Let us start with a question. Do you read Schumpeter in The Economist? Most of the time I really like what he says, but every now and then I disagree.
A good example of this is The cult of the faceless boss; I don’t agree that a CEO has to be flamboyant, maniacal, egotisticical and overbearing to be brilliant.
Whereas I found The three habits…of highly irritating management gurus to be right on and which has a comment that was too good not to quote here.
I’m thinking of titling my new management tome: “How I Learned My Five Most Effective Management Habits …read more

When the economy slows, it’s easy to ignore retention factors because management kids itself into believing that replacing people is no big deal.
But slow as it’s happening, the times they are a’chnging.
At least here and there, in companies that really understand the importance of attracting and retaining scarce talent.
“To reduce “female brain drain,” global companies such as Ernst & Young, Goldman Sachs, Booz Allen Hamilton, Hewlett-Packard, Best Buy and dozens of others are increasingly offering a variety of flexible work options.”
Don’t get me wrong. These companies aren’t doing it out of the goodness of their corporate heart or caring social …read more

Communications are all important to the smooth running of anything involving people.
Obviously this includes business, since companies are no more than an affiliated group of people committed (in varying degrees) to progressing towards the same goal.
Brian R Nichols provided a quote that is a great overview of this in a comment he left,
“Simple clear purpose and principles give rise to complex intelligent behavior. Complex rules and regulations give rise to simple stupid behavior.” –Dee Hock (Visa founder)
There is no question that this is true as proved by the next two quotes from opposite ends of the clarity spectrum. Follow the …read more

Although the 30-second elevator speech has become one of the required skills to have in your leadership repertoire, I’ve been resisting it every step of the way.
I’ve read all the reasons about why it’s important.  It basically boils down to having a creative, yet solid, answer to the question “what do you do?” and having it practiced and memorized until it rolls automatically off your tongue.  It’s seen as a chance to sell yourself and your skills. 
Many “experts” suggest that you craft your mini-speech in such a way as to capture someone’s attention, pushing them into asking for more information …read more

As you promote within your company, you will find increased opportunity to be visible, both within your workplace and without.  One way that you may be asked to represent the company is by speaking at an event, organize a conference, or participate in a public forum.
These are wonderful opportunities for both personal and professional growth.  But these are not opportunities for you to just “wing it.”  They required preparation, perhaps even more so than in your normal business routine.  Delivering remarks, giving a speech, moderating a panel, and introducing a conference participant all look like easy tasks.  They are easy, …read more

I’ve written a lot lately about how important it is for us to compliment, praise, and thank others. 
Equally important, however, is learning how to graciously accept compliments, praise and thanks from others.  All to often, we tend to brush aside the kind words of others, either because we are embarrassed, don’t feel worthy, or simply don’t know how to handle it.
The worst way to handle compliments, is to brush it aside with a casual “it’s nothing” or “oh, I don’t really deserve it.”  Those words denigrate the belief and esteem of the person extending the compliment.
We should always honor the …read more

I’ve written previously about the power of praise, and how important it is to motivating and inspiring people.  One of the simplest was to extend praise is with two simple words — Thank You.
Think about the last time you extended and thank you.  Was it well thought out and sincere, or was it a throw away line?  Was is delivered in a respectful manner, or added as an afterthought?  Can you even remember the last time you said the words?  The last time you really meant them?
It seems like even adults need a reminder to say thank you these days, …read more

Do you frequently find yourself involved in verbal battles with other people?  If so, defensive communication may be part of the problem.
Defensive communication occurs when one party to a conversation feels threatened, attacked, or is trying to protect their self-image.
Oh sure, we all react defensively on occasion, and it is, in fact, a legitimate defense mechanism.  But when all our communication carries the taint of defensiveness, it can ruin both personal and professional relationships. 
If you have a goal of eliminating defensiveness in your own communications, as well as not provoking it in others, consider these ideas.

Keep a communication log with details about …read more

All too frequently today, people are starved for a little praise.  Whether we are willing to acknowledge it to others, or even admit it to ourselves, we all need a little praise in our life.
Awhile back, Milo wrote a post about his belief that a leader should not give someone a pat on the back because they need it, but only because they deserve it.
I disagree.
My leadership approach is different.  I believe that an effective leader learns how to best motivate an employee, team member, volunteer, etc., and then uses that information to help that individual succeed.  And sometimes, that …read more

A friend just received a fairly major career promotion.  It came about through her dedication to self-improvement, lots of hard work, and the guidance of a wise and trusted mentor.
The mentor is retiring at the end of the month, and a big celebratory party is planned.  My friend has been asked to make a toast at the event.  When I asked her what she was planning to say, she dismissed it with a comment that she’d just “wing” it.
Just “winging” it in any job responsibility is rarely a good choice. In this case, her toast will be one of the …read more