In my work as an executive coach I have interaction and access to a broad number of people in and about their workplace. I’m often struck by the level of loyalty, diligence, creativity and selflessness so many demonstrate.
I also hear misconceptions people have, grandiose expectations, wants superseding needs, and general naiveté. [Read more…]
There is a pattern I am seeing among a group of my coaching clients. Men and women in their mid-thirties to late forties who want to change jobs and are having difficulty doing so. There are many reasons why this is happening ― they make too much money to be junior and affordable, their specialty is so narrow few opportunities exist, or their network is too small and outdated, they have limited access to the right people and possibilities. [Read more…]
I recently viewed a brief video on office culture, “How do CEOs create an ideal work culture? ‘You live it’,” featuring Patty McCord, a coach and consultant to CEOs. Patty worked as the Chief Talent Officer at Netflix for many years where she was charged with “reimagining office culture and disrupting best practices.”
Patty is a bold and inventive leader who has little tolerance for many of the tried and true practices of most office cultures. Here are a few: [Read more…]
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…]
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…]
Many bad bosses and leaders make assumptions, interpret things incorrectly, and behave in a way that is unproductive and, at times, risky to you and them. For those of you who manage a staff, below might serve as a “what not to do” checklist. If you are supervised by someone who is less than a stellar manager, this may give you some insight into what is going on and how to change the course. [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…]