Are individual team members slow to execute tasks which they may not be in agreement with? Does the team lack passion for their goals? If so, there may be an issue with commitment. In The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, the need for vulnerability-based trust is considered foundational for any team to … Read more
I confess to a pet peeve – I cringe when people say some version of this: “If you’re just going to complain, you’d better have a solution. Otherwise you’re wasting my time.” If you say this, you may be ignoring the fact that there are two kinds of naysayers: Type 1: The ones who never … Read more
I don’t usually share news through my blog, but this news is BIG! My first book is now available. Launch event and ordering info are below, and I want to personally (through this mass publication) invite you to come! And, please buy as many copies of my book as possible and give copies to everyone you know … Read more
Last week, I wrote about shame having no place in effective leadership. Shame is a destructive discomfort. But, other discomforts can have a lot of value. We only grow when we are uncomfortable. Leaders not only make sure the work gets done, they develop their people. Below are several examples of ways you can push your … Read more
Perhaps this seems like a tangential post, but there is an overall relationship to the concept of “Leaders Meet Needs” here. When you travel on business, travel and pack in such a way as to maximize your ability to meet needs and minimize the possibility of distraction. After many years of business travel, here are some … Read more
Sometimes (especially in election years), a participant in a leadership workshop asks the question, “How does this content relate to political leaders?” I used to try to find some correlation — to point out that my definition of leadership, “meet needs,” ought to generate the guiding question, “What is needed?” and then, act on it. … Read more
We’ve explored the idea of the Success Deception before; how our success can keep us from exploring growth opportunities. Well, there’s another danger related to that idea. It comes when we stop learning from those we serve. This happens when we fall into the trap of thinking we’re always wiser than those we lead, and perhaps … Read more
Please give frequent feedback to the people you lead. This is your responsibility. But please avoid giving feedback to the people who lead you, unless they purposefully request it. It’s not your role. Also, avoid giving feedback to your peers, unless they purposefully request it. It’s not your role. When peers or leaders do ask … Read more
Want the perfect New Year resolution? One that will advance your career, generate loyalty, and make the world a better place? Resolve to do these two things: Deliver everything you promise, and that you are expected to deliver, on time. Always. Track yourself on delivery; never rely on outside accountability. Instead, report completion. These two … Read more
There is a sweet spot when it comes to personal development. It’s this: “I know I don’t know it all, but I’m open to learning more.” The most successful leaders embrace this. Yet, we’ve all seen the leader who says, “I’m doing just fine,” but is really insecure and doesn’t really know how much they … Read more