When an apology is in order, how do leaders in your organization apologize? We can’t help but notice when it goes poorly. Sometimes, it’s a matter of people (or a person) not ready or able to forgive. And that’s understandable, especially when there is no attempt at restorative justice. Other … [Read more...] about Real Leadership: Real Apology
Ethics
The Matter of Business Ethics
We are making great strides in corporate social responsibility. Many reflect changes in business policies and practices. But when it comes to business ethics, are we really improving? Consider this: almost 120 years ago, German socialist, economist, and politician Max Weber published his book, The … [Read more...] about The Matter of Business Ethics
Leading through Mistakes
Business leaders today are not exempt from making mistakes. While we like to believe their judgment is getting better, certain behaviors make them vulnerable to err, such as mindset failures, delusions, mismanagement, and patterns of unsuccessful (or poor) behavior. Our wishful thinking, denial, … [Read more...] about Leading through Mistakes
Tough Times, Wise Decisions
In a time when “flattening the curve” requires universal participation, when, how, and who to re-open requires wise decisions. Wise business leadership is needed more than ever before. There’s no shortage of talks, posts, or tweets on our need for wise, capable leaders who pursue the common good; … [Read more...] about Tough Times, Wise Decisions
Establish a Culture of Trust
Countless management books, seminars and programs offer insights into how leaders can establish a culture of trust within their organizations. Their consistent theme—“It begins with you”—is certainly valid, as leaders must model trust and set an example for their people. Success depends on a … [Read more...] about Establish a Culture of Trust
Raising Your Trust Quotient
Are you raising your trust quotient? A consistent outcome from many large employee surveys tells us that business leaders are among the least trusted professions in today’s culture. Overall, trust in leadership is the main employee concern in the workplace. Trust has long been considered a … [Read more...] about Raising Your Trust Quotient
Leading By Your Values
As a leader, the only effective way you can direct your life and the lives of others is to truly know what you stand for. Your personal principles, or values, direct your thoughts, priorities, preferences, and actions. The aspects of life that you value shape your character, which determine how you … [Read more...] about Leading By Your Values
Noticing: An Elusive Leadership Skill
“Leaders often fail to notice when they are obsessed by other issues, when they are motivated to not notice, and when there are other people in their environment working hard to keep them from noticing.” ~ Harvard Business School Professor Max Bazerman, The Power of Noticing: What the Best Leaders … [Read more...] about Noticing: An Elusive Leadership Skill
Executive Presence:
Lead with Intention, Connection and Inspiration
Whether you call it charisma, confidence or compelling leadership, executive presence is the new corporate “it” factor.
We’re talking about more than making a great first impression. Presence is multifaceted, builds over time, and is reflected in everything you say, feel and do.
In today’s … [Read more...] about Executive Presence:
Lead with Intention, Connection and Inspiration
How to Voice Your Values
It can be extremely difficult to express your personal values at work, especially when confronted with questions of right vs. wrong. Issues become thornier when you’re facing a choice between degrees of right vs. right. Most of us want to bring our whole selves to work: our skills, ambitions and … [Read more...] about How to Voice Your Values