Once upon a time I knew a guy who, everytime I would ask: “Hey, how are you doing?” He would answer: “Not too bad.” Just think about that. I’m sure he didn’t really mean that things were bad, but they weren’t SO BAD that he was going to be terribly upset about it. But then again . . . How many things in your organization are “okay, fine, not too … [Read more...] about “Not Too Bad” vs “Extraordinary”
Culture
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
Be Part of the Solution, Part II
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” -Bishop Desmond Tutu As a follow-up to last week’s blog encouraging us all to be part of the solution to the many problems our country has with institutionalized, systemic racism, I have a special message now for my white brothers and sisters. Everyone else can read along. It … [Read more...] about Be Part of the Solution, Part II
Be Part of the Solution
Black Lives Matter. When some people hear that they say “Hey, ALL lives matter.” Well, of course they do, but that is not the point. The point is that – when you look at the data regarding the murder of so many African Americans by police and others – and the fact that the country is not completely OUTRAGED at this fact, it seems like Black Lives Do NOT Matter to a lot … [Read more...] about Be Part of the Solution
Bringing Joy to the Workplace
Many years ago when I had my first CEO assignment, I assure you that “Bringing Joy to the Workplace” was not on my list of goals. Of course, I didn’t want to bring “misery” either. Mostly, I just wanted us to get a LOT of work done. Fortunately, I am trainable. And one thing I have learned since those early days is the importance of Joy in our work. We are humans, not … [Read more...] about Bringing Joy to the Workplace