What are the traits of incompetent leaders? I know – sadly – you could probably make a long list, with footnotes and examples of poor leaders you have endured. However, there is some good news. According to a recent article in Harvard Business Review*, progress is being made in identifying bad leaders. For example, research in 11 different experiments have shown that … [Read more...] about Traits of Incompetent Leaders
Productivity vs Creativity
Are you obsessed by “productivity?” I think I might be. To me, productivity is not about being a workaholic. It is about getting the most out of every second of every minute in the day. That way I can get my work done more quickly and have time for fun (as I wonder if I will ever see a live baseball game again). Many of us want to be as productive as we can. But we … [Read more...] about Productivity vs Creativity
The Yin and Yang of Leadership
The responsibilities of leadership provide us with continual challenges. Should you be decisive? Yes! Or wait, maybe you should be more deliberative? Should you stay the course? Yes! Or wait, maybe it is time to pivot? Each leadership challenge tests us and there are no easy answers to these kinds of questions. The answer will depend upon nuances of the … [Read more...] about The Yin and Yang of Leadership
Building Team Accountability
High performing teams hold one another accountable, and this is emphasized as one of the key tenets of teamwork in Patrick Lencioni’s best-selling book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. However – this is easier said than done. A lot of bosses are conflict avoidant, and so they do not follow-up. As an outcome of this, high performers often end up leaving the … [Read more...] about Building Team Accountability
Build a Culture of Appreciation
You honestly appreciate your team and you probably think that they know it. You are probably wrong. According to research reported in Harvard Business Review*, many leaders incorrectly assume that the team they work with know how they feel about them. They call this an “illusion of transparency.” In other words, no – people cannot read your mind; or your heart. Here … [Read more...] about Build a Culture of Appreciation