Making Meetings Work

Making Meetings Work

When you consider how much time you spend in meetings, it’s obvious that eliminating some and increasing the effectiveness of others will give you more time to do your work, develop your team, and build relationships. To be productive, meetings require preparation and...
Engaging Questions

Engaging Questions

Some senior leaders I coach are troubled that their staff appear intimidated by them. But it’s not because of their behavior, they contend. They genuinely want their people to engage, push back, and offer feedback when they present ideas, but it seems their title and...
Got the Middle Management Blues?

Got the Middle Management Blues?

In many organizations, being in middle management can be rewarding and fun. You are close to the business, have lots of contact with customers, and are leading a team of strong performers. You get to keep your hands in the work while also being responsible for setting...
Confidence Building Tools

Confidence Building Tools

In many conversations with my clients, it becomes clear that their confidence lags behind their competence. What good is being talented if you don’t believe in yourself? People who lack confidence can hinder their own career success by deferring to others, withholding...
Making Collaboration Work

Making Collaboration Work

Lots of organizations tout their collaborative work environments, but collaboration can mean different things to different groups. For some, employees occupying low cubicles or sitting in open bullpens promotes collaboration. For others, collaboration is achieved...
Dealing with Difficult People

Dealing with Difficult People

You’ll find many different personality types in any organization. Most people are helpful, cordial, and easy to work with. But every now and then you’re sure to encounter a personality type that is hard to work with. Since you’re probably not going to change these...