“Toxic leaders cast their spell broadly. Most of us claim we abhor them. Yet we frequently follow — or at least tolerate — them.” ~ Jean Lipman-Blumen, The Allure of Toxic Leaders (Oxford University Press, 2004) Much has been written about toxic leaders with psychopathic traits and narcissistic … [Read more...] about Toxic Leadership: A New Look at Solutions
Change
The Innovator’s Paradox
When’s the best time to implement change? Before you need to do so. In a world of accelerating product and technology developments, the way you handle your job today is far different from when you first started out. Business in the 21st century is continuously reinvented and innovated. If you … [Read more...] about The Innovator’s Paradox
Choose To Be Well
As modern brain scientists study human behavior, they find that we operate more unconsciously than previously assumed. It’s not that we’re automatons without free will or that we lack rationality and refined decision-making skills. Our brains (specifically, the frontal cortex) simply drive us to … [Read more...] about Choose To Be Well
Program Your Own Reality Show
Reality sucks, especially on TV. Contestants are regularly voted off the island, fired from apprentice jobs and judged to be lacking in any discernible talent. In “real life,” serious disappointments are likewise bitter pills to swallow. Many of us have endured significant economic hardships — from … [Read more...] about Program Your Own Reality Show
Radical Times Call for
Visionary Leadership
Strong visionary, even narcissistic leadership is required for driving business success in this 21st century. Like it or not, we are in the midst of great social, economic and political upheaval. The way we live and work has changed tremendously in the last 10 years, and it’s likely to be radically … [Read more...] about Radical Times Call for
Visionary Leadership
Finding Career Satisfaction
Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. ~ Confucius At graduation, each of us has visions of what we'll accomplish. Years later, even the best and brightest from the most prestigious universities aren't immune to feelings of failure and disappointment. Many people who … [Read more...] about Finding Career Satisfaction
The Amazing Power of Habits
Any act often repeated soon forms a habit; and habit allowed, steadily gains in strength. At first it may be but as a spider's web, easily broken through, but if not resisted it soon binds us with chains of steel. ~ American theologian Tryon Edwards (1809–1894) How much of what you do is wise? Most … [Read more...] about The Amazing Power of Habits
Competing Commitments: Are You Immune to Change?
It doesn’t matter whether your goal is to lose 5 or 50 pounds, quit smoking or stop drinking. New Year’s resolutions and other goals are hard to keep beyond the first month. Change is hard. Why? Because the brain is tricky. No matter how sincerely we want to break a habit, we have an inherent … [Read more...] about Competing Commitments: Are You Immune to Change?
Are You Bored—or Boring? The Brain Science Behind Boredom at Work
It’s no wonder that so many people count themselves among the zombies who show up for work each day. When two-thirds of people report feeling tired or bored at work, it’s time to ask why—and what can be done. If you feel as though you’re going through the motions, without experiencing any real joy … [Read more...] about Are You Bored—or Boring? The Brain Science Behind Boredom at Work
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