Earlier this week I attended the annual conference of the Executive MBA Council where directors of these programs from across the globe gather once a year to share best practices, concerns, and plans for the future. A common concern that was expressed: “How do we prepare executives to survive in VUCA world?” Indeed, the environment in which we all operate is … [Read more...] about Thriving in a VUCA World
Leadership
When Are You at Your Best?
“Being extraordinary . . . means pursuing our full potential.”* You have had moments of performing at an extraordinary level; maybe many moments. It feels really great, doesn’t it!?! What would it be like to have a job and set of work responsibilities that gave you the opportunity to feel that way on a regular basis? Right! Awesome!!! So how can you make that … [Read more...] about When Are You at Your Best?
“Nice Guys” Finish . . .
Which group is least successful in their work life? “Givers” who are characterized by being helpful, compassionate, caring, and kind? Or “Takers” who are always looking out for what is best for themselves? It turns out that “Givers” make up this least successful group. And the most successful? “Givers” as well! What’s going on here? It turns out that some “Givers” … [Read more...] about “Nice Guys” Finish . . .
The Performance Paradox
Yes! I want to be a high performer! Yes! I want to accomplish all of my goals! Sorry. You can’t have it both ways. What!?! Why? While it may seem like a contradiction – the only way to maximize your performance is to give up your desire to attain your goals 100%. Research on goals shows that the higher you set your goals, the greater performance you will have.* So, … [Read more...] about The Performance Paradox
Management via Panic
I knew a manager once who liked to start the day with her team by saying “What’s on fire!?!” It was said enthusiastically, expectantly – almost hopefully. There is a certain “jazz” that some people get from addressing an “emergency” situation. But trying to “motivate” your team on a regular basis by inflicting panic on them is not a winning management style. Unless you … [Read more...] about Management via Panic