“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
Stop giving advice.
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
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
When they’re just not into you
The relationship you have with your job is in many ways like your other interpersonal relationships. There’s a balance of power, there are goals and expectations, and sometimes the parties involved don’t communicate that well. … Read More
Manage your Distractibility
“Squirrel” has become shorthand for “distraction.” As in “I would have been totally focused but I got distracted by that fast-moving fuzzy thing over there.” Speedy, and where there’s one there are many, squirrels have come to … Read More
Resisting a “to do?” Ask yourself these 3 questions.
I’m often in conversation with people who are conflicted, confused, reluctant or resentful about something that they “have to” do – often without really knowing why they’re feeling that way. Sometimes it’s a “should” (always … Read More