Afraid to Be a Leader?

Mar 27, 2012 | Leadership Development

It's happening again. I'm witnessing a new "leader" become ineffective and the senior team's confidence in him is starting to lag. The leader is losing his effectiveness even though he's already implemented several much needed programs for the organization. He's losing his effectiveness because he's afraid to do one of the toughest things required of a leader: he's afraid to hold a key staff member accountable to do her job efficiently, accurately, and professionally. It's sad to say, but he's...

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...

So You Say You Coach Your Employees

May 21, 2011 | Leadership Development

Sound familiar? "Oh yes. Our employees are our most valuable asset." "Given the way things are these days, we work very hard to retain our employees." "We've provided coaching and mentoring training to all of our management staff!" Well good for you. But why is it that your staff seems nervous and slightly on edge when you're around? Why is it that your staff doesn't know what's happening in other departments or with the company? Why is it that your staff looks with skepticism when they hear:...

Do YOUR Job

Feb 14, 2011 | Leadership Development

A manager approached me this week after a work session to seek my advice on how she should address one of her employees. This employee is increasingly becoming Trouble (with a tall T). He is more often than not selecting which projects (and which elements of each project) he will work on. When the manager asks the employee to redirect his efforts, the employee replies in patronizing tones in front of other staff members. This employee has also failed to complete the primary project his...

Specifically = Every Manager’s Favorite Word

May 20, 2010 | Leadership Development

SPECIFICALLYIt is THE word every manager/leader should become incredibly comfortable using. It is really a simple word; however, most don’t use it for maximum impact. We don’t use it as we could and should, because we don’t appreciate it as a critical aid in coaching and supporting our team members in such things as problem identification, process analysis, individual performance, and accountability. If a team member approaches you and says something along the lines of: “There’s a problem in...