The processing of information in a tradition-bound workplace tends to be exclusionary—that is, controlled by those who make decisions. This method may have worked when upper level leaders could thoughtfully assess the data and provide timely direction, but in today’s fast-paced culture this style of leadership is outmoded. This foundational premise is supported by an […]

Disruption provides an opportunity to question and compare current procedures to future needs. It also presents an opportunity to determine which processes might need to be restructured or realigned. Organizations, just like individuals, will redirect effort and energy only when the internal and external systems are ready. The challenge is to get everyone ready at […]

* It is important to find out whether a mistake was caused by a resistance to learn or because the person responsible was trying something new and didn’t get it right. The former might call for punitive action, while the latter might best be handled by additional training. * Improvement is about preparation and moving […]

* High performers figure out on their own what improvement are needed and how to make them. Low performers focus on the status quo and what they know, so don’t expect them to think about raising the bar without knowing why and understanding how. * As you work to change the behavior of the weakest […]

* Without learning objectives, individuals, who conceived projects on their own, risk wasting both time and energy. The results may make people feel good because they have accomplished something, but it doesn’t help the team achieve its purpose. * Morale, initiative, job satisfaction and performance are raised simultaneously when leaders and followers become aware of […]

* You are not likely to change anyone’s behavior until your first accept him for who he is and what he believes. Imposing your views on someone without first empathizing with him leaves the impression that you are the one opposed to change—not him. * Assumptions are the brain food of idiots. Without a genuine […]

Contemporary managers are facing the external pressures of a rapidly changing workplace. As the pace picks up, they are expected to keep on top of everything. Should performance and productivity fall off, the higher-ups assume someone must be doing something wrong. A typical reaction is to bring in a consultant to identify the problem(s) and […]

Succession planning is a future-focused endeavor designed to ensure knowledge upgrades become an instinctive part of everyone’s positional responsibility. Another proviso is providing support for those high achievers who are candidates for increased job responsibilities. As an organization considers succession planning, it is essential to form a cross-departmental succession planning team (SPT) consisting of executive […]

Only an idiot would enjoy working in a tension-filled environment. So, consider what it would mean should the conflicts you’re currently embroiled in remain unresolved. Pointing out the issue is risky, so you keep quiet and hope it goes away. Like you, few people are comfortable disclosing his or her frustrations in an open forum. […]