Why is it that so many change management initiatives fail? In order to achieve buy-in, the first step involves understanding the impact of change. Individual perceptions regarding change are based on experiences; both personal and professional. As Newton’s law states: A body at rest stays at rest. A body in motion keeps moving. Change is a choice. The adage: Nothing changes if nothing changes is highly relevant for today’s leaders. When a person discovers his or her “pain point” then he or she is ready to move forward. The same principles apply for organizations. Change is a visceral, emotional experience. [Read more…] about Is Change Management Really That Hard?
Uncategorized
“Dead Wood” Employees
This article was originally posted on November 9, 2016, and has been updated.
“I’m done.” If an employee is telling you this, it means she has reached her limit. For one reason or another.
It could have nothing to do with low morale, lack of opportunity, or a dislike of her job.
She may be ready to move up, move on or begin a new chapter in her life.
All perfectly reasonable reasons to leave a position.
However, she may have shut down or become apathetic. Or maybe she is sucking the life out of her co-workers by being negative day in and day out.
Also known as a “dead wood employee”.
Passionate Leadership: 12 Key Traits That Distinguish The Best From The Rest
This article was originally published on September 7, 2016, and has been updated.
Do you remember your first encounter with a passionate leader?
The reality is that any leader can be passionate…if they know what to do.
But first, let’s look at why this is so important. [Read more…] about Passionate Leadership: 12 Key Traits That Distinguish The Best From The Rest
Driving With Husbands In Cars: Business Lessons From The Road To Help You Stay Ahead Of The Curve
During our Christmas vacation, we rented a vehicle, as part of our ritual holiday planning. My husband, who works in the automotive industry, quickly pointed out that our car was supremely inferior to the Ford Motor Company’s equivalent, which was unfortunately unavailable. When I asked him about the difference, he simply stated: “Ford’s technology is intuitive, simple and way ahead of the game.” I realized in that moment that Ford is an example of a company that is willing to embrace change.
Although my enthusiasm for cars will likely never match my husband’s, I was nonetheless intrigued by the conversation that ensued as we navigated the highways of California in our “second rate” rental car. My husband’s comments about the Ford product got me thinking about the three main challenges that many of my clients are facing in their efforts to stay ahead of the curve: [Read more…] about Driving With Husbands In Cars: Business Lessons From The Road To Help You Stay Ahead Of The Curve
Resilient Leadership: How To Rise Above, Resolve And Respond To Adversity
”Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit”….Bern Williams
As the end of the year nears, we often tend to reflect on what has happened in our lives over the past twelve months. Looking back, we may be surprised by the challenges we’ve overcome, and the way we dealt with hardship, when in fact, our capacity for resiliency shouldn’t be a surprise at all. [Read more…] about Resilient Leadership: How To Rise Above, Resolve And Respond To Adversity
Workaholism – A Sanctioned Addiction: A Message For Dedicated Slaves…And Slave Drivers
How do you extricate yourself from an unhealthy work situation? Is it more difficult to do when you relish a challenge? Can you tell the difference between being a workaholic and a hard worker? If you are an employer, are you treating your best people with respect, or are you rewarding hard work with more work? [Read more…] about Workaholism – A Sanctioned Addiction: A Message For Dedicated Slaves…And Slave Drivers
The Five Biggest Credibility Killers Leaders Can’t Ignore
Deborah is a senior marketing manager for a renowned home care services organization. I have known her and several members of her executive group for more than a decade. Over the past year she has witnessed growing discontent amongst the core leadership team, a dedicated group that pioneered significant initiatives to innovate and grow the business. During their last management meeting, frustrations reached a crescendo when the VP of HR reported on the findings of the previous month’s exit interviews. [Read more…] about The Five Biggest Credibility Killers Leaders Can’t Ignore
The Value Of Business Relationships: One Constant In A Changing World
“I’m not a people person.” I will never forget hearing those words during a leadership workshop I was facilitating, nor will I forget the newly appointed manager who uttered them. The shocking truth is that according to the extensive Gallup study of 2.5 million manager-led teams in 195 countries, organizations fail to select the right person for the role of manager over 80% of the time.
Imagine the consequences for your employees, customers, and overall business success when a leader lacks critical acumen regarding the value of human-to-human connection. [Read more…] about The Value Of Business Relationships: One Constant In A Changing World
Sink Or Swim? How To Anticipate Change
Why do organizations repeatedly react to rather than plan for change? Why are leaders often stupefied by the glaring realization that their workforces are aging, or that their customers have “suddenly” switched allegiances?
Consider the example of Mike, a manager working in the wholesale grocery business. Mike sought my advice to lead his department through change. He had just received a list of his company’s soon-to-be retired employees. [Read more…] about Sink Or Swim? How To Anticipate Change
Leadership Lesson: How To Retain Great Employees For Long-Term Success
“What could we have done differently?” This is the burning question on every leader’s mind when a great employee decides to leave. There is no question that the cost of rehiring and retraining, the impact on the bottom line and the stress associated with repeating the exercise takes a toll on every type of business. However, the good news is that you can break the cycle by relentlessly adhering to the following strategies: [Read more…] about Leadership Lesson: How To Retain Great Employees For Long-Term Success
