In a recent HBR article, a research team invited a number of people managers to describe their coaching skills (most rated themselves as “very good”) and then demonstrate those skills (most didn’t coach at all). … Read More
The Burned Out Leader
When I’m asked about the “real” challenges facing leaders these days, I don’t talk about making tough decisions, or dealing with uncertainty. Not specifically, at least. Yes, making decisions in a VUCA world is tough. … Read More
Managing Virtual Teams – What eSports Can Teach Us
With contributions from Conor Roberts, retired professional eSports player. Given the recent uptick in corporate teams having to work virtually, I was looking for a way to provide some guidance. It struck me that eSports … Read More
Leadership decision-making in the time of the COVID-19
Today’s post is a guest post from strategy consultant and crisis response expert Catherine Saul. This last week or two have felt like a year for a lot of people. Both personally and professionally. Personally, … Read More
Why I don’t do lunch.
“Let’s have that chat over lunch.” “Thanks for that (insert business-related helpful thing I sent their way) – can I buy you lunch?” “I think you’d love (insert person they just met who does what … Read More
What does a manager do?
Here’s a statistically IN-significant – but real – informal survey I conducted recently about what a manager does: New managers say a manager “gets the work done” – and “has to work more and harder … Read More
Do Something Different
I went dancing in the dark a while back. It was an organized event where you drop your shoes at the door, enter a fully darkened room and just dance for an hour. No worries about who … Read More
Are you ready for your next promotion?
In every organization there is one place where the promotion – the leap – from one level to the next is particularly big and challenging. The chances of success after the promotion at this level … Read More
Authenticity and Jerks at Work
I usually only post when I’ve got something particular to say (much to the chagrin of the lovely guy who does my SEO and is vainly attempting to get more traffic to this website, but … Read More
10 Things I’d Tell you if we had Coffee – for Career Changers
“Can I pick your brain?” “I’d love to buy you a coffee and have a chat – I’m thinking about a major change in career direction and I’d love your input.” “My friend says you’ve … Read More