We know that improved collaboration among people in an organization can increase innovation and productivity. But making that happen has proved challenging for most. But there is hope: “Being receptive to the views of someone we disagree with is no easy task, but when we approach the situation with a desire to understand our differences, we get a better outcome.”* (p. … [Read more...] about Six Collaboration Tools
Culture
Keeping the Organization Soul Vibrant
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
The Price of Incivility*
We have all heard (or experienced) stories of the “boss from hell,” but – according to research reported in Harvard Business Review* – rudeness in the workplace is surprisingly common. Whether it is thoughtlessness or outright malice, incivility takes its toll on a workplace. A poll of managers and employees from a wide variety of industries who experienced this showed … [Read more...] about The Price of Incivility*
Creating an Ethical Culture
Few people spend their lives purposing thinking about how they can violate the law and/or ethical standards for their own gain. Yet - well-meaning and well-informed people are ethically malleable; they can end up making lapses in judgement. And this is not just confined to the business world. Nonprofit leaders are certainly subject to these breakdowns in … [Read more...] about Creating an Ethical Culture
The Importance of All Stakeholders
You might think that only the “senior” people in your organization feel like they have a “stake” in its current operations and future. You would be wrong. I have heard all of the excuses. “They don’t know enough about the substance of the issues to provide input.” “They don’t really care.” “We already know what they think.” Wrong, Wrong, and Wrong. There are … [Read more...] about The Importance of All Stakeholders