As a consultant, working with a final decision maker is a hell of a lot easier than someone who is fulfilling a role of authority, but isn’t really empowered. How can it be that someone can be deemed responsible, but really isn’t? It happens all the time. I posted earlier about how some project managers are glorified […]
Tag Archives | management 101
Managing with Harmony
Inspired by an interview I heard today, here’s a burning question. How many people out there manage with the goal of creating and maintaining harmony at work? I’d like to think that I do, but sometimes I am such a boundary pusher that I’m probably working too hard to achieve harmony – and creating dissonance […]
Are Politicians Mindful Leaders?
I was standing in the kitchen making my third espresso, which happens when I have a lot of time at home! While listening to NPR, an annoying interview was taking place regarding the fiscal cliff. When asked his opinion about the recent remark his fellow Republican had said about deficit spending, I was shocked by […]
When Goal Setting Isn’t Enough
I have this employee who has been learning his role on-the-job now for several years. During the past two, he hasn’t received a promotion and he’s wondering why. After our informal discussion where he disclosed his frustrations, it was immediately clear to me the reason for his struggles. Doug is a superstar in his own […]
Avoiding Hotel California
Remember those famous lyrics from the Eagles, You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave? As a manager, how do we avoid giving our employees the feeling that they are on one yellow brick road, and it’s called Hotel California? At Company Z, I was informed by my youngest colleague […]
Managing with Care
There is a fine balance between caring too much and caring just enough. I sometimes land in the former camp. I think at least a few of us (Agents) probably complement each other in this area where one agent can play one side, while one of us plays the other. It’s a yin/yang mechanism, and […]
What Do You Do When a Key Employee Wants to Leave
What do you do when someone in a key position in your company tells you they’re dissatisfied and thinking about leaving? (Maybe even asks for your help?) Do you do everything to hold onto your people, especially in a close-knit environment, or do you support the idea of employees moving on, knowing that your company […]
Should You Tell Colleagues About Your Exit Strategy?
In an earlier post, I told you how I concealed my exit plan from my colleagues. In retrospect, I’m not sure it was the best strategy. But what about the other end of the spectrum, when your boss tells you he’s dissatisfied and is hoping to move on within a few years? This happened to […]
Tip of the Day Issue 3…Practice Emotional Intelligence
Although a buzzword in the corporate world, Emotional Intelligence is such a rare skill when it’s exercised wholly. Here’s something to think about when you are in a situation of managing or “giving advice”. In this case, don’t offer to fix something. Best to just listen. “Those who are most competent (and there are few […]
What are you doing over there?
When your boss asks you, “So, what are you working on?” or “What are you doing over there?” – implying that he or she sits close by, how does it make you feel? This is something that is such a sore subject for me. It’s right up there on the ingredient list of my Recipe […]
