Oct 24 2011
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:31 — 3.2MB)
Mixed Messages Are your workers clear about who they report to and what they’re supposed to do? Especially in new companies, it’s common to have a less than clear chain of command in the interest of an “open” office. One company even has everyone take turns being in charge. I wonder who will …
Oct 17 2011
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Facebook, iPhones, and Boomers Recently, I attended a gathering of my in-laws. My wife comes from a fairly large family so these infrequent events are almost like a convention. Much of the time was spent listening to the many tales of adventure and mischief that, as you can imagine with such a large …
Oct 03 2011
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The concept of work-life balance is more prevalent now than in the past, but I believe the problem still exists, thanks to technology. How many times do you actually work from home after normal hours because you have a computer, Wi-Fi, and a cell phone? In fact, I think the problem may be getting worse, not better.
Sep 26 2011
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:29 — 3.2MB)
Leadership Development: Seven Do’s and Don’ts for Effective Counseling Of all the tasks leaders perform, one of the most difficult is counseling. I know it always has been for me. Sure, I enjoy talking with other people, sharing stories and sometimes solving all the world’s problems. However, I don’t enjoy telling someone that …
Sep 05 2011
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:37 — 3.3MB)
What Does Leadership have to do with Customer Service? Have you ever walked out of a business saying to yourself, “Their customer service sure isn’t very good?” What was it about that service that caught your attention in that negative way? Did you perceive a lack of concern for your needs or perhaps …
Aug 29 2011
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:40 — 3.4MB)
I recently saw a request for help from someone who was chosen to replace the leader of an already established team. He doesn’t know the team members and has not led a team of this size before. To make things even more complicated, the team is spread out in several countries. That’s a …
Aug 22 2011
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:57 — 3.6MB)
There is no shortage of leadership experts. Peruse a list of what various coaches, consultants and trainers offer and you’ll find many different subjects, but they all seem to have something like “and leadership” somewhere in the mix. Browse the shelves in your library or favorite bookstore for books on leadership and you’ll …
Aug 15 2011
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:41 — 3.4MB)
I recently heard some advice that I thought was amazingly simple; before hiring a coach, consultant, or speaker on the subject of leadership, check to see if he or she actually has any leadership experience. Simple, yet often ignored! Lest you think this is just a rant on my part, (okay, maybe a …
Aug 08 2011
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:08 — 2.9MB)
What does probation mean to you? It’s a common practice to reserve a period of time for a leader to evaluate new employees and decide if they are a good fit for the team. It’s an evaluation time for the employer and should also be an adjustment period for the new employee. I …
Aug 01 2011
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:21 — 4.0MB)
People seem to be under more stress than ever these days. As if the normal stressors of work and family aren’t enough, the on-going poor economic situation makes it worse. Since increased stress can lead to increased absenteeism, health problems, and inattention to the job with resulting accidents and injuries, leaders must make …
