I don’t think I’ve ever been involved with an organization where some, if not all, of the leaders felt the meetings they held or attended could be much more productive. Most surveys indicate unnecessary and poorly conducted meetings are one of the biggest irritants in the workplace. Even worse, we typically don’t hold the most … Read more
Focused listening is a key component to being a Level Five leader. At today’s modern pace, often with the intention of multitasking, information can be lost. Conversations end up needing to be repeated. Meetings are held, but is everyone truly “present?” How do we address the concern that we aren’t actually hearing our fellow team … Read more
Moving up the ladder of an organization can sometimes feel like you’re leaving others behind, especially if you’ve grown to become friends with your team members. If you are now in a leadership position over former equals, how do you remain objective? How do you avoid moving too far out on the “thin ice of … Read more
There are few strategic decisions in American history as profound as the one made by President Abraham Lincoln in issuing the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. As Doris Kearns Goodwin writes in her thoughtful article in the latest edition of the Harvard Business Review, Lincoln was certain the timing was right for “the repurposing … Read more
Consider your role and how others see you. In doing so, you will discover the three perspectives of “You”. You’ll find, too, that these three perspectives of “You” are directly involved in your ability to manage and lead. In the following video, I discuss these three Yous, and how each perspective may help, harm, and/or … Read more
Critically discussing ideas and the way forward is vitally important to an organization. As a leader, it falls to you to shape conversations in a thoughtful, frank way, within a positive and encouraging environment. Discussing competing opinions, goals, and perspectives shouldn’t lead to anger, and you can maximize the benefits of creative conflict by setting … Read more
