If there’s one skill that leaders must master and habitually improve, it’s communication. If you read this blog, you’ll see that it’s a pretty popular area of concern. So many dysfunctions, productivity concerns, drama, misunderstandings, and performance failures can be … Read More
Does it go without saying that leaders must have integrity? If so, sorry. Just a couple of weeks ago, a manager was telling me about having to let a seemingly great hire go. Seeing my surprise, she looked me in … Read More
Leaders must have vision. Not just in the “creatively imagined future” way, but also in the way of “I have an accurate assessment of the way things are right now.” Leaders must (in the words of those wise men, Kouzes … Read More
The essence of leadership is service.
1996 I was despondent. Poor me. “My people” weren’t engaged. They didn’t get me; they weren’t loyal, they weren’t receptive, they were leaving me, and it wasn’t my fault. They just needed to give me more time, to get to … Read More
“Samantha, please reinstate the afternoon tea and coffee cart for the residents, starting in November.” Samantha [delivered with sarcastic tone and an eye roll] replies, “Well, sure, why not. Last time we tried it, Beth in 4C took 10 tea … Read More
If the two-word definition of leadership is “Meet needs,” then you have frequent opportunities to be very explicit about that mission by taking three seconds to ask
We’ve always heard that the space program has done more for us than explore space, the moon, and Mars– but that we have NASA to thank for some other, “accidental,” by-products: Teflon and Velcro come to mind — and I … Read More
Something that occasionally presents itself in the world of leadership is that there is one person, also a leader, who doesn’t “get it.” Maybe it’s another teacher, a member of administration or your direct supervisor. They see what you are … Read More
The Olympics have a way of shining a new light on the meaning of dedication. The opening ceremonies were comprised of one spectacular vignette after another, with thousands of performers, musicians and athletes knowing exactly where to go and what … Read More