Have you ever presented and found somebody in the audience to be so disinterested in your presentation that it distracted you? Conversely, have you ever been so uninterested in a topic that you found yourself fidgeting? How did you feel in both of those situations? Chances are it was the same- frustrated. You were frustrated … Continue reading Disinterested = Distracting = Disrespectful
leadership
Beware of the New Employee
Let’s face it, we love new stuff- new clothes, new phones, new cars, new TVs. If it is new, it is obviously better. Many managers feel the same way when a new employee comes on board. The energy and ideas that the new person brings makes the manager fall in love with her. She becomes … Continue reading Beware of the New Employee
Become an Influencer
Have you ever met someone in your company that everyone seems to go to for advice? That person seems to have much more power than their title because they are seen as a trusted advisor, confidant, and guru. You go to this person because they are going to give you sound and well thought out … Continue reading Become an Influencer
When Emotion Needs to be Removed from Decision Making
Every day you make certain decisions that are based on emotions- what you want for lunch, what you should wear, how much potential a project or team member has, whether you like a new policy or procedure. It is part of what makes you successful, knowing when and how to read your gut is a … Continue reading When Emotion Needs to be Removed from Decision Making
Listen, Process, React
A lot of business situations get blown out of proportion because of misunderstandings or misperceptions. Careers have been destroyed, projects terminated and reputations ruined because people did not interpret what was written or said to them during a tense situation. This is especially true for passionate leaders. People who lead by putting their heart on … Continue reading Listen, Process, React
Leading Means Letting Go
One of the hardest things you can do as a leader is to let go. Your natural inclination is to do everything; trying to control your team, their outcomes, your supervisors, your clients, basically everyone involved in the success of a project. As with a child who is learning to drive, you need to trust … Continue reading Leading Means Letting Go
Are You Really Prepared?
Scar from the Lion King could not be more prophetic. If you want to be successful in life, you need to make sure you are prepared. However, even he did not follow his own advice and underestimated the ease of leading a team. As a new leader, you need to learn the balance between being … Continue reading Are You Really Prepared?
Integrating a New Team Member
One of the hardest things to do is accept a new team member- whether they are a new hire, a veteran of the company moved to your team, or a third party vendor/consultant. Most people’s natural reaction is to be cordial but guarded. The new person’s reaction is to try to impress. This leaves for … Continue reading Integrating a New Team Member
Stop the (March) Madness
Here we are again at one of America’s favorite sports times- the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, otherwise known as March Madness. From now until April 4, everyone will be talking about their brackets, upsets, and teams left. That same guy who is annoying during football season because of fantasy becomes a dream compared to the … Continue reading Stop the (March) Madness
When to Follow Up
My colleague and I were discussing the art of following up from meetings. It actually started out trying to decide when someone said tomorrow, next week, and in a few days what they actually meant. That being said, follow up timing is a key skill that most people lack. The reason a meeting was held … Continue reading When to Follow Up
Simple Mgmt Advice 