It’s good to work with a boss who cares. As with most things in life, too much of a good thing can cause problems. Compassion in a work team leader is a desirable trait, but leaders who care overly much tend to avoid critical decision-making and stunt their employees’ growth. It’s an issue of understanding the boundaries […] Continue reading
Hyrum Smith’s teachings have had a profound impact on the way I prioritize my life. As a young professional, I recall listening to an audio tape on how to effectively use the Franklin Planner time management system. Hyrum, then the founder of the Franklin Institute, was a charismatic speaker who was passionate about helping people […] Continue reading
Nobody likes to be micro-managed. Yet nearly all of us have felt the intense pressure of a manager who was too involved in the minutiae of our daily work lives. There are many reasons why leaders micro-manage. In some cases, a hands-on approach actually has benefits, according to this BBC article by Sydney Finkelstein. Leaders micro-manage […] Continue reading
People expect things of you when you become a leader. “When we step into leadership, we may not be aware that it comes with implicit promises in the form of expectations,” says Bob Anderson, co-author of the recently published Mastering Leadership. When I interviewed Anderson in advance of the book’s publication, he shared his perspective […] Continue reading
My eldest child starts driver’s training today. A couple of years ago my good friend Mike Henry, (who has already live through this phase) told me, “If you think the teen years are hard now, wait until he starts driving.” Well, Mike, that day is here! It’s terrifying. The responsibility is huge. There’s potential for […] Continue reading
I’m a sponsored blog partner with Spherion (a staffing and recruiting organization) and am participating in the release of findings from Spherion’s Emerging Workforce® Study. All opinions are mine. Social media touches every element of the workplace. Whether it’s a customer service employee who tracks his company’s Facebook feed for disgruntled customers, or job seekers […] Continue reading
Engagement isn’t just for leaders and the people they lead. It’s also important for leaders to engage with their peers, write authors Bob Anderson and Bill Adams of the recently released book Mastering Leadership: An Integrated Framework for Breakthrough Performance and Extraordinary Business Results. I did a riff on Anderson’s and Adams’ quote, “Leadership teams must […] Continue reading
“Leadership greatness springs from within. So you’ve got to go in.” That’s what Bob Anderson, Chief Development Officer of The Leadership Circle told me when I interviewed him for his recently published book, Mastering Leadership: An Integrated Framework for Breakthrough Performance and Extraordinary Business Results. What does Bob mean by “going in?” It all starts […] Continue reading
Few would argue that “leadership effectiveness” is one of the most important elements of business success. Yet, how many leaders in their organizations make their own leadership development a top priority? Even fewer set out to make a monumental personal transformation along the way. Yet that just what’s needed in today’s complex work world: leaders […] Continue reading
I’m a sponsored blog partner with Spherion (a staffing and recruiting organization) and am participating in the release of findings from Spherion’s Emerging Workforce® Study (“EWS.”) All opinions are mine. Want to find a new job? You probably figure that prospective employers place a heavy emphasis on your current job to decide if they want […] Continue reading
