Are You Doing What You’re Paid To Do?

May 28, 2013 | Leadership Development

At work, how often do you feel like a chicken with your head cut off? You run around all day handling one crisis after another. You run from one meeting to the next. You take one phone call after another. Yet at the end of the day, you feel as if you've achieved nothing. Or, are you in a situation where you have a few key supervisors or managers that you count on to handle the “critical” issues. However, because they're so busy handling issues, they're not getting “big” things done in the...

Create a Succession Plan in Eight Steps

Nov 20, 2012 | Succession Planning

I was recently asked by an association president what basic steps he and the executive committee should consider as they create a succession plan that's effective and simple. There are no plans for the CEO to leave. However, the association has a sound strategic plan and process now in place, so wisely, the association leadership team is looking to put a sound succession plan and process in place as well. That's a smart thing to do. Let me share with you what I shared with him so that you too...

Clear Needs Lead to Clear Hires

May 29, 2012 | Succession Planning

I received a telephone call recently from a client desperately trying to fill a vacancy in her accounting office. After describing the situation she read the position description to me. Among other general items, it noted, "At least three years of accounting experience." Well that's just dandy, but what does that really mean? Does the person she hires need to have three years of experience in her company's industry, or will three years of public accounting experience be OK? Does the person...

Developing Your Future Leaders: It’s Your Responsibility

May 8, 2012 | Leadership Development

Many business owners still believe their Human Resources (HR) department is primarily responsible for developing their organization's future leaders. However, the longer these business owners keep this limited mindset, the further behind their organizations become. You see, this crucial activity is not primarily HR's responsibility, it's ours - the business owners - and that scares the heck out of most business owners. So, as business owners, if developing our organization's future leaders is...

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...