Communication. Always a concern. Two areas that get the best of us are: Speed of response Method of communication One team I worked with recently was typical: There was a broad range of expected response times. When we surveyed the group, asking the question “What’s your personal standard for responding to email?” the answers ranged … Read more
Please give frequent feedback to the people you lead. This is your responsibility. But please avoid giving feedback to the people who lead you, unless they purposefully request it. It’s not your role. Also, avoid giving feedback to your peers, unless they purposefully request it. It’s not your role. When peers or leaders do ask … Read more
Want the perfect New Year resolution? One that will advance your career, generate loyalty, and make the world a better place? Resolve to do these two things: Deliver everything you promise, and that you are expected to deliver, on time. Always. Track yourself on delivery; never rely on outside accountability. Instead, report completion. These two … Read more
There are two activities I go to for team GTKEO (get to know each other). The Meeting Introductions Tool is one I learned from Manager Tools, and works quite well for lighter events. My newest, and favorite, go-to is Patrick Lencioni’s Family Histories Exercise. There are just three questions: Where did you grow up? How … Read more
Let’s make this easy. If your religious or political convictions are strong, AND you believe that you are called to use your leadership position to do everything in your power to bring your team members around to your point of view, this post is not for you. Go watch the small but lovely film “The … Read more
I was sitting at my desk, staring into space, thinking about my work. Thinking about current work, but also daydreaming about the future and reminiscing about the past. I was daydreaming. And, I got caught. My boss walked in, so I jerked myself to a “working posture” and grabbed a pen. I said, “Oh, man, … Read more
Everyone is busy, right? “Busy” is a common notion – so common that saying “We’re keeping busy” is similar to “The sky is still blue.” It’s like it goes without saying. Oh, but it’s still quite loaded. Depending on the context, “busy” means many things: If I am busy, then I’m productiveprosperousa good husband/fathersuccessfulindustrious But if you … Read more
Leaders develop their people — it’s important to help them grow, to make yourself more effective by delegating, and to see who could advance to leadership themselves. A first step to determine readiness is to simply ask for more. This could be either faster delivery, more complete work, or greater pro-activity. Here are four approaches, each … Read more
You may recognize this post as a “rerun” of years’ past, but it bears an important reminder that can be easily looked over. We’re edging closer and closer to the Winter Solstice, the shortest and darkest day of the year. As a stark contrast to the holiday season, it can exacerbate hidden internal sadness in … Read more
Recently, I made a Facebook post that praised someone I think highly of, a journalist named John. I said: Something I appreciated watching you work today was the way you were relentless in the pursuit of great shots, but always aware and considerate of the audience and musicians. His response was delightfully humble. It read: … Read more