Remember: They’re Watching You

Nov 15, 2010 | Leadership Development

No matter how many times you tell your team, "We're going to change." "We're going to become more efficient and do things differently around here," they're not going to believe you. They also know that by "We" you really mean them. As a leader, if you expect others to change, you need to change first. Remember, the team follows the leader. This may sound basic to many of you, but how many times have you expected your teams to change, only to find them frustrated and confused a few days or...

What Do You Mean "Management Doesn’t Trust You"?

Sep 20, 2010 | Leadership Development

If you're a manager, you've heard it at least once in your career, "You don't trust me," or "Management doesn't trust us." Now if you're honest with yourself, when you've heard either comment, you've tried not to roll your eyes as you've thought to yourself, "Whiner, whiner, whiner." Be honest. We've all done it. However, if those comments are said more than once or by more than one person - look out. You may have a number of problems that need to be addressed - and quickly. Employees...

Have You Cleaned Your Business Lately?

Apr 18, 2010 | Leadership Development

When was the last time you cleaned out your car, a closet, or a desk drawer? Why did you clean it? If you're like me, it was probably because when you used it last, you saw something funky on the floorboard, saw some clothes getting smashed in your closet, or you couldn't find something in your desk drawer. So, being efficient and organized, you cleaned up the mess. However, why is it when we come across something funky or messy in our businesses, we don't always stop and clean it up right...

What Have You Learned From an Employee Today?

Mar 24, 2010 | Leadership Development

Today following a leadership training program, I learned from a client's employee that she's seriously considering leaving their company. The employee is well-respected by her peers and has delivered consistently. She's apparently tried three times to have a conversation with her Vice President (VP) about two trending operational issues, but the VP has cut each of their conversations short with an, "It's not important now" reply. This is the third time I've heard this type of comment about...

It’s Time to Change the Relationship

Jul 30, 2009 | Leadership Development

I provided a leadership training program recently to a client as part of their year-long Leadership Development Program for Women. My program was entitled, "Effectively Leading By Managing Difficult Situations and People." At the start of the program, I asked the participants in addition to what I had planned to cover with them, what other leadership issues they would want me to address. One woman raised her hand and said, "I'd like to learn how to provide corrective feedback to my staff...