When Huffington Post published my article How to Stay Okay with Who You Are and Still Meet the Demands of Leadership, I discovered this great part of the site: their “True North Leaders” section, which highlights the “inner game” that leaders must master: authenticity, courage, values and integrity. I write about those topics frequently, so I’ll be sure…
Think Less, Live More – A Worthwhile Gift
When I first ordered Shelley Row’s book Think Less, Live More: Lessons from a Recovering Over-Thinker, I was intrigued by the notion of learning to not “over-think” things. Indeed, this book does cover that topic. Yet it explores much more than just how to get out of analysis paralysis. The book also discusses how to…
Reaming Out an Employee While You’re on the Treadmill – Bad Boss
Well, here’s a new way to conduct performance management discussions: ream an employee out while you’re on the treadmill. I was at the gym. Near me, there was a guy on the treadmill vigorously exercising while wearing earbuds and talking into his microphone. Loudly. There was little doubt about what was going on: he was having a “performance conversation”…
Why Collaboration Doesn’t Always Pay Off for Women
Nearly a decade ago, management consultancy McKinsey published a highly regarded white paper revealing that women outperformed men in five of nine key leadership behaviors. Three of those behaviors—people development, inspiration and participative decision making—have ties to collaboration. This research, among others, has formed the underpinnings of a narrative that gives a competitive career advantage…
Leaders Who Care Too Much Have Control Issues
It’s good to work with a boss who cares. As with most things in life, too much of a good thing can cause problems. Compassion in a work team leader is a desirable trait, but leaders who care overly much tend to avoid critical decision-making and stunt their employees’ growth. It’s an issue of understanding the boundaries…