The value of a metaphor is that it provides a safe way for coworkers to discuss the undiscussable. Individuals do not have to accept the whole metaphor as truth. Each person can accept those parts that have meaning for her or him. For most people, getting the story straight does not matter. What does matter […]

Research shows that the primary reason a manager is likely to fail is not from a lack of skills and abilities, but rather from not being aware of or not having access to critical information that could negatively impact his or her decisions. Management needs to hear the voice of truth from those who are […]

When organizations send leaders to training with the intention of improving performance and productivity, they often neglect to raise consciousness among the followers. They fail to see that leaders will be picking up a new language expressed in words and concepts incomprehensible to anyone not included in the training program. Companies mistakenly assume that when […]

What is truly puzzling in this age of mass communication is the increasing number of people who are unable to make any connection between the results of their efforts and their company’s future. When their employer suffers from a sudden market shift and the profit picture starts to dim, these people not only disconnect from […]

Leaders get together frequently to exchange ideas and share information. They network for career opportunities, speculate on projects, and commiserate over troublesome employees. Why is it, then, followers are not afforded this same opportunity to gather with their counterparts? Employers seldom set aside the time and space for followers to compare notes and share their […]

Doers occupy positions at all levels from the boardroom to the break room. Although they typically do their thing without calling attention to themselves or to their achievements, Doers are easy to recognize once you know to look for these attributes: Each of the tendencies listed below has the potential for an undesirable consequence for […]

Personality clashes, unmet expectations and resistive coworkers are among the primary causes of behavioral-based conflict in the workplace. Without an effective resolution process, no work unit can continue to function effectively. When evaluating the need for a conflict management program, be aware that unresolved conflict is directly related to job satisfaction – as job satisfaction […]

https://tinyurl.com/4bw3t7v7 (Direct link to Amazon books) Before you decide to join forces with a colleague you have to ask yourself the question:  “What’s in it for me?” At first glance there may appear to be very little benefit. You may have to look a little closer before you realize that you cannot do it alone […]

https://tinyurl.com/4bw3t7v7 (Direct link to Amazon books) Coping with a boss who fails to look ahead, focusing instead on bottom-line results and quick fixes, is challenging for anyone. Such myopically focused managers use their power to keep things from happening by putting previously agreed-upon actions on hold, overriding the recommendations of subordinates and making arbitrary decisions […]

https://tinyurl.com/4bw3t7v7 (Direct link to Amazon books) Research shows that the primary reason a manager is likely to fail is not from a lack of skills and abilities, but rather from not being aware of or not having access to critical information that could negatively impact his or her decisions. Management needs to hear the voice […]