Blog

With the relentless demands we face each day at work, many leaders have become obsessed with efficiency. This constant desire to do things quicker and faster, however, often comes at a price. Too many leaders and organizations sacrifice effectiveness to improve efficiency. Unfortunately, this leads to poorer outcomes and satisfaction. When efficiency is increasing while effectiveness is decreasing, an organization is headed for disaster. When leaders take the time to be effective first, and then add just enough efficiency so as not to rob effectiveness, this is when results improve. Don’t let efficiency become the enemy of effectiveness.  [...]

We all want meaningful work.  Work that excites us, that we look forward to, that we find ourselves bragging about to our friends and family.  However, too many still question whether such work exists.  Leaders can play a key role in helping others feel their work is meaningful.  How?  Here are three simple ideas. #1 Provide clarity about someone’s role and how it contributes to the mission and vision of the organization. #2 Create systems where there is a clear line of sight between effort and reward.   #3 Ensure your people know they matter to you and that you genuinely [...]

What would happen at your place of work if titles didn’t exist?  Would silos breakdown, innovation increase, teamwork improve, and productivity rise? When titles are emphasized on a team or in an organization, people often respond by shutting down and turning their attention to their own individual goals and results. Whether consciously or not, when titles are a big deal internally at work, people become more likely to behave in ways that speak to their given title and less likely to fully utilize their skills to contribute to the collective results of the team.   Inside organizations, titles can cause unnecessary [...]

All leaders have blind spots.  Blind spots are leadership weaknesses that impede success. Some of these blind spots may be a function of simply “not knowing what you don’t know”.  Others are flaws that aren’t easily recognized by the leader themselves, but are very apparent to others. If leaders all have blind spots, is there a remedy?  How can a person with obvious blind spots still lead successfully? The answer lies in the fact that they are obvious to others. Though they may not recognize them, others do!  Thus, wise leaders seek help from others—whether it’s through mentors, colleagues, or [...]

If asked, “Do you consider employees to be assets or liabilities?”, most likely 9 out of 10 leaders would respond, “assets!”  Though the answer seems obvious, what do their actions indicate?     Many decisions made by leaders suggest that they view their team members as liabilities rather than assets. Whether it's the possibility of short-term financial gains or the fear of lawsuits, too often the actions of leaders suggest they view their employees as liabilities. Only when leaders genuinely treat their employees as assets—by adopting processes and policies and attitudes and behaviors that prove it—do long-term, sustainable results become possible. [...]

Separating someone from their employment is tough. And too little attention is given to how to do it effectively. How a leader handles terminations has a significant impact on culture.  Here are five things managers should do to have the best outcomes possible when letting someone go. #1 Calm down Before engaging in a separation conversation, you must calm down. Don’t go into these discussions upset or angry. Though most terminations require some immediacy, take whatever time is necessary to cool off and ensure you are in total control emotionally.   #2 Be clear A separation conversation is not a time [...]

What happens at your workplace when results are up, goals are met, and things are going well? On the other hand, what happens when numbers are trending down, problems arise, and outcomes are poor? How a leader reacts during these situations has a significant impact on a company’s culture.   A meaningful way to improve as a leader and elevate your organization’s culture is by properly living the window and the mirror concept found in the book Good to Great. The idea behind this notion is that successful leaders hold up a window when things are going well and a mirror [...]

One of the best ways a leader can improve their company’s culture is through their example. Do you live, act, and behave the way you want your people to? If a leader's actions are not regularly in line with the messages they share or the expectations and standards they set, it will negatively impact culture.    Of course leading by example is easier said than done. After all, leaders are human too, subject to missteps and blunders. However, there is a difference between an occasional mistake and intentional, repetitive actions and behaviors that fly in the face of what the company [...]

An underrated practice that can strengthen a company’s culture is consistency.  Most companies have experienced a period of incredible uncertainty and change due to the pandemic. However, as business begins to open and things slowly start to stabilize, leaders should increase their focus on establishing consistency at work.    Consistency is vital to culture because it provides stability and increases trust.  It also creates a stronger sense of belonging among team members, and it reinforces clarity throughout the organization. Consistency can be established through predictable routines and practices. It can also be bolstered through consistent communication, actions, and behaviors.    Working for [...]

An important leadership skill is helping those you lead know you care about them. Though there are many ways to show you care, one simple and effective way is by getting to know your people.  What interests do your team members have? What is important to each of them? Who do they care most about? What are some of their biggest challenges?  What motivates and inspires them?  Do you know the answers to these questions for each person who reports to you?  Being known as a unique human is important for all of us. As you get to know your [...]