Assumptions are one of the great barriers to effective communication. In business, we fall into the assumption trap when we use terms that are defined differently by the speaker as opposed to the listener. For instance, what does “soon” mean in the statement “I need that report soon?” Or, we might assume that everyone is… Continue reading Don’t Assume Your Way into a Disaster!
Business Management Consulting Blog
Watch Out! What You’ve Got Is Contagious
No, we’re not talking about a virus or a cold – we’re talking about your attitude. As a leader, your attitude is contagious. It will “infect” your team with every word you say and every action you take. Your very presence will transmit it to those around you. The question then becomes, what attitude are… Continue reading Watch Out! What You’ve Got Is Contagious
Two Pilots. Two Delays. Two Very Different Outcomes.
Sometimes, the universe conspires to make a point – and it does so with a clarity that borders on the incredible. In my case, the universe recently put two parallel experiences in front of me that perfectly captured the power and importance of communication for leaders. I can assure you that these two stories will… Continue reading Two Pilots. Two Delays. Two Very Different Outcomes.
People Know
People know. Too often, leaders forget that simple fact. They try to create an image that will impress their employees, their colleagues, their customers, and their vendors. But if that image doesn’t jive with reality, they aren’t fooling anyone. Because the fact is, people know. For example, take the team where one member is not… Continue reading People Know
Motivation Is an Inside Job
Who owns employee motivation? It’s a good question and an easy one to get wrong because there is a fine line between encouraging employee motivation and owning employee motivation. In our leadership training, we make the point that the leader’s job is to create an environment that sets the stage for team members to be… Continue reading Motivation Is an Inside Job
Quality of Life Is a Valid Business Question
A 40-hour work week sounds like a dream to many people. The 2014 Gallup poll reports that 59% of full-time workers in America clock more than 40 hours per week, with 25% coming in at 60+ hours. Given those statistics, it is no wonder that work burnout is a common malady in industry today. If… Continue reading Quality of Life Is a Valid Business Question