What’s the most important thing you must do as a leader? (Note: this isn’t a trick question.) The answer is: to lead. But what does leading mean, really? Ah-ha–that’s when the answer gets tricky. It used to mean you’re in front of the room, telling us what to do. But that’s not what real leading […]Read the full post >>
If you’re a leader of people, projects, or processes, there will come a time when you’ll have to say hard things to good people at work. It’s inevitable. The hard things might be issues that emerge in your company’s regular performance management process. But more often today, we have to find a way to say […]Read the full post >>
“How do you know when it’s not working, really?” I was sharing a bottle of wine one evening with team leaders who are struggling through a complicated change management project. The leader who spoke continued on. “I don’t get it. I’ve been part of these changes before, but somehow, this one’s different. Another colleague waved […]Read the full post >>
So, what does a coach do–really? One of our readers asked this question recently as their manager was offering to “coach” them. In this video, Coach Darcy Eikenberg shares the three things a coach REALLY does (and should do)–whether it’s a full-time professional like Coach Darcy, or someone else in your organization who’s coaching. Or […]Read the full post >>
Around New Year’s, you may have been asked, “So, how was your year?” And if you’re like me, you feel compelled to sum it up in one of three ways: “Oh, it was great!” “Yup, it was okay.” “You know, it kind of sucked.” But the truth is that every year is filled with every […]Read the full post >>
So you worked hard to gain your professional expertise and status. You’re great at what you do. And now? To move up, to grow, and to make a bigger impact, your company wants you to be able to sell. Ack! You think, “I didn’t become a [fill-in-your-profession-here] to SELL!” You’re not alone. My friend Mo […]Read the full post >>
What if I had a magic pill that would instantly make you a better leader? You know, the kind people talk about, fondly, for years –even long after they’ve left the organization? Well, that magic pill exists. It’s called TRUST. We all know when we don’t trust someone. But we don’t always know when someone […]Read the full post >>
I’m a big fan of intuition, but here’s one thing I know. You can’t always trust your gut. Sure, that’s a scandalous thing to claim today in an age when leaders are being asked to be more emotionally intelligent, insightful and empathic than ever before. Knowing yourself well–your values, your long-term vision and priorities, your […]Read the full post >>
Imagine it’s the day of your annual performance review. You’re sitting down with your leader to talk about what’s happened, and what’s next. Your technical skills are awesome. Of course they are—you focus on excellence every single day. But your communication skills—the long-mislabeled “soft skills?” Well, you’re told they could use some work. Honestly, you knew […]Read the full post >>
Ten years ago, the term “introverted leader” might have painted a picture of a shy recluse, reluctantly serving at the head of her company. Oh, how times have changed. Today, the research is clear—introverted leaders are everywhere, and are powerfully using their own superpowers of quiet strength in today’s world of work. Maybe you’re one […]Read the full post >>
