You might have formal authority, but do you have “legitimacy?” Legitimacy is one of the things that separates a good leader from an exceptionally effective one. As per a recent article in Harvard Business Review: “A legitimate leader engenders good will and a feeling of personal connection with followers. . . (Leaders) who enjoy legitimacy can motivate loyalty and … [Read more...] about Build Your Leadership Legitimacy
Fully Prep for Your Next Negotiation
Research shows that most people just “wing it” when they get into a negotiation, and this often leads to a suboptimal result. Here are some things you need to prep before you negotiate: *Do Your Research. For example, if you are going out to buy a car or a home, make sure that you do research ahead of time so you know what the market is like. If you are looking for a pay … [Read more...] about Fully Prep for Your Next Negotiation
Exercise Improves Your Work Performance
You have heard great health reasons for exercising regularly; for example: *Protects against many chronic diseases *Aids in weight management *Lowers blood pressure *Improves heart function But wait, there’s more! New research recently reported in Harvard Business Review now shows that daily exercise improves your next day work performance. Daily exercise … [Read more...] about Exercise Improves Your Work Performance
Improve Your Change Effort
Leading a change is among the most challenging tasks executives take on. Change management guru, Dr. John Kotter, says that 70% of change efforts fail. Sometimes I wonder if the actual numbers are even higher. There are many changes you might like to lead – a change in culture, staff structure, new products and services, maybe a new financial model. But inertia and … [Read more...] about Improve Your Change Effort
Dealing with Your Difficult Boss
If you work long enough, you will have to deal with a difficult boss at some point. Some people say “Wait them out until they get promoted or fired,” but that strategy does not always work. Here is a summary of some good ideas based on a blog by MaryAnn Kerr. I don’t need these now, but I will remember them for the future! 1. Don’t Take it Personally! A difficult boss … [Read more...] about Dealing with Your Difficult Boss