Competition for top leadership positions is tough. Intelligence and good social skills are the price of admission, but they’re not enough. A high-potential candidate must master the intricacies of reading people, predicting behaviors and influencing perceptions — advanced communication skills that … [Read more...] about How to Read People and Influence Perceptions
Careers
Autonomy: Are You Master of Your Destiny?
We are most intensely motivated when we’re challenged to complete a self-assigned task that meets our personal needs. When we seek internal satisfaction, we give our best efforts, sustaining attention until resolution— no matter what. How do we create enough autonomy at work to choose tasks that … [Read more...] about Autonomy: Are You Master of Your Destiny?
How to Be an Inspirational Leader
What can we learn about inspirational leadership from successful start-up companies? Conversely, what can failed corporations teach us? Think about the inspirational leaders of Apple, Amazon and Southwest Airlines. You can probably name them: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Jeff Bezos, and Herb … [Read more...] about How to Be an Inspirational Leader
Office Gossip: How to Survive and Thrive
Working in some office environments is similar to reality TV, where participants are pitted against each other for survival of the cunning. If you work in an organizational culture where gossip and rumors run rampant, how can you navigate your way through it and thrive? In one sense, gossip is a … [Read more...] about Office Gossip: How to Survive and Thrive
How to Improve Your Business Writing Skills
[Content marketing articles for coaches and consultants: 1000 words on Business Writing Skills] There’s no better way to approach business writing than to keep three realities in mind: 1. Business readers are content-driven. 2. Readers are pressed for time. 3. Readers are seeking … [Read more...] about How to Improve Your Business Writing Skills
Leadership Power, Politics and Persuasion
Some executives are uncomfortable using power or office politics, viewing them as the dark side of workplace behavior. They believe morale and commitment erode when politics dominate the environment. But research clearly shows that being politically savvy and building a power base pay … [Read more...] about Leadership Power, Politics and Persuasion
Debunking Multitasking Myths:
10 Tips for Getting More Done
In the business world, where time management is always a priority, multitasking skills are expected, especially in younger workers reared in multiple media environments (i.e., computers, iPods, iPhones, TV, video games, online social sites, texting and instant messaging).
Beginning in 2005, … [Read more...] about Debunking Multitasking Myths:
10 Tips for Getting More Done
The Snowball Effect: Start Change Now
To effect change, you must do something differently. It starts with you. Do it right, and you’ll enjoy a snowball effect that helps your team, direct reports and even family members implement change. While many books have covered organizational change, business school professors Chip and Dan Heath … [Read more...] about The Snowball Effect: Start Change Now
5 Biases That Lead to Bad Decisions
A growing body of research reveals that our behavior and decisions are influenced by an array of strong psychological undercurrents, all of which are more powerful and pervasive than we realize. By charting these undercurrents and their unanticipated effects, we can identify our faulty thinking … [Read more...] about 5 Biases That Lead to Bad Decisions
Career Strength for the Future: Show You Care
What’s the most important thing to learn if you want to advance your career? Should you gain diverse experience? Specialize? Go back to school for an advanced degree? Attend workshops? Get a coach? While all of these career decisions may undoubtedly prove beneficial, book smarts don’t guarantee … [Read more...] about Career Strength for the Future: Show You Care