Leadership coach and consultant.
Many have tried and just as many have failed. Well-meaning and highly skilled supervisors, trainers, executive coaches, management consultants, and human resources professionals have all accepted the challenge of “improving” communication within their teams. For those of us who have had the wonderful experience of attending a communication skills workshop of some kind, only to […]
“What’s the difference between a stalking lion in the bush and your boss? Nothing!” Of course, if you are fortunate enough to have a supportive, trust-based relationship with your manager this isn’t the case. However, for people on shaky ground with a direct supervisor, experiencing a difficult conflict with a colleague, or stressing over uncertainty […]
A great working life doesn’t just happen. You have to craft it with intentional focus and hard work. If you are stuck on a plateau, stalled out, bogged down, or unable to express the full measure of your talent then you may need a reboot to create the conditions for the working life you want. […]
Clearly, change matters. However, when the only day-to-day constant is change, it can be difficult to sustain focus and forward progress on true organizational priorities. If change fatigue sets in, our teams can experience reduced morale and important client services and projects can stall. The good news is that a climate of change is also […]
There is nothing wrong with solving problems! When the supply room catches on fire, you want to put it out quickly and effectively. Forget the organization chart, whoever is closest to the extinguisher, grab it! Problem solved, and then life moves on. But when the supply room keeps on catching fire day after day, your […]
It’s 9:15 am and you are just getting into the rhythm of your day. The phone rings, and on the other end of the line one of your colleagues unexpectedly asks you to attend a meeting that starts in just 45 minutes. Although you respect this colleague and ideally would like to support her, you […]
As a candidate you are only as desirable as the potential you project during the interview process. Because this first impression is truly the definitive factor that determines whether you will or will not receive the job offer, there is (understandably) significant pressure on job seekers to show off their potential without over-doing it. In […]
In an environment dominated by the inverse equation of shrinking resources and increasing demands, the chance for sustained organizational success accelerates when there is a performance multiplier effect. Managers can create these by delivering concrete resources to their teams that help individuals elevate their capacity for independent performance improvement. The question is, what kind of […]
Every one of us, regardless of rank and expertise, will eventually get pushed out of our competence. Although it never feels good, it is a fact of our working lives and it is the core mechanism of growth and development. What leaders do when they are edged out of their competence marks a pivotal turn […]
Learning to navigate the hidden curriculum of work pays for employees and managers! Listen to my interview about going “Beyond the Job Description” with NPR Affiliate’s Popular Personal Finance and Investment Radio Talk Show “On the Money! with Steven L. Pomeranz, CFP”. We cover a lot of terrain, including some very useful tips for employees […]