Respect. Straight talk. Results.

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Workplace

Tame the tough discussion

Tame the tough discussion

A CEO once asked me, “Is there anything you are afraid of?” My quick reply, “Not at work.” As I recall, he just shook his head. Upon reflection, my response was an unintended exaggeration. The reality is that I’ve had my share of fears at work, but having difficult

There's power in team certainty

There's power in team certainty

While most of us enjoy the challenge of learning and growth, our need for certainty and stability informs our daily routines. The reason we sit at the same desk in school or the same chair for a weekly meeting is that it allows us to compartmentalize and shift our attention

Taking stock of our leadership behaviors

Taking stock of our leadership behaviors

During a recent discussion, I noted that curiosity and straight talk significantly influenced and defined my leadership development. Both behaviors caused my path to curve in compelling ways and determined my opportunities and effectiveness across a broad spectrum of companies and industries. These are my top two, but you can

Leadership Lessons from Low Tides

It’s true that high tides lift all boats. What about low tides? As leaders, we enjoy the time of rising tides and business fortunes, but experience increased complacency and expectations for the high tides to continue. The low tides provide leaders the opportunity to test their resilience, creativity, and

This is why words (still) mean something

Photo credit: Leeroy for StockSnap.io There is a reasonable chance that this post will offend some readers. It touches upon free speech, accountability, and the premise that words mean something. I thought it would be enough to write it and file it away. It wasn’t. I believe we

Relationships with Nepotism

“Oh yeah, I was this close to getting a chair in the Polish Philharmonic, and I nailed the audish, but I didn’t get it. You know who did? Yo-Yo Ma’s cousin, little nepotiz” Jack Black character Dewey Finn from School of Rock For some reason, nepotism has been

Two Exercises to Increase Leadership Effectiveness

Two Exercises to Increase Leadership Effectiveness

As you consider ways to increase leadership effectiveness, two exercises can help uncover and highlight your leadership style and values to share with your team. These practices are especially useful for leaders assuming new responsibilities or adding team members and serve to take personal leadership effectiveness to the next level.