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Tips for Organizations on Keeping Top Talent
I hear it almost daily when I ask organizational leaders what their greatest challenges are: “Retaining our best and brightest.” “Keeping top talent.” When I ask what sorts of things they’re doing to meet this retention challenge, I hear an assortment of benefit ideas, some incentive compensation plans, and a smattering of development programs. Cosmetic […]
Continue ReadingThe Every Day Art of Practicing Leadership
Contrary to the notion that leadership is a rare position reserved for the elite among us, I believe that leadership is an everyday art and discipline. I believe this because every person, no matter his or her station in life, influences others through word, action, and attitude. Try to get through one day without having […]
Continue Reading7 Things You Need to be Successful and 7 Things You Don’t
It is not necessary to make headlines. It is not necessary to be a celebrity. It is not necessary to be a millionaire. It is not necessary to have the biggest, loudest, meanest, coolest anything. It is not necessary to destroy something to demonstrate your power. It is not necessary to have a breathlessly romantic […]
Continue ReadingBeware the Question of Capability in an Interview
“Are you sure (blank) is the right person for this job?” Have you been asked this question? If so, pay close attention both to the question and to the implications of your answer. The higher up the person asking it, the more carefully you need to listen and consider your response. For example, when a […]
Continue ReadingDon’t Lose Organizational Knowledge. Start Sharing Now
There’s a lot of talk and growing concern about the potential loss of organizational knowledge as Baby Boomers reach retirement age and younger workers face the prospect of heightened executive responsibilities with sometimes-meager preparation. There are several aspects to this issue. The first is the unfortunate fact that organizations typically do not invest in training […]
Continue ReadingA Fundamental Skill for Success is the Ability to Ask for Help
I’m experiencing what it feels like when something I “knew all along” becomes tangible. It’s a little embarrassing and kind of fun at the same time. Uncomfortable, for sure, but important. Here’s the revelation. A fundamental skill for success today is the ability to ask for help. “Well, of course,” you might be thinking, “that’s […]
Continue ReadingWhy is it that date of birth creates so much organizational angst?
Why is it that date of birth creates so much organizational angst? “I don’t get them.” “They act so weird.” “Don’t they know anything?” “What’s wrong with them, anyway?” The generation gap is back in vogue and it’s magnified with four generations now trying to live and work side by side. From what I see […]
Continue ReadingIntellectualizing Development and What Makes a Good Leader
Leadership development is a subject of keen and perpetual interest. Are leaders made or born? What makes a good leader? How does a person develop the ability to lead effectively? What are the competencies of good leadership? In attempting to answer these questions and ultimately to make leadership development a more predictable and linear process, […]
Continue ReadingAre you on Auto Pilot as a Person?
Have you ever stopped dead still and asked yourself, “What am I doing?” If you haven’t, please do. And pay attention to the answer. I’m amazed at the numbers of people I encounter who are on auto-pilot. You’ve surely heard the expression, “The lights are on, but nobody’s home.” That sums up a lot of […]
Continue ReadingA Word on Customer Abuse, Telecom Style
Memo to the new AT&T powered by SBC: Get your facts straight and your systems aligned before you trumpet exciting service offers or incredibly low pricing. And spare me the bit about excellent customer service. As a loyal DSL customer, you offered me favorable renewal rates if I upgraded my service online. In a letter […]
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