The concepts of mentoring, of being a mentor, of being in need of a mentor have been a common element of conversation in most organizations for some time. But what exactly is a mentor, how does one behave as a… Read More ›
Managing & Leading
PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS AT WORK
In a recent article, I addressed the challenge a manager faces coping with a subordinate whose workplace behavior hinders his or her own performance, or is disruptive to the work environment itself. Although it can be a difficult challenge, dealing… Read More ›
BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS AT WORK
For a manager, employee problems generally come in two varieties: behavior problems and performance problems. Often they present themselves as a package deal. Knowing and recognizing the difference and being clear from the start which one you are addressing, is… Read More ›
WE CAN’T FIX OTHER PEOPLE
There are a series of dramatic and powerful scenes in the movie “When a Man Loves a Woman” in which a wife played by Meg Ryan, having just returned from an alcoholic rehab program, is struggling to work through the… Read More ›
RECEIVING and RESPONDING TO CRITICISM
Most managers will , at some time, tell their subordinates to “please tell me what you think”. Such phrases go with a so-called open door policy and are intended to convey your openness to hearing contrary points of view and critical assessments… Read More ›
ABOUT YOU or ABOUT IT?
Do you ever take something personally? I thought so. Don’t we all? For some, it is a chronic problem; wired into our temperament and emotional DNA. On the other hand, I actually know a few folks on the far opposite end… Read More ›
IS ANYTHING EVER GOOD ENOUGH?
We all know a version of the tale where a child brings home a report card filled with As and one lone B. Beaming with pride he of she hands the card to a parent and receives the following response:… Read More ›
SENIOR EXECUTIVES, WHO DIRECTS YOUR STAFF?
To be a senior executive in any sizable organization means that you probably have a staff of people to undertake a broad range of activities essential to your front office and, therefore, to your company’s or organization’s success. Staff members carry a… Read More ›
BALANCING AUTONOMY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Three company case studies provide rich insight into effective organizational management in Gary Hamel’s marvelous book “The Future of Management”. I have referred to this work elsewhere in this series of articles but here, I wish to draw attention… Read More ›
STAND STILL AND STAGNATE
A recent Businessweek article (September 24, 2010) explained the recent fall from prominence of Finland’s mobile phone manufacturer Nokia this way: “Nokia clung to the idea that mobile handsets were mainly for phoning people. That was a disastrous call”. By comparison,… Read More ›
Insights on Managing and Leading 