People put up with a lot of quirks in their leaders and coworkers just to reduce the drama and keep the peace. But lack of sincerity grates on the nerves. It’s like trying to satisfy hunger with cotton candy. Two good questions to ask yourself periodically: What communication sound insincere? How can I become more […]
6 Ways Leaders Communicate Authentically to Inspire Others Read More »
Leaders like to think they know when and how to be direct. They should. Direct communication is good. Damaging communication, on the other hand, can destroy a relationship, partnership, sale, or reputation forever. Why does one listener consider a comment “over-the-top” disrespectful, while another listener interprets the same remark as just “firm,” straightforward, even prudent?
Is Your Communication Direct—Or Downright Damaging? Read More »
Few people admit to poor communication habits—much less habits that can cost them a promotion, a job, or a deal. Yet we’ve all seen the following bad habits in colleagues from time to time—and for some, they occur on a daily basis. Guard against letting these creep into your own interactions with staff, peers, or
10 Leadership Communication Habits That Ruin Relationships Read More »
Jason, an executive client, shared his new year’s goal with me: “I want to become a more inspiring speaker so that my employees really catch the vision for this upcoming year and get engaged.” Sounds worthwhile. Here’s the backstory: According to his CEO, Jason, who’d stepped in as plant manager three years earlier, was not
4 Myths About How Executives Become Engaging Speakers Read More »
At some point in your career, you’re going to find yourself leading a team, department, division, or organization where you’re working with an employee who irritates you. Sometimes you know why. Often you don’t. When analyzing that negative gut reaction to yourself, you may label that person “slick,” “arrogant,” “self-righteous,” “lazy,” “pretentious,” “sniveling,” “aggressive,” “presumptuous,”
4 Ways to Lead People You Don’t Like Read More »
Piles of applications and résumés represent time to sort through applicants, attempting to match a position with a person’s expertise and skills. It would be so much faster if the unsuitable job applicants walked in with a label on their forehead: “Reject.” Then you could spend time with the best qualified candidates. The top candidates
Are You About to Hire the Wrong Job Applicant? 8 Signs Read More »
The COO of my consulting firm years ago used to start staff meetings with 5-15 minutes of small talk. Although he intended to promote socializing, the adverse consequences were late-arrivers, difficulty in focusing on serious discussion at the start of the meeting, and low energy throughout the remainder of the meeting. But those meetings were
8 Tips to Increase the ROI of Your Staff Meetings Read More »
Nobody I know proudly brags about being a micromanager. Frankly, most vehemently deny the label. Yet the workplace overflows with them. Here’s how to spot them on your team before you give them even bigger opportunities to frustrate the people who work with them. And if deep down you fear you may be falling into
6 Signs That You’re a Micromanager Read More »
On the good days as leader, you feel like a winning coach at the Super Bowl. On the bad days, you feel as though you’re skiing just a few feet ahead of an avalanche. Most days fall somewhere in between. To increase your chances of more good days than bad, check your leadership aptitudes and
6 Measures of Emotional Maturity as a Leader Read More »
Many great corporate and political leaders will tell you that they watched and admired a parent, older sibling, or another family member or friend speak their mind and take charge of difficult situations. In other words, they saw first-hand the impact of leadership communication to calm a storm or controversy. Speaking out about issues and
Finding Your Voice As a Leader Read More »
