Fear of Difficult Conversations

Jan 3, 2012 | Leadership Development

It's been happening more and more. Clients are complaining about their managers' inappropriate behaviors, lack of management skills, and inability to take on greater responsibilities. Yet, when I ask if they have discussed the problem areas with their managers, they say, "It won't do any good. I talked to them about this years ago and they never changed." Why do so many of us fear having difficult conversations with our managers and other members of our staffs? Why do we choose to not...

A Self-Respecting Leader: Robert 'Tink' Lehmer

Oct 24, 2011 | Leadership Development

I never met Robert 'Tink' Lehmer. I wish I had. He thought the way great leaders think. I say this because of a little poem he wrote in 1976. Tink's poem was shared during a Leadership Training program graduation ceremony I recently attended. My hope for the graduates is that they paid attention and took his words to heart. If the graduates did, his words will serve them well. Myself (Written June 11, 1976) I have to live with myself, and so I want to be fit for myself to know I...

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...

Guest Post: Ian Cook

Sep 9, 2011 | Guest Post

We have a special guest on the blog today. Ian Cook, Fulcrum Associates, has written a terrific article that we'd like to share with you. What’s Your Ask/Tell Ratio? By Ian Cook Do you ask your employees as often as you tell them what to do and what you think? In my experience, most managers don’t, not even close. Elsewhere in this blog I have offered four reasons why this is so. But if you have no answer to the above question, I invite you to spend a week or so watching...