effective problem solving are more easily achieved when companies actively seek interdepartmental collaboration. They break down long-standing silos and encouraging open communication. Microsoft Workplace Insights contributors offer these tips to accomplish this challenging task. Broaden your employee’s vision. Bring diverse teams together to work on an initiative. They’ll uncover a […]
Read More →According to a recent article from Microsoft Workplace Insights, employees who reach outside their silos gain skills faster and make ore sales. But many companies aren’t built to function across teams, departments or divisions. Here are three things Microsoft recommends doing to create cross-silo collaboration. Develop and deploy cultural brokers. Look for people who already excel at interdepartmental […]
Read More →I am a proud member of a local women’s collective giving group. Impact100 South Jersey is one of an increasing number of such groups around the country and the world. Ours is volunteer-run, made up of diverse women, and is growing every year. Besides being a philanthropic multiplier, Impact100 is a powerful networking and leadership building tool. Members […]
Read More →There’s an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Going together means delegating to or collaborating with others. But doing so successfully can be challenging. Executive coach Helen Baxter-Southworth and team dynamics expert Russ Forrester say these five values and behaviors hold the key to working […]
Read More →Brainstorming has long been a productive way to bring new ideas to the fore. Research at University of Texas Austin suggests that you can kick your brainstorming up a notch. They studied three groups. One group was incentivized based on the number of ideas they generated. One was given a flat incentive, while another group received nothing. Each […]
Read More →What’s your approach to introducing a new initiative? Do you plan alone or with just a select few? Do you make the decisions and tell others? Do you push for closure, focused primarily on getting the task done? If you answered, “Yes” to the above questions you may find that your good ideas often fail before they’re even […]
Read More →While conflict is inevitable and can be seen as the healthy manifestation of competition, how we engage during conflict is key. A little self-awareness can go a long way to help us steer away from behavior that serves no one. Here are a few well-worn ruts to resist. The “I’m right, you’re wrong” mindset. A hint that you’re […]
Read More →The impact email has had on productivity is arguably positive. It has sped up communication and disrupted limitations on when and where we can do business. But consider these two unintended consequences. First, email inboxes have become to-do lists and communication of record for some. But often, different subjects are discussed in a string, while […]
Read More →First there was IQ. Then came EQ or Emotional Intelligence. Now Judith Glazer of “The Harvard Coaching Institute” has introduced the concept of CQ or Conversational Intelligence. CQ taps into our need for self-expression and validation. Glazer says that in environments where people can share their aspirations, intentions and fears freely, the door opens for […]
Read More → Leaders: Do you find that you’re spending so much time managing your team that you have little time or attention span left to slow down and think strategically? Harvard Business Review contributor Maura Thomas has these tips just for you. Schedule regular meetings with direct reports, and designate specific times for others on the […]
Read More →If you’re in a leadership role, you’re likely juggling two very important responsibilities — being accessible to your people, and generating the strategies and ideas for moving the organization forward. Harvard Business Review Contributor Maura Thomas has recommendations for doing both effectively. Here are two. Mentor in hindsight. In keeping with the rules of adult […]
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 →Human nature can lead us down the path of emotional comfort. For example, Gallup says one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when they build their team is picking people who are too much like them. As a result, they surround themselves with a homogenous group. While homogeneity may reduce conflict, Gallup points to research […]
Read More → Are you starting an entrepreneurial venture? Have you already begun one? Or, do you work in a place where the entrepreneurial spirit thrives? If so, here are the 3 types of people Gallup says you need on your team. The Rainmaker. The aggressive, optimistic, risk-taker who is intensely motivated by sales and revenue. The […]
Read More →Can You Communicate Reasons for Change To Your Team? Leadership expert John Maxwell said, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” The pace at which change occurs today can be mind-blowing, unsettling, even overwhelming. For people affected by change, who are outside the inner circle and aren’t privy to the “why” of a specific shift in […]
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 →Part 1: 3 Questions To Assess Your Organization’s Readiness Are big changes on your company’s horizon? William and Susan Bridges, authors of “Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change” suggest asking three questions to make things go smoothly. First, what is changing? When high-level leaders communicate change in a vague, abstract way, it’s hard for […]
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 […]
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