What do you call the phenomena when a group of people silently agree on the dubious merits of an idea or course of action but either remain silent, or agree to do it anyway? George Washington Psychology Professor the late… Read More ›
effective management and leadership
PROBLEM SOLVING: WHAT ARE THE REAL ISSUES INVOLVED?
Abraham Maslow, famous for his theory of the “Hierarchy of Human Needs”, also had this to say about problem solving: “If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail”. No manager has only one… Read More ›
PLAYING THE HAND YOU’RE DEALT
Most managers fantasize at some point about being handed the “DREAM TEAM” assignment. A staff filled with self-starting, bright, multi-talented all-stars who basically need little management at all. Provide a clear sense of direction and get out-of-the-way. Winning performances would… Read More ›
DECISIONS: WHAT IF ALL YOUR OPTIONS SEEM WRONG?
Some time ago, I read a “New York Times” article by Wolf Biermann, a German author who has lived on both sides of the Berlin Wall. Its title was The Tragedy of Angela Merkel. In explaining the conundrum he… Read More ›
LETTING THEM KNOW WHO’S BOSS
One of the silliest management behaviors I have observed is the obsession of some managers for conspicuous displays intended to demonstrate that they are the boss. Silly I say, because really do they think their subordinates are so stupid that… Read More ›
CHANGE AND A SENSE OF LOSS
A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop conducted by the late chairman emeritus and founder of the Levinson Institute — Psychologist Harry Levinson, Ph.D. The workshop focused on the topic of organizational change. While… Read More ›
THE LETTING IT ROLL OFF YOUR BACK FALACY
For many of us, the expression of negative feelings and emotions towards others is extremely difficult and uncomfortable. On one level, our rational self knows that the expression of these emotions can be beneficial both for our own psychological health… Read More ›
MATCHING TALENT TO TASK
A number of years ago, I recall watching my favorite World Cup Team the Germans surprisingly exit the 2018 FIFA World Cup finishing last in their designated group. Man for man the defending World Champions possessed as much raw talent… Read More ›
WHEN YOU MAKE A MISTAKE, ACKNOWLEDGE IT AND PULL THE PLUG
In September 2011, the American-based media provider Netflix announced that it planned to raise prices for its services and separate into two companies: a DVD mail order service it would call “Qwikster” and an internet streaming service that would retain… Read More ›
OBVIOUS MISTAKES YOU WILL STILL MAKE AS A MANAGER
Like it or not, some predictable mistakes are inevitable as a manager. Even knowing what they are in advance, you will still make them anyway. The faster you learn to avoid becoming a chronic repeat offender the better. 1. You… Read More ›
What Best Mnagers Know & Do 