While it’s true that leaders need to show positivity, remain optimistic, and give positive feedback, there is a point at which it can be “too much.” In fact, showing empathy can be more important than positivity. If someone is very … Read More
A while back, I wrote a post describing the idea T=r+d: Trust equals reliability (meeting expectations) plus delight (exceeding expectations). How about a story describing precisely the opposite? I actually wrote this post about a restaurant experience my family and … Read More
Feedback from leaders drives engagement and performance, yet workers report that feedback is lacking. Leaders even know this truth, but still avoid giving feedback. Last week we explored five common reasons leaders can be uncomfortable giving feedback, with reasons to do it … Read More
Feedback from leaders drives engagement and performance, yet many workers report that feedback is lacking. Leaders even know this truth, but still avoid giving feedback. Here are five common reasons leaders may be uncomfortable giving feedback, and reasons to do it … Read More
Transparency builds trust. Too many leaders have a habit of holding back information, which can look like information-hoarding, or secret-keeping. Those behaviors hurt trust. But, leaders also know when to stop; leaders will avoid the temptation to share TOO much … Read More
I was recently at a formal event where a few dozen individuals were honored with a “once-in-a-lifetime”, very selective, award. Presenting the awards were leaders from the various sponsors of the event. And, on several occasions, honorees’ names were pronounced … Read More
A fellow consultant and I once worked with a small services firm that had some retention and engagement problems. At first, everything seemed in place – the people were good; the quality of their work was sound; the CEO and … Read More
One way to make meetings quick is to hold them standing up. Think about those weekly meetings that can last 30 minutes, and consist of lots of reports. They do not leave time for quick, tactical conversations. A way to enhance, yet … Read More
While flying last week, the man sitting to my left kept accidentally jabbing me with his elbow – repeatedly. I’m empathetic; he was in the middle seat. Still, there are “rules,” and he was often in my space. With his … Read More
When someone dies in an emergency operating room, it is the moral obligation of the doctor to report this to the family: “We did everything we could possibly do.” Before leaders remove team members for non-performance, they have the same … Read More