Today, rapid changes in technology, the economy and the way business is conducted call for robust leadership. To paraphrase Dickens, it is the best of times and the worst of times. In the quest for leaders who can “save” us, we turn to strong charismatic CEOs, in spite of the inherent risks of … [Read more...] about Narcissistic Leaders in Times of Uncertainty
Communications
4 Uncommon Leadership Qualities & 5 Common Myths
4 Uncommon Leadership Qualities & 5 Common Myths Everyone agrees great leaders have vision, energy, authority and good strategic direction. Leaders must also have enthusiastic followers; leadership requires skills in persuading others to commit to company goals and embrace initiatives … [Read more...] about 4 Uncommon Leadership Qualities & 5 Common Myths
Good Boss, Bad Boss: 20 Bad Habits Leaders Should Stop Now
“We spend a lot of time teaching leaders what to do. We don’t spend enough time teaching leaders what to stop. Half the leaders I have met don’t need to learn what to do. They need to learn what to stop.” —Management expert Peter Drucker, as quoted by Marshall Goldsmith in What Got You Here Won’t … [Read more...] about Good Boss, Bad Boss: 20 Bad Habits Leaders Should Stop Now
Decision Making: Emotion or Reason?
Have you ever made a foolish decision that had unpleasant consequences? Needless to say, we all have. Consider the following: • We go grocery shopping with the resolve to eat healthfully and buy a gallon of ice cream… just in case friends stop by. • We need to replace our used car… and end up … [Read more...] about Decision Making: Emotion or Reason?
The Magic Ratio of Positive and Negative Moments
According to the Nobel Prize-winning scientist Daniel Kahneman, each day we experience approximately 20,000 moments. A moment is defined as a few seconds in which our brain records an experience. The quality of our days is determined by how our brains recognize and categorize our moments—either as … [Read more...] about The Magic Ratio of Positive and Negative Moments
Tough Conversations: Talking Over What Really Matters
Some conversations are so difficult that we do anything to avoid them. Then, when things have really built up, we finally have no choice but to confront the issue, and the person. “We need to talk,” usually precedes an argument rather than a conversation. Why are such conversations difficult? … [Read more...] about Tough Conversations: Talking Over What Really Matters
Bargaining to Win
Without signing up for the Harvard Negotiating Project, how can you effectively bargain to get what you want? Let’s face it: Each of us negotiates every day. At work, we discuss additional compensation when we’re promoted to a new position. We plan a vacation or a move. We negotiate with our … [Read more...] about Bargaining to Win
Two Ears and Only One Mouth: How Well Do You Listen?
It has been said that there is a reason that God gave us two ears and only one mouth. Listening is such a crucial activity yet we devote so little effort to doing it well. It is essential for building healthy relationships and successful partnerships. Here are some important facts and techniques … [Read more...] about Two Ears and Only One Mouth: How Well Do You Listen?
The Art of Asking the Right Questions
Fifty percent of good communications is good listening. Asking the right questions must precede good listening. Good questions pave the way for good communications. But what makes for good questions? Is it really that hard to ask a question that will open up discussions, create learning and … [Read more...] about The Art of Asking the Right Questions
Bullies in the Workplace
The fact that the phrase "going postal" has become common workplace jargon is a significant commentary. While workplace murders and assaults are in the media, far more frequent are incidents of bullying and intimidation. Often it is accepted as poor management style: an overbearing boss or … [Read more...] about Bullies in the Workplace