Why Smart People Do Stupid Work
Despite my best efforts to encourage employees to think, question, and recommend change, on any given day, I know there are people on my team doing tasks they know are stupid. Stupid work includes… reinforcing policies without thinking making decisions that lose...
May 2013 Leadership Development Carnival
What an amazing line-up contributions for the May Leadership Development Carnival. A heartfelt thanks to all the thought leaders who contributed to this diverse collection. I would like to also personally thank the LD Carnival founder, Dan McCarthy, for an opportunity...
Teaching Your Team Executive Presence: The Green Jacket Effect
Executive presence is not just for executives. Your team must learn to tell their story. You can help. A Familiar Story You want your team to perform well in front of senior leadership. They’ve practiced their elevator speeches. But, when the exec shows up, they get...
10,000 Human Beings
Before you make your next leadership decision, stop and think: What’s the impact on the human beings in this scenario? Fred’s Story Fred (not his real name) has a beautiful habit. Every time we discuss a strategy, policy, or project, he stops and asks...
Resources for Building Your Personal Brand
You work hard. You’ve got great results. Your team loves you. You’ve made strong internal connections. That’s a start. But others are doing more. Define what matters most. Build your brand. Share it with the world. Build relationships and find...
Mentoring Moments: Just in Time Support
Someone asks you to be their mentor. You’re not sure you can commit. It’s a lot of time, and you’re already overloaded. Plus you’ve mentored in several formal mentoring programs and it felt forced and awkward. Formal programs can stifle a good...
Customers or Employees: Which Comes First?
Chicken Nuggets or Egg McMuffins? Customers or employees? Which comes first? Does it matter? I was intrigued by an Wall Street Journal article revealing McDonald’s efforts to fix customer service. Much conversation about customers. Little about employees. I felt...
Best Leadership Books for Frontline Leaders
I’m always being asked for recommendations on the best leadership books for frontline leaders. I share my favorites with you throughout my posts, so this time I thought I’d ask the Let’s Grow Leaders Community. I cast the best leadership book net in...
