Are You Too Busy Being Busy?

Oct 3, 2011 | Leadership Development

Do you work 11, 12, or 14 hour days and never get ahead? Do you believe that the more tasks you physically do yourself, the greater your chances are you can inspire your staff to do more? And then, do you ask yourself over and over why no one seems to be working as hard or caring as much as you? One reason for your frustration might just be your own behavior. If you are running around like a chicken with its head cut off, scurrying from task to task, often shifting direction with no notice and...

Guest Post: Ted Coiné

Sep 30, 2011 | Guest Post

We have a special guest on the blog today. Author, speaker, and social media leader Ted Coiné, Catalyst from Ted Coiné, has written a terrific article that we'd like to share with you. Please Move My Cheese (…Well, Maybe) By Ted Coiné Want to suck the motivation out of your people? Move the goalposts on them. Change the rules mid-game enough times and I promise, even the most obstinately-positive of your employees will learn to give up. Have you read Spencer...

Encourage Good Writing Skills

Sep 26, 2011 | Leadership Development

Years ago when I worked with the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., I read a report prepared by my Bureau's Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS). I cannot remember what the report was about, but I clearly remember how impressed I was with his writing ability. I complimented him on his writing skill, and he kindly took me aside to give me some advice. He said, “Liz, to be successful in any organization, one needs to be able to write well. Always remember that your writing is a reflection...

That’s Not My Job

Sep 19, 2011 | Leadership Development

I recently had lunch with a consulting colleague. He'd just left a client meeting and was rubbing his temples in an attempt to ease a headache. When I asked if there was something specific bothering him, he replied, "Why are people so afraid to take responsibility and do their jobs?" Apparently during the meeting it had become obvious the project would need additional work as my colleague had pointed out gaps in the team's initial planning. However, as my colleague asked each of the four team...

The Buckshot Approach vs The Bullet Approach

Sep 12, 2011 | Leadership Development, WBS

Many years ago, while on a business trip, I met with a new manager in Guatemala. She had been in her position for one month, was excited about its possibilities, and she had a great deal of energy. After years of neglect and lackluster management, her department had many areas that needed attention. It was somewhat overwhelming, but she was determined to get things in shape. When I arrived for our first meeting, she was talking on the phone, with two other lines on hold, and she was sitting in...