Hierarchy, superstars, lone contributors, financial incentives, powerplays, conflict-driven settings are at the core of most workplaces we know and for whom we work.
What the so-called leaders of these companies don’t understand is that these very attributes, beliefs, and behaviors are sabotaging productivity and creativity, and the reason they will never reach their full potential. [Read more…]
I have argued for many years there are not enough rewards and incentives in the workplace. I am not referring exclusively about monetary compensation. I am also referencing other forms of rewards and incentives.
What gets noticed, recognized, and acted upon tells us what is valued and who will succeed in a workplace. [Read more…]
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” —Abraham Lincoln.
Power, a word that gets the adrenalin going in some and strikes fear in others. Workplace power is an integral part of any business environment. [Read more…]
Jeff Bezos is famous for saying, “Success is going to require talented experts, a beginner’s mind, and a long-term orientation.” His recent goal of disrupting the health care system with JPMorgan Chase CEO, Jamie Dimon, Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO, Warren Buffet, will require all of this and more. [Read more…]
What is happiness in the workplace and what exactly makes an employee happy? How do we as leaders set a tone and example to provide a value system and atmosphere where the people who work for us, and with us, experience genuine contentment and job satisfaction? What role does this play in creativity, dedication, and retention of staff; customer service, public relations, and stock price? I believe more than most organizations know. [Read more…]
There are overprotective bosses, selfish leaders, and there are clueless managers. Each, and all, can get in the way of their employees’ growth and progress.
Here are some common destructive, or counterproductive, behaviors practiced daily in the workplace. [Read more…]
Let’s face it — bad news is a part of business. Mistakes and problems happen at work, we all know that. You miss a deadline, run over budget, a customer is dissatisfied. If there weren’t issues to be solved, we wouldn’t need as many managers and executives.
You just learned or discovered some bad news. Now it’s time to inform the boss. What do you do? [Read more…]
There are many skills a successful leader must possess — strategy building, team leadership, business management and development, consumer and investor relations, to name a few. On a more personal level, self-awareness, body language, how a leader presents him or herself, can be as important as any other skill. Without the air of power, confidence, stability, likeability, and trustworthiness, messages seem weak and sound inconsequential. [Read more…]
When you scan your calendar for the week or month eyeing the meetings you are scheduled to attend, what thoughts come up? Is it excitement or dread? Appreciation or resentment? Do you anticipate it being a time well spent or another bad meeting that will be a drain on your energy? [Read more…]
“If you’re lucky enough to do well, it is your responsibility to send the elevator back down.”
These are the words of director, producer, actor (famously known in his role as President Frank Underwood on “House of Cards”), Kevin Spacey.
It begs the question, “What do leaders owe to their employees?” How do they, regardless of the profession or sector, commit to and demonstrate the sense of responsibility to individuals’ development and success? [Read more…]