A very common transgression that starts small, then grows when not addressed, is lateness. Whether it’s late delivering on a deadline, or late to meetings, it needs to be addressed early and directly. How? Let’s start by addressing meeting lateness. Below are four approaches; feel free to adapt however is most comfortable for you. Note … Read more
Leaders can get caught up in visionary strategic planning and lots of new initiatives. The result can be lots of overwhelming action plans or distractions from continuing “what works.” Sometimes, instead of an all-out SWOT, a simple “Start, Stop, Continue” is all you need to do. Do this: put up 3 pieces of chart paper, … Read more
In an episode of The Office, Michael (manager) is headed home for the day, and reports this to Jo (owner). He’s clearly uncomfortable that he’s ready to leave, while she is still there working harder and longer. She notices this and tells him, “If your work is done, and you’re proud of it, and you … Read more
No matter how far you’ve come, a leader always asks: “What’s the next step?” True to my DiSC® style of a strongly inclined iD — I’m impatient. It’s been a lifelong tendency of mine to interrupt, or at least formulate my response before the other person is done talking. A college professor I had called … Read more
When I was a teacher, I didn’t get a lot of handwritten notes from my principals and superintendents. So when I did, it was pretty exciting! To think that my boss would make the time to write words of appreciation or encouragement when a pop-by or email might have sufficed, really made a major impression … Read more
I like low-cost and efficient ways to make improvements. If you could make progress without spending much time or money, wouldn’t you try? Here’s one simple, but effective technique: Smile more. It’s the most powerful facial expression or gesture, and causes these two things to happen: 1) We have less stress. 2) Those around us … Read more
Last week, we talked about rubrics in general as a tool to develop vision. This week, let’s take that further to talk about a way to make your passion more obvious to your team. Examine all your own projects, initiatives, to-do items, daily tasks, and responsibilities. Compare each of them to your organizational values. Consider … Read more
In metro areas with large corporations, there are regular service opportunities for employees, and their outreach is encouraged. But if leaders are to improve productivity and motivate people to improve the bottom line, should they really allow these efforts on work time? Of course. The best leaders know that service efforts are not only helpful … Read more
I once had a business-owner client who really needed to show her enthusiasm more. “Not a lot gets me excited,” she said, “except that I’m really motivated by making money.” She felt a little shallow about that, but also knew her products and services made people’s lives better, which is what motivated her staff. So, … Read more
There are a number of ways and software methods out there to help you get visual with strategic thinking. Personally, I’m a fan of posting up colored sticky notes on the wall and/or on scratch paper. I also recommend the sticky notes method if you have projects with multiple members of your team that are … Read more