In leadership development sessions, we spend a lot of time getting curious about what it’s like to be the people who report to us. By definition of how people usually end up in leadership roles, the leader tends to be more capable, better paid, and more secure in their interactions. This dynamic sometimes makes it … Read more
There are people who take to-do item emails and file them into different folders, depending on their urgency or the area of control of their work. Later, they have to remember where they put those emails and reorganize the work. By this time, they’ve spent a lot of time organizing their system, and they think … Read more
Engagement is the holy grail of productivity. We read articles and books and blog posts about the value of engaged employees and how much more productive they are. We hang on those Gallup statistics: Given these results, if we can figure out what aspects of our organization contribute to high engagement and to low engagement, … Read more
A member of a client team gave me a book as a gift. The book is The Meaning Revolution by Fred Kofman. It’s very good, and I’m likely to write more about its insights in the months to come, but for now, I want to share my new favorite saying: To optimize the system, you … Read more
If you have ever seen the TV show The Office (U.S. version), you’re likely aware that Oscar Martinez is the office know-it-all. In fact, his coworkers gave him a nickname that conveys this particular trait: Actually. He get this moniker because he frequently corrects the facts of others, even when not directly involved in the … Read more
If you’ve been following for a while, you’ll notice that this blog is loaded with lists. That’s because hard-working people respond well to quick and actionable ideas and tools. Something else that you may have noticed is that I’m usually generic regarding list content. I want the lists and list information I post to have … Read more
Some people think the U.S. is headed for an economic downturn, and I know some managers who are bracing for that potential storm. Samir runs a boutique marketing firm that promises clean and consistent brand development and graphic design. Ellyn manages a production facility. She ensures that products are produced with quality consistency, just-in-time delivery, … Read more
Recently I worked with an executive team on how to be more productive and candid during disagreements. We had a deep conversation about productive and healthy conflict. Then, using that discussion, we examined the data measuring their teamwork behaviors. Nearly everyone admitted these truths: So, what might this look like? Karla is reviewing some procedural … Read more
As a political junkie, I’ve been watching political coverage on news outlets lately. There are three words/phrases I’ve heard repetatively that I worry might creep into workplace discussions. They are: Let me be clear Look Listen All three of these words/phrases are time killers, a way to hold their place “in line” before getting interrupted … Read more
I really appreciate—and have totally used—Brené Brown’s tools. You can find downloadables on her website. Brené Brown recommends the following phrases to push vulnerable and trusting conversations forward: Often, we have an experience and don’t know the whole story. Then, our imagination fills in a story. For example, Jack might come home with a headache … Read more