Leadership

Look here for tips from my blog for individuals wanting to improve their leadership skills.

Shiny Pennies

Shiny PenniesSome days I can spend my whole day picking up shiny pennies.  Do you ever have days like that?  New ideas spring up and they look interesting so you check them out.  It’s a great distraction and a lot of fun.  Your day is done, before it has… Continue reading

Interested or Committed?

Interested or Committed?In the past I’ve wondered why I move forward with some things and why other tasks and projects linger.  Then the light-bulb went on when I read the following definition:

“If you’re interested in something, you’ll do it if it is convenient.  If you’re committed to something, you’ll do it no matter… Continue reading

Dam the paper!

If you’re drowning with paper see the blog post just before this one.  Once you’ve caught up on your backlog of paper and sticky notes you’ll want to use some of the following tips to keep on top of what comes into your office. 

Special note:  These are habits to develop.  Anytime you want to create a new habit, you’ve got to work at it consciously for a period of time before it becomes automatic.

Step 1 – Look at the sources of your paper.

Mail coming in – your in-box (paper from others) – notes from meetings –… Continue reading

Drowning in paper!

I received the following email message from a dear friend and client as she was about to go on vacation.  I had just visited her office and saw paper everywhere.  I felt chaotic just walking in, I couldn’t imagine being there every day.

Here’s what she wroteYou are so right!  I am drowning in little bits of paper.  Thank you for your offer to help out!  I'm ready anytime. 

I am leaving for the beach Saturday morning, but even if you had some time today or tomorrow to give me a few tips that would be great. … Continue reading

Rip the band-aid off fast!

Rip the BandAid off fast!I heard a tip from someone the other day.  Hire slow (see Help wanted post) and fire fast!  My experience has been that many managers hire fast and are pretty slow to fire.  

So now let’s talk about the “fire fast” part.  First the disclaimer – I encourage you to follow your company’s procedures when you need to let someone go.  Follow the guidelines, procedures and the law as it applies to your situation.

What I’m talking about is very human.  People like to avoid conflict whenever they can.    I’ve heard leaders say they “don’t… Continue reading