The word “boss” conjures up memories of the good, the bad and the ugly ones we’ve endured throughout our careers. Bosses shape how people experience work: joy versus despair, enthusiasm versus complaints, good health versus stress. Most bosses want to be good at what they do, yet many lack the … [Read more...] about How to Be a Better Boss
Communications
How to Cultivate Executive Presence
Someone in your company may have recently been promoted to a leadership position. This person successfully competed against other qualified candidates, some of whom were probably just as experienced and smart. As often happens in judging one candidate over another, the decision most likely came … [Read more...] about How to Cultivate Executive Presence
The Power of Empathy and Focus
Without empathy and focus, you’ll never be able to communicate effectively and relate well to others. People who lack empathy are sure to face interpersonal difficulties that lead to inferior performance, negative outcomes, and poor relationships with coworkers and customers. As a competency skill, … [Read more...] about The Power of Empathy and Focus
How to Read People and Influence Perceptions
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
Emotions – Leadership’s Secret Weapon
“Leadership isn't something you do writing memos; you've got to appeal to people's emotions. They've got to buy in with their hearts and bellies, not just their minds.” ~ Lou Gerstner, IBM’s former CEO Emotions are critical to business success because they drive behaviors. Companies that achieve an … [Read more...] about Emotions – Leadership’s Secret Weapon
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
Positive Leadership: Real Results
The No. 1 reason why most Americans leave their jobs is the feeling they’re not appreciated. In fact, 65% of people surveyed said they received no recognition for good work in a previous year, according to Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, authors of How Full Is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for … [Read more...] about Positive Leadership: Real Results