Have you ever worked with a “loose cannon”? This high-energy person moves ahead too quickly without checking facts. Loose cannons mean well, but their unpredictability causes collateral damage. Typically, loose cannon employees are seen as a liability—and management is often looking for ways to help them “find new employment opportunities.” Frankly, I’ve not had a lot…
Are You Listening to Yourself? A #soulsparks Story
It happened while I was cleaning up the dinner dishes. While I stood at my kitchen sink, scrubbing pans, the thought formed, completely unbidden: I want to be a writer. It was a June night; my family was outside enjoying one of the first warm days of our soon-to-be Michigan summer. And I was inside,…
3 Insights into Workplace Politics
Guest Post by Bonnie Marcus, author of The Politics of Promotion. Politics is all about relationships, and it’s critical to build and nurture relationships with people who can positively impact your career. Be aware that politics rules and there are constant changes in the workplace dynamics that can trip you up if you aren’t aware…
Women and the Politics of Promotion
Research indicates that ambitious women are in a double bind—if they’re too aggressive, then they’re seen as threatening; if they’re too accommodating, they’re not seen as senior leadership material. Even though this bind is easing as more women assume top leadership roles, it’s still evident in many organizations, particularly those that are traditionally led by…
19 Essays About Achieving Breakthrough Results with Your Team
This month’s Frontline Festival is about how leaders can inspire breakthrough results with their teams. Hosted by Karin Hurt of the Let’s Grow Leaders blog, you’ll find 19 essays written about both the internal and external elements leaders need to help inspire their teams to greater heights. Topics include: – Business results takes more than…