New leaders are often surprised and frustrated when they learn that holding a leadership title does not necessarily mean they have any authority. This is an especially painful realization for experienced leaders accustomed to a traditional hierarchical organization that transforms into a matrix organization. To these leaders, it feels as if they’ve been dropped in a foreign country where the language they’ve used their whole lives is suddenly unrecognizable to others. Traditional command-and-control style tactics don’t work when you have more peers than subordinates. In a matrix organization, where there is much less formal authority, leaders must excel at unique … Read More
Beware of Leadership GPS
Last week, a woman in Ontario made national news after she trusted her GPS so mindlessly that she followed the directions right into a lake. The image of her red sedan submerged in a murky lake dominated headlines and prompted readers to ridicule the young driver for her inability to think for herself and her over-reliance on technology. Stories as wild as this actually happen all the time. Just last year, drivers made headlines by following GPS instructions into ponds, down staircases, onto railroad tracks, into the ocean, and nearly off a cliff. It’s easy to blame the technology in … Read More
Say it With a Smile
In an ideal world, goals would be easily attainable, merit increases would be automatic, resources would be plentiful and layoffs would be non-existent. Leadership would be easy in an ideal world. Everyone would understand the vision, take ownership, feel engaged, and be intrinsically motivated to ensure the company’s success. But our world is less than ideal, and leadership isn’t easy. Some days when you want to reward your staff for their hard work, you actually have to announce another round of layoffs. And some days when your team asks you to share the company’s strategy, you aren’t even clear on … Read More
70% of Employees Are Not Engaged – Three Steps to Cut That Number
70% of US workers are not engaged — they have essentially “checked out,” meaning they care little, if at all, about their job and company. And that attitude has dire consequences. Manager disengagement hovers around 51% and can significantly impact profitability and productivity. Gallup reports these ‘not engaged’ leaders cost the U.S. $77 billion to $96 billion annually because their attitudes cascade throughout the organization.
Writing Your Way To a Promotion
When you’re on the management track or trying to work your way up the leadership ladder, you must be keenly aware of how you present yourself. You may stay at the office later than others, stand a little straighter, network more often, and dress more professionally. But many people forget one crucial soft skill that creates an unforgettable impression. The way you write creates a memorable image in the reader’s mind. Be sure the image you create is one of a thoughtful, competent, and professional communicator. Knowing the difference between there, their, and they’re is a great start, but there’s … Read More
It’s Not Enough to Think Like an Owner
“That’s not my job.” Is there any phrase more destructive in the workplace? If that phrase is the worst, then “That decision is above my pay grade” has to come in second place. Both phrases are heard frequently, and both do nothing more than alienate teammates, punish customers, and disrespect the company as a whole. CEOs want their leaders to think like an owner because it creates a unique mindset. Whether it’s a small business or a Fortune 100, when you think like an owner, you take ownership of your job, your attitude, your employees, and your customer. When you’re … Read More