It’s a sports cliché – because it is true, and it is true in the working world as well. Winners are the ones who get the fundamentals right. Management is complex, but here are the five fundamentals to make sure you get it right: Set Clear Expectations. It makes common sense and it is backed up by research (1). Make sure that your direct reports are perfectly clear on … [Read more...] about Five Management Fundamentals
performance
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?
A Cool Tool Gets Cooler
A couple of years ago I blogged about the Organization Capacity Assessment Tool (OCAT) that McKinsey & Co developed in partnership with Venture Philanthropy Partners (“A Cool Tool”). Well, now the 2.0 version is out and it is even cooler. The OCAT allows an organization to perform a thorough self-analysis of its operations and performance. It asks questions in seven … [Read more...] about A Cool Tool Gets Cooler
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
Build High Performing Teams
Effective teamwork is becoming more and more important for the success of any organization. While tons has been written about it, building high performing teams seems to remain a mystery to many people. Here are what I think are the four most important steps you can take to build a high performing team: 1. Select a teamwork model. You need to decide what you think are the … [Read more...] about Build High Performing Teams