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How to Get Your Boss to Take You Seriously
A common complaint among young professionals is that their bosses don’t take them seriously. While some deal with this by denigrating their bosses and trying to ignore them, others truly want to find ways to be heard and valued. Here are some facts and suggestions for building credibility. Fact: Your energy creates a reaction. Some […]
Continue ReadingLeaders Must Develop the Skill of Feedback
By now you’ve probably heard about the Wall Street Journal article of April 20th chronicling the heaping of praise on the youngest working generation and how businesses are struggling to keep up with the practice. Written by Jeffrey Zastrow, the article refers to employers “dishing out kudos to workers for little more than showing up” […]
Continue ReadingThe Notion of Thinking Globally and Acting Locally
I had the privilege today of listening to knowledgeable and accomplished business leaders talk about the opportunities and challenges of regional economic development in southeast Wisconsin. As is probably true for most economic regions around the globe, the story was one of terrific potential and knotty problems. Most of the problems are related to an […]
Continue Reading4 Essential Traits of a Great Leader
Leadership is a demanding role that requires a discriminating blend of expertise, awareness, courage, and persuasiveness. Expertise is functional, experiential, or perceived. What you’ve gotten good at, that others recognize, defines the first part of the leadership equation for you. It answers the question: “Do you know what you’re talking about?” Awareness is about how […]
Continue ReadingTips for Improving Culture in Your Organization
A lot of people spend a lot of time thinking and talking about improving the culture of their organizations. Many find, in talking about it, that culture represents a paradox. One on hand, people want to know “how things are done around here.” On the other, they don’t want to be thwarted in expressing their […]
Continue ReadingPortray Your Best to Boost Your Reputation
I received a forwarded ‘quote for the day’ this morning from a friend who said it made him think of me. The quote reflected my attitude about life (it might not be the party we hoped for, but while we’re here we may as well dance), and in that sense it was both touching and […]
Continue ReadingJudgment is the core competence to develop for your Business
If there’s a core competence that every organization needs to develop it’s this: Judgment. That’s a bottom line directive. People at all levels of an organization make decisions all day long. In many of those decision-making moments, a judgment of some kind is called for. Should I trade this stock now or later? Should I […]
Continue ReadingIn a High Tech World We Are Globally Connected, but Locally Estranged
I’m troubled. I wonder how much time you spend each day with your computer, iPod, BlackBerry or cell phone? By contrast, I wonder how much time you spend in face-to-face conversation each day? I wonder if you remember the color or your spouse or significant other’s eyes? Silly questions? Maybe. But maybe not. The power […]
Continue ReadingTo Improve Performance, Celebrate Discipline
There is something absolutely thrilling about watching a really good marching band, so imagine my delight in seeing eight drum and bugle corps from around the country perform at the Rotary Music Festival in Cedarburg, Wisconsin on Tuesday evening, July 3. What a perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July! The performances were awe-inspiring. […]
Continue ReadingTo Ease a Crisis You Need to Suspend the Drama
Have you noticed the hysteria in our headlines lately? Everything is a crisis. Not only is the sky falling, it’s emitting catastrophic earth-warming waves as it does so. People are stabbing, robbing, chasing, kidnapping, torturing, mangling, and pummeling each other. And when caught, they demand their rights. Others, less violent but no less hysterical, lie, […]
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