It is not that the truth always hurts, it is sometimes a matter of the truth being the best way. It is not often that we get to use the word “Gentleman,” but in the following example we are about to discuss, our client was both a successful executive and a gentleman.
Read MoreImagine two managers are called into an executive leader’s office who are not “seeing eye to eye (another interesting phrase!).” They have asked for a meeting to help resolve the situation.
Read MoreSeveral years ago, an entrepreneur came to me “hat in hand,” as the saying used to go, who was quite humbled to say the least. He had once made a lot of money in the electronics business and he was convinced that his entrepreneurial spirit, hunches, drive and determination could be applied to a Southwestern concept chain of quick serve restaurants.
Read MoreOrganizations where top leaders are often aloof and fiercely cling to their independence are not much different than people who are aloof from their neighbors, friends and often spouses. They are so invested in their independence, they fail to see “the other.” Often, they don’t realize what is lost until it is gone.
Read MoreThe mantle of failure is a heavy burden. We may disappoint many people if we fail, but generally speaking the greatest pain is the pain that we absorb. We often react to failure by taking out the blame on ourselves. It is understandable, of course, but it can often be unfair
Read MoreWe are certainly in an age of pushing and pulling. Executive leaders are pulled in a hundred directions and for many of us, stress is a major problem. Our digital age certainly doesn’t help, though we are constantly being told how much our devices assist us in simplifying life. We dance with every pressure that comes along, and our workplaces demand a faster and faster dance. It is amazingly easy to stray off the paths of our tasks as new “priorities” replace the old.
Read MoreApparently, her boss’ office was not only festooned with a large football team flag, a signed helmet in a case and several photos of the boss posed next to players and coaches. He had four season’s seats near the 50-yard line and was always inviting his managers to attend games with him. To placate her boss, one frigid December day, she and three other executives attended a game. She kept a brave face as her boss and other executives downed several adult beverages. Though nothing untoward occurred, she was miserable and questioned why she allowed herself to be talked into attending.
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