Managers, do your subordinates work under, for, or with you? An interesting question don’t you think? I recently interviewed a retired manager and when I asked her how she would like her former subordinates to describe her, she replied “I… Read More ›
motivational management
TAKING CREDIT FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: A MANAGEMENT VICE
As I write this series of articles entitled “A Management Vice”, I find myself unable to decide which of them is more irritating, infuriating, frustrating, or just plain unacceptable. Suffice to say, taking credit for the work of others is… Read More ›
ABANDONING SHIP: A MANAGEMENT VICE
Abandoning Ship is a close relative of rejecting blame but it has a different set of dynamics and insidiousness. Picture a lively meeting between a manager and staff. Collectively they have a challenging problem to solve and are discussing various… Read More ›
PADDING YOUR RESUME: A MANAGEMENT VICE
Over the years, I have seen some spectacular examples of resume padding in the professional world, complete with the disastrous consequences that often accompany them. Aspiring political candidates and job aspirants who have claimed military service never done, academic degrees… 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 ›
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 ›
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 ›
DIAGNOSING YOUR ORGANIZATION’S HEALTH
Imagine you are on an airplane and seated next to you is a congenial and engaging man or woman. You strike up a conversation and discover your seating companion works for the airline you are flying. At some point, you… Read More ›
THE POWER OF FOOD
You might ask what FOOD has to do with being an effective manager and leader? Consider the following scenario contained in my workshop for managers: In the past six months you have made some difficult management decisions clearly unpopular among many… Read More ›
TEAM PERFORMANCE: THE FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE OF FULFILLED HUMAN NEEDS
I have focused on the topic of teams several times in this series of articles. And indeed there has been enough written about the topic these past twenty-five years to fill an entire library shelf. I return to the subject here,… Read More ›