Mary Marshall I was recently asked why there are still so few women in leadership positions in business. I was reminded of an article from 2013 in the Harvard Business Review that is still as relevant today as it was then. (And keep in mind, as you … Read more
“Have the courage to embrace the greatness for which you were born.” -Unknown I ran across this quote years ago and immediately thought it didn’t apply to me because I didn’t believe I was born to greatness. However, after working with leaders for years, I … Read more
Does this sound familiar? This is the leader that has the title but doesn’t bother with any sort of execution whatsoever. According to a great article in the Harvard Business Review this is the most common type of incompetent leader there is. The author also … Read more
Remember those strategic plans? Those annual goals? Although it’s only the beginning of June, the bad news is the year is already half over. As I know from personal experience, annual goals have a way of sneaking up on you. This is my mid-year reminder … Read more
I don’t know about you, but I’m always amazed when people are rude when it would be so much easier to be polite or just not say anything at all. I’m not sure if it’s more prevalent these days or that perhaps I notice it … Read more
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