Happy Anniversary to the most important book on leadership on my shelf. Not only is it compelling, research-based, comprehensive, elegant, immediately applicable, and timeless; it changed my life. Research ought to be relevant, right? So, when it was time to pick a topic for my master’s thesis, it was easy. I was a band teacher … Read more
The brilliant folks at Manager Tools–specifically, Mark–have recommended this book highly for years. I read much of it a while ago, and recently picked it up to re-read it. In 300 words, here’s why it’s worthy of attention; read at least chapters 1, 2, 16, and 20. (Those chapters recommended by Luther College professor Schweizer — … Read more
Have you seen productivity dip while creating a positive atmosphere? There’s a likely reason, and a solution. So much of this blog’s content is devoted to positive, encouraging, servant leadership. Every once in a while, a leader comes along who is so committed to positivity that they wonder why productivity might be down, not up. … Read more
A few weeks back, I was at a presentation of Janyne Peek Emsick, and she reminded us of a great quote from Karl Lewin: To know,and not do,is to not yet know. Have you ever explained how to tie your shoes? Better yet, was there ever a time that you tried tying shoes simply based … Read more
A coping strategy when things “drive you crazy” at work or home: Take a moment to consider the potential positive side. About 20 years ago, in a college class about marriage, the professor pointed out this fact: The things that we adore about our future spouses will eventually, at times, drive us nuts. “He’s so … Read more
A few weeks ago, I shared an unusual incident involving an appliance installer, and the Facebook discussion after I shared it online. After the post, there was a bit more discussion, and I also finally offered my thoughts on the issue. This week, I’ll share that “coda.” Some of asked how it turned out – … Read more
An earlier post discussed the perils of the use of the word “don’t”. “Don’t” is negative, and can also be dismissive. It is direct (that’s good) and easy (that’s why it’s frequently used). There’s a nice alternative, though, that can quickly lay out both the non-desirable behavior, and the preferred: “Instead of…” Use this phrase … Read more
If we are effective, we are probably quite busy. Many of us have tried different ways to stay organized, including electronic gadgets, pen and paper planners, whiteboards, etc. I’d like to share two ways that have worked for me. I’m sharing them here, because others who have adopted them have found quite useful. Both of … Read more
When I read the (rightly) popular Good to Great, I found myself agreeing with nearly everything in principle, but thought that some concepts were a little too idealistic for a small- to mid-sized organization. Massive businesses, like his examples, have more luxury to move people around, for example.
That’s why I had a touch of a problem with
This week, five posts that will help you understand the value of great customer service, everyone’s role in it, and some ideas to make it happen. Disney’s Magic Trick Dig the Little Things Pause and Listen One of my favorite bad service stories… Non-leaders can lead, too… The plus one: Check out the Unsecret Shopper … Read more