How do we know how we measure up? We need a point of reference. To benchmark is to compare yourself against the highest standards. How do we benchmark our organization’s culture to see how it is performing? I describe how in “Benchmarking Your Culture,” Part 6 of my video blog series, the Leadership Journey of … Read more
I don’t think I’ve ever been involved with an organization where some, if not all, of the leaders felt the meetings they held or attended could be much more productive. Most surveys indicate unnecessary and poorly conducted meetings are one of the biggest irritants in the workplace. Even worse, we typically don’t hold the most … Read more
Moving up the ladder of an organization can sometimes feel like you’re leaving others behind, especially if you’ve grown to become friends with your team members. If you are now in a leadership position over former equals, how do you remain objective? How do you avoid moving too far out on the “thin ice of … Read more
Critically discussing ideas and the way forward is vitally important to an organization. As a leader, it falls to you to shape conversations in a thoughtful, frank way, within a positive and encouraging environment. Discussing competing opinions, goals, and perspectives shouldn’t lead to anger, and you can maximize the benefits of creative conflict by setting … Read more
There’s an old adage about two guys out in the woods when they are attacked by a bear. One of them quickly thought, “Somehow I have to be faster than this bear.” The other one more wisely thought, “I don’t have to be faster than this bear – I just have to be faster than … Read more
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned as a leader is embodied in The Big Six® principle, “Trust and Empower.” It wasn’t that I didn’t want to empower others; yet, I always seemed to drift back into being more controlling. And, throughout my career, I had to continuously step back and try to see myself … Read more
