Almost all of us who have managed others over the years, have had to deal with a boss whose own management style and set of management skills left something to be desired. Managing up — as it is called —… Read More ›
managing stress
MANAGERS WHO COMPLAIN TOO MUCH
Life is complicated, things do not always go our way, we are sometimes asked to live with and implement decisions we personally would not have made, our best laid plans often go awry, and “you know what” just happens. Because… Read More ›
MESSAGE TO A NEW BOSS: PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO LEARN
Family reunions are a great time to reconnect with loved ones, relive great memories, and in my case, spend a little time exploring the world of management through the eyes of a cross-generational collection of practitioners. This year’s gathering yielded… Read More ›
ARE YOU ABOUT TO LOSE YOUR JOB?
Right-sized, down-sized, cut lose, laid off , let go, declared excess, victimized by a company’s collapse, or fired, losing one’s job — for whatever reason — is just plain AWFUL and very painful in most cases. I was involuntarily let go… Read More ›
THE VICTIM MENTALITY: AN EMOTIONAL BLACK HOLE
At some point during a career, most people — managers and non-managers — have the misfortune of drawing the proverbial short straw. Perhaps you were passed over for an assignment or promotion you absolutely believe should have been yours. Or perhaps… Read More ›
CHANGE AND A SENSE OF LOSS
A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop conducted by the current chairman emeritus and founder of the Levinson Institute — Psychologist Harry Levinson, Ph.D. — focused on the topic of organizational change. Early in my… Read More ›
THE PROFESSIONAL MID-LIFE CRISIS
Let’s say you’re 44 and have been in you profession for over a decade. You have risen to the management ranks and by most reasonable standards are a professional success. You and your partner have a family, a home, a… Read More ›
THE LETTING IT ROLL OFF YOUR BACK FALACY
At times of stress, it is always valuable for a manager to keep her or his “COOL”. Subordinates are watching and there is something reassuring about a boss who is able to stay calm, unflappable, and able to handle the… Read More ›
DEMEANING SUBORDINATES IS NEVER OK
If you have ever received a highly personal verbal attack from a boss, you know how embarrassing, demoralizing, emotionally traumatic, and infuriating that can be. It’s even worse if it was done in public If you have spent any time… Read More ›
THE COST OF UNNECESSARY ORGANIZATIONAL SECRECY
You wonder what’s going on at work? Things just don’t seem right. You called your friend top-side who works with the boss and they told you there have been a lot of behind-closed-door discussions among the managers of late but… Read More ›
