Leading a change is among the most challenging tasks executives take on. Change management guru, Dr. John Kotter, says that 70% of change efforts fail. Sometimes I wonder if the actual numbers are even higher. There are many changes you might like to lead – a change in culture, staff structure, new products and services, maybe a new financial model. But inertia and … [Read more...] about Improve Your Change Effort
leadership
Dealing with Your Difficult Boss
If you work long enough, you will have to deal with a difficult boss at some point. Some people say “Wait them out until they get promoted or fired,” but that strategy does not always work. Here is a summary of some good ideas based on a blog by MaryAnn Kerr. I don’t need these now, but I will remember them for the future! 1. Don’t Take it Personally! A difficult boss … [Read more...] about Dealing with Your Difficult Boss
Handling Your Staff’s Complaints
Not all staff complaints are created equal. Done productively, complaints can actually provide valuable feedback and lead to improvements in operations. Sometimes a complaint is simply a way for people to vent. If this is over and done with once the venting is complete – then it can be fine. If there is more to it, then it needs to be redirected into a more productive … [Read more...] about Handling Your Staff’s Complaints
Assess Your Team
How can you improve your team’s performance? Recently, I did a training workshop for staff of the Cherokee Nation on Teamwork. Many of their questions centered around this question, and I suggested: “You might think about starting with an assessment.” You can keep it simple and take fifteen minutes at the end of your next staff or Board meeting to ask: *What’s are … [Read more...] about Assess Your Team
Let’s Commence!
This past weekend was my final time presiding over our University of Maryland Executive MBA Commencement, before moving on to my next career adventure. It was a great day! The faculty and student speakers that the cohort selected reminisced, encouraged, and challenged the group as they enter the next phases of their careers. For my part, I simply reminded them of the … [Read more...] about Let’s Commence!