Get in the Driver’s Seat

Dec 13, 2011 | Leadership Development

Are you in the driver's seat of your business? Think back. Did you really understand what your company's balance sheet, profit & loss statement, and cash flow report were revealing to you the last time you looked at them? If your answer to that question was "What's a balance sheet, and those other things you mentioned?" you are in danger of losing control of your organization. (If you answered, “Yes. Totally.” You are driving your business like a pro—read another article.) Running your...

Admitting You Are Human Takes Courage

Nov 29, 2011 | Leadership Development

In my training and consulting work, I am frequently and discreetly told during breaks “I didn't handle myself too well this morning” or “I was so frustrated with my team yesterday, I just screamed at them.” When I hear comments such as these, I ask the confessor, “So, did you admit to them that you messed up?” More often than not, I am answered with a guilty look and a hushed “No.” One of the most respected qualities of a leader is honesty. If we cannot be honest with others when we make a...

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...

What’s Your Word Worth?

Apr 27, 2011 | Leadership Development

Regardless of the topic I am presenting, many clients indicate the greatest frustration with co-workers, supervisors, team members, or managers is another person’s inability to keep his or her word. Other people don’t walk the talk or follow through with the promises they made. They simply do not do what they said they would do. It sounds so basic, but listen when I tell you that the bottom-line impact this fundamental behavior can have on an organization is incredible. If you do not believe...