lead with character - it's better.
Making the most of a playful reminder that our work moves, grows, and is accomplished in cycles. “What’s our five-year plan?” It’s a common question. Planning, goal-setting, and communication are all part of good organizational operations. But when we focus on the handy number five, we miss an opportunity that is staring at us on […]
The Four-Year Plan Read More »
Fruitfulness. January 10, 2024 How are you faring in this second week of January? Recovered from the holiday? Avoided flu-like symptoms? I hope you are happy, well-rested, and healthy as we start 2024. I’m not a huge fan of resolutions for a new year, but I do love a good theme. A theme can influence my
My Theme for This Year Read More »
Ever notice that books about how managers can learn to give performance feedback focus on really difficult conversations first? It seems like a completely awful place to begin. Sort of like wanting to lose a few pounds and starting your training by being chased by a pack of wild dogs every morning to make sure you
3 Questions – How Good Are You at Giving Performance Feedback? Read More »
The beginning of the school year holds a tiny bit of magic. It’s the same magic that can be found at the beginning of a story – a good one with a beginning, middle, and an end. The arc of this good story has a magnetism that pulls you toward it, asking you to climb
It’s September. Start Your Story. Read More »
Among friends, colleagues and clients, the topic of success keeps popping up at an oddly frequent rate. Perhaps it’s because spring is in the air and fresh ideas are floating about; but the discussion of success, and the stresses associated with that word, seem to be on everyone’s mind more than usual. Success can be
Nope, this is not some weird mashup. This is what I realized I was doing while fighting a needless mental battle about the work tasks I resent. I, unlike Alice, strive to take the advice I give. Since my job is to help people become better communicators, it’s fairly vital that I do it well.
Alice in Wonderland is Raging Against the Machine. Read More »
Problems at work often focus on elemental descriptions: I’m completely buried; I’m blown-away; this project is on fire; we’re totally under water. That may be a sign that we enjoy communing with nature, but probably not. When I start hearing these phrases, it’s a signal that people need to stop, even for a minute, and
Earth, Wind & Fire Read More »
What’s bugging you? Is there a situation at work or elsewhere that is stuck in your mind? You know, the loop of an idea that gets wedged into your noggin and played on repeat. It’s likely something to figure-out or confront or resolve or explore, but, somehow, you haven’t talked about it. Sometimes not talking
Starting Good Conversations – Part 1 Read More »
Many companies use the phrase, “people are our greatest asset.” It is a fine sentiment. Despite the common use of that statement, senior management is often suspicious of their greatest asset. That suspicion can turn into fear and drag a company to a slow and unimaginative demise. Why would top managers be afraid of the
Hey, Look! Free Brains! Read More »
Why do I work to improve workplace communication? Why do I see intricate and immediate value in the infinite complexity of workplace communication? Why doesn’t the sea of variability that is working with other humans deter me from trying to help them succeed in making their workplaces better? The answer to all of these is
Cars, Art & the World of Work Read More »
