To Be Nimble You Need Concise Plans, Values, Respect, and Necessary Conversations

Jan 14, 2014 | Leadership Development

If you haven’t read it yet, read Adam Bryant’s book: Quick and Nimble – Lessons from Leading C.E.O.’s on How to Create a Culture of Innovation. His insights are important for my readers and clients because they so nicely echo several core leadership concepts I share with my clients during my programs or executive coaching sessions with them. In his book, Bryant covers six key ideas to create a culture of innovation and nimbleness. I’ll list Bryant’s terms and then mine: Create a Simple...

Why Do You Attack Instead of Talk?

Nov 20, 2013 | Leadership Development

Why is it so hard for so many managers to simply talk with their employees about less-than-expected performance? Why do so many managers become mean when they simply need to make employees aware their behaviors are taking them down the path towards disciplinary actions or possibly -- termination? Why do so many managers default to "attack mode" instead of "talk mode" to tell employees they are performing in unacceptable ways? Typical Reasons People Attack Instead of Talk From my...

Procrastination Leadership

May 21, 2013 | Leadership Development

Take a look around your office. Look at your desk. Look at your email In-Box. As you look at the various piles of papers and streams of emails, ask yourself, "What am I dodging? What am I trying to delay? What problems, issues, or projects am I finding excuses to avoid? From what am I intentionally (Though I claim it's unintentional) hiding?" If you're getting nervous by any of the questions above, you're probably avoiding Procrastination Leadership. Procrastination Leadership is a term I've...

If You Want Change, You Need to…Change

Jun 19, 2012 | Leadership Development

Change is hard. Changing the way we think, behave, work, and lead others is really hard. It takes dedicated, intentional focus. It takes dedicated, intentional restraint. It takes dedicated, intentional action. It takes dedication to change. I've circled back and had interactions with two client groups recently who are experiencing the frustrations of change. Their organizations have been working to enhance their leadership teams, implement focused strategic plans, and implement a number of...

Accountability Allows Leadership

Apr 24, 2012 | Leadership Development

A senior manager recently asked what the difference was between a manager and a leader. I told her: "A manager is responsible for taking care of the here and now. A manager ensures the resources are used efficiently, and plans for maximum utilization of staff, equipment, materials, and capital. A manager knows how to multi-task and deal with ever-shifting priorities. A leader focuses on "What's coming next and how to take advantage of it?" Given that definition, she said, "I'm...