Mary Marshall Great leaders listen, take in all sides and then make decisions. Acting from “gut instinct” sometimes works but mostly it causes decisions to be made without all the information. The more complex the situation, the more information is required. This is not meant to slow … Read more
When I work with an organization, I look at a lot of things. Over the years, however, I’ve come to believe the fundamental “design” of the organization is the key to its success or failure. This is actually a little different than Organizational Development or “OD” … Read more
Lately, I have noticed that the seeming inability to have reasoned debate within the political climate has spilled over into the workplace. There seems to be a “my way or the highway” mentality seeping into professional environments which is not productive. People are taking sides … Read more
A good friend and co-author of our book, “How NOT to Be A Leader,” Kim Obbink, once told me, “Art will save you.” She was a successful CEO of a company and looking to retire. She was also a very talented artist. She explained to … Read more
As a leader, the distinction of “control vs. influence” is an important one to consider. Which is better? The answer is probably “it depends,” however, when working with employees or your team, influence can be so much more effective that it’s not even a contest. … Read more
I was recently revisiting an article in the Wall Street Journal by Bill Gates entitled “My plan to fix the world’s biggest problems…what’s missing is often good measurement and a commitment to follow the data…” Actually, I had to laugh when I read it because … Read more
The most successful entrepreneurs figure out early on that they are not alone, that they are not infallible and that they need people better than themselves to do certain things. However, we often have this vision of the entrepreneur as a superman or woman, slaying … Read more
At some point in our lives, we all have the opportunity to lead. Whether it is within our family, or a group of people, or simply our own lives, we all have the chance to step up into these shoes. With this honor comes a … Read more
I was very honored to learn that I was awarded the 2018 Small Business Champion of the Year award by the Small Business Administration. A celebration honoring local SBA winners from Washington state and the SBA Seattle District – which serves the state of Washington … Read more
Anyone who is not living on a desert island is bombarded daily with all the voices of our country’s leaders. Bombast, innuendo, accusations, criticisms, retorts, bullying, insults and YELLING are what we have become used to in the age of Twitter. Never before have national … Read more