Many years ago when I was CEO of the non-profit, LeaderShape, Inc., we were a very young entity going through a tremendous growth cycle. I remember telling my brother that I just wanted to make sure we didn’t end up as a Harvard case study on “The Nonprofit That Grew Too Fast.” Fortunately, we were able to stay on a productive growth path without spinning out of control. … [Read more...] about Keeping the Organization Soul Vibrant
A Better Approach to Grief
As a Manager, what do you do when a work colleague loses a loved one? You’re uncomfortable just reading that, aren’t you? I’m uncomfortable writing it. A recent article in Harvard Business Review* suggests that we need to rethink how we treat one another at work when a loved one dies. In the view of the authors, most Managers simply leave the grieving colleague alone … [Read more...] about A Better Approach to Grief
Integrity Gap Survey
Leaders work hard to put systems in place to discourage unethical behavior, to create a culture of integrity, and to role model ethical leadership. Yet – even with all this – every organization faces possible breakdowns in ethical behavior. Human nature simply poses challenges to consistent integrity. What can leaders do to be even more vigilant in detecting possible … [Read more...] about Integrity Gap Survey
Leverage Positive Feedback
As recently discussed in this blog space, we all vividly remember negative feedback we receive – and it can be tough to deal with. But what about positive feedback? All too often we just say “thanks” and move on when we receive positive feedback. We kind of discount it. This can be a lost learning opportunity. One of the most important things we can learn about … [Read more...] about Leverage Positive Feedback
Have You Been “FeedSmacked” Lately?
Sometimes it comes out of the blue, perhaps in a meeting from a senior leader everyone respects: “That is the worst, most thoughtless idea I have ever heard.” Ouch! Other times it may be in the dreaded performance review: “The input I am getting on you is that you are manipulative and don’t care about others.” Whoa! Whether you think the source of the “FeedSmack” is … [Read more...] about Have You Been “FeedSmacked” Lately?