The Power of Asking
Recently I was sharing some data with a group of leaders on the impact of asking for feedback. The data showed an exceptionally strong correlation between asking for feedback and the overall effectiveness of a leader. One of the leaders commented, “I must be a great leader then because I seem to get boat load … Continue reading
The Perfect Solution
Have you ever received a gift that you both needed and valued? I remember receiving a wheelbarrow for father’s day some years ago. I needed a wheelbarrow but it seemed like the implied message of this tool was; “Now you have no excuse for not doing the yard work.” This gift was needed but not valued. My wife always wanted a back massage and I could never satisfy the need, so I bought her a massage chair. This gift was both needed and valued and years after I gave the gift I still get thanked.
Which Wolf Are You Feeding?
As leaders in our organizations we’re in positions to make lots of choices. One of the things we get to choose is how we interact with those we lead. This particular choice is an important one. We know that because a variety of studies demonstrate that the behaviors we model as leaders directly influence the … Continue reading
Can Strengths Be Carried Too Far?
We can all think of examples of things that are good for us when done in moderation, but when done in excess can be harmful. For example, drinking water is generally good for us. But, when done in excess, even drinking water can become deadly. The same thing holds true for exercise. It is a … Continue reading
7 Ways to Lead by Going First
— This is a guest post by Bud to Boss blogger, Kevin Eikenberry — To lead someone or something means, literally, to be in front, so that others can see and follow in that direction. Stated another way, if you think you are leading, but no one is following, you are just taking a walk. … Continue reading
The 16 Days of Competencies: #11Builds Relationships
As featured in the article “Making Yourself Indispensable” published in the October 2011 issue of Harvard Business Review. Recently, Harvard Business Review published an article titled, Making Yourself Indispensible, by Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman—co-authors of The Inspiring Leader and principals of the leadership development company, Zenger Folkman. After years of extensive research, we at … Continue reading
The 16 Days of Competencies: #2 Technical and Professional Expertise
As featured in the article “Making Yourself Indispensable” published in the October 2011 issue of Harvard Business Review. Yesterday, Harvard Business Review published an article titled, Making Yourself Indispensible, by Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman—co-authors of The Inspiring Leader and principals of the leadership development company, Zenger Folkman. After years of extensive research, we at … Continue reading
Are YOU an Inspiring Leader?
I just returned from a visit to the Pacific Northwest. Our destination was Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands. I have a sister there who lives on a lovely boat and we had a “sister’s retreat” with a third sister and niece joining us. This was a very beautiful and inspiring time and place. … Continue reading
Leadership- It’s Everybody’s Issue
In the last few months I have spent time in San Jose, Atlanta, Houston, Minneapolis, England, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York, Doha Qatar, Amsterdam Netherlands, Orlando, New Haven, Chicago and Mexico City. I have also had conversations with people from India, China, Denmark, Switzerland, Washington D.C., Singapore, South Africa, Egypt, Florida and Japan. I have … Continue reading
Employee Commitment
Dwight Schrute The Office Many of you, like I, have laughed through episodes of the television show “The Office.” The following is a quote from Dwight Schrute, one of the main characters, on his commitment to the organization. “Would I ever leave this company? Look, I’m all about loyalty. In fact, I feel like part … Continue reading
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