My motivation for writing this particular article comes from years of observing — and personally experiencing — both the good and the bad elements of the management-staff relationship. I begin with the players and note that the distinction between them… Read More ›
exercising authority
DECISION-MAKING: “THE STRATEGIC TRIANGLE” PART II
In part I of “The Strategic Triangle”©, I addressed the value of being clear on what pieces of any problem or issue confronting you are actually under your control or jurisdiction. Here in part II, I will address the remaining… Read More ›
DECISION-MAKING: “THE STRATEGIC TRIANGLE” PART I
In my management workshops, we spend considerable time focusing on decision-making. The sheer number of decisions most managers make in a week is staggering, many of them on the fly, with little time for contemplation. We also focus a lot… Read More ›
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 ›
SELECTING A MANAGER
A senior executive colleague of mine once told me he took great pride in his ability to fill managerial openings with high quality people. “I could always just close my eyes”, he said, “and picture at least five faces all… Read More ›
THE SHADOW OF AUTHORITY
I first encountered the concept of a manager’s shadow at a seminar I attended in Boston some years ago. The presenter — a female corrections officer whose name, but not her message, I’ve long forgotten — was recounting the evolution… Read More ›