You might have formal authority, but do you have “legitimacy?” Legitimacy is one of the things that separates a good leader from an exceptionally effective one. As per a recent article in Harvard Business Review: “A legitimate leader engenders good will and a feeling of personal connection with followers. . . (Leaders) who enjoy legitimacy can motivate loyalty and … [Read more...] about Build Your Leadership Legitimacy
leadership
Fully Prep for Your Next Negotiation
Research shows that most people just “wing it” when they get into a negotiation, and this often leads to a suboptimal result. Here are some things you need to prep before you negotiate: *Do Your Research. For example, if you are going out to buy a car or a home, make sure that you do research ahead of time so you know what the market is like. If you are looking for a pay … [Read more...] about Fully Prep for Your Next Negotiation
Improve Your Change Effort
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
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