“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
Leadership
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
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
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
Leading Change, One Conversation at a Time
Business is fundamentally an extended conversation. Whether you’re speaking with your boss, team members, colleagues or direct reports, conversations shape what gets done. As a leader, you must engineer conversations to foster: Clarity Cooperation Creativity Connection to company … [Read more...] about Leading Change, One Conversation at a Time
20 Common Habits to Stop
Almost everyone keeps a “to-do” list. We begin the New Year with resolutions to start new regimes to make us healthier, wealthier, and, hopefully, wiser. What’s needed is a “to-stop” list of bad habits, when it comes to communicating and interacting with our peers, colleagues, direct reports and … [Read more...] about 20 Common Habits to Stop
He Thinks, She Thinks: Different Brains
Anyone with workplace experience knows men and women process information and communicate differently. Dealing with gender differences can prove challenging, especially for managers and leaders. Regardless of which industry you’re in or the position you fill, male and female coworkers can … [Read more...] about He Thinks, She Thinks: Different Brains
Leading from the Middle:
Managing Up, Down, & Sideways
"Leaders are almost by definition people who change minds." —Howard E. Gardner, Leading Minds
There is a lack of trust in senior management, according to a survey by the human-resource firm Watson Wyatt:
Only 49 percent of employees have trust and confidence in their senior managers.
Just 55 … [Read more...] about Leading from the Middle:
Managing Up, Down, & Sideways