Business success is greatly influenced by the expectations it has for its employees and the way it equips them to rise to the expectations. What expectations do you have of your employees? How well are they equipped for their tasks now and in the future? Many companies say that “our people are our most important … Read more
Manager is chronically late with assigned work or in submitting reports. Does not deliver hard news well or give timely feedback. Often delays endlessly or delivers the tough message brutally. Needs to be seen as a “good guy” and says “YES” to almost every request. Many managers confuse being “nice” with earning respect with competence, … Read more
Leadership is not about you; but it does begin with you. It is mostly an inside job; start there first. Be trustworthy; develop trust by trusting others and keeping your word. Leadership is a privilege, not a right; you earn it every day by helping others free their inner nobility. Communicate a great mission by … Read more
I spent some time recently with an accomplished and seasoned executive who had just been promoted. “I never thought I’d have a job like this!” he said and “I’m not ready, don’t know what I’m doing, and I feel like a fraud!” The so called imposter syndrome is common and affects many capable people in … Read more
Tyler and his brother started an Indiana sandwich franchise with an intent to help the people they hired to become better people. They wanted to do what they could to encourage growth and help people lead better lives. The brothers made a point of hiring applicants who were experiencing difficult times. One was a homeless … Read more
When you want great results, know that you will fail along the way. The alternative to failing at something is not even trying, which is another form of failure. So failure is inevitable. It is not permanent unless you stop. It is a major barrier if you let it keep you from even beginning. Sight … Read more
“A reconnaissance patrol was returning after days in the bush. As the helicopter landed, the reporter wrote, “The first Marine stepped down from the helicopter and his camouflage uniform was stained black with sweat and dirt. A scraggly beard marred his face and deep fatigue was reflected in his eyes. (Lieutenant Colonel William) Leftwich was … Read more
Listening well is a skill most of us do poorly. Use this to rate yourself.If you’re really serious, invite 6-7 of your co-workers or direct reports to rate you. 1=almost never –2=some of the time– 3=most of the time– 4=almost always I pay attention, even when I am not interested in the immediate topic _________ … Read more
Tom has been on the job as an assistant manager in the shipping department of a 250 employee manufacturing company for the past six years. He knows that all of his direct reports like him and he believes that he has a great working relationship with his colleagues and his supervisor. His last performance review … Read more
In my first paid job as a leader I supervised recent high school graduates working at a residential summer camp. I was only 2-3 years older than them and failed to see the positional power difference between us. So when I walked throughout the campus and said, “Good morning, Lyn How’re you doing?” I didn’t … Read more