In an informal (but remarkably conclusive) survey I conducted last year, I asked a group of senior leaders, mid-level managers, and executive coaches one simple question: What is the single biggest challenge you see for recently-promoted first-line managers and leaders? The answers were 100% the same – and 100% not what I expected. Without hesitation, every one of them said: …
Did you fall for “go big or go home”?
The Internet wants you to set BHAGs – Big Hairy Audacious Goals. Dream big or don’t bother. Shoot for the stars. Follow your passion. It’s great to have a big dream. But it’s not enough. It doesn’t stop there – because if it does stop there, you won’t get started, which means you’ll never get where you want to go. …
How are you playing the game of life?
Are you playing to win – or are you playing not to lose? Here’s what playing not to lose looks like. Not speaking up when you have an idea. Keeping your mouth shut and head down even when you disagree. Hoping “they” will notice how hard you’re working and give you that raise or promotion (instead of asking for it). Staying in …
The case for higher employee turnover (yes, really)
Employee turnover – the rate at which employees leave your organization, whether voluntarily or not – is often considered just a fact of life. Some people will leave. Some people will get fired or laid off. This is not new news; carry on. Occasionally, someone will make the effort to evaluate turnover relative to industry averages or some other measurement. …
Does your team depend on you … a little too much?
I was talking with a colleague recently about the “mom” (or, of course, “dad”) factor in leadership. Teams look to their leaders for guidance and direction, and that’s obviously necessary. But like any good thing, there’s a flip side when it becomes TOO MUCH of a good thing. And that’s what happens when, for any number of reasons, the individuals …
Whose career is it, anyway?
I wandered into my career by chance. From liberal arts major, to business intelligence software design and development, to Director of a technology consulting division, to leadership geek … There’s a thread connecting it all, but I can only see it in hindsight. (More than a thread, really; it’s a consistant theme from early childhood of understanding people’s motivations, needs, …
Which type of goal works best?
Tis the season! Everyone’s setting – or has already set – goals for the year. But what you may not realize is that there’s not just one type of goal. Most people set … Outcome Goals An outcome goal is exactly what it sounds like: a goal to achieve a specific outcome or result. Lose 25 pounds. Drive an 8% increase …
Don’t do it!
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? May I suggest that you don’t? The last New Year’s resolution I ever made – and the only one I ever actually kept – was to … (wait for it) … never make another New Year’s resolution. The start of a year seems like a great time to reset and step forward into a …
Are you one of the 69%?
According to a Harris Poll / Interact survey, 69% of managers are “often uncomfortable” communicating with their employees. I think that number is probably a lot higher. I would be willing to bet ALL managers and leaders are uncomfortable in at least some interactions with their teams. Communication is an essential leadership skill. It’s also a skill where there’s seldom …
Is there such a thing as BAD leadership?
A leader is someone who inspires people to take action. Leadership is the skillset or tools they use to do so. There are variations, of course. The thought leader We’ve all known someone who doesn’t actually have an official leadership or management role who nonetheless is the pivot point for their team, the one everyone goes to with questions, the one …