Friends, So, we’re out here in far away California. Our house feels like a summer cottage – lots of wood and windows-to-nature and walls that don’t require northern insulation – and we feel like we’re on vacation. Classes don’t start until late August. Jack’s cool with summer. Jennifer and I are a bit too Type-A. … Continued
Last week on “Everyday Leadership” Dan discussed being the boss, and the different managerial styles between men and women. Different managerial styles between men and women can be a loaded question, with many different takes on it. Dan was looking to explore if there is a difference between genders, and what kind of effect it … Continued
Mistakes – I’ll Show You Mine if You Show Me Yours Friends, We sometimes are exasperated that employees (and kids and friends) take criticism all the wrong way! Today I suggest a way to create a way better atmosphere for facing mistakes and problems. Here (in blue) is a quick recap of the past 3 … Continued
01 Track 01Five to One Odds Says It’ll Work Friends, This is part three in a series on managing, or parenting, in a way that you correct without corroding. If you’re like me, you’ll find lots of room for improvement here. The formal field of “positive psychology” is about 12 years old. Positive psych continues … Continued
Why, I Oughta – and other authority instincts Friends, I was working with an office a while back where morale had sunk to awful levels. At one point in a full-group meeting I excused the management team so I could get a no-holds barred airing of the issues. Wham, did I get it! Both barrels. … Continued
Can We Make It Any Clearer Friends, Thanks to the 800+ of you who responded to last week’s survey, we’ve got a crystal clear picture of what people want in a boss . . . and what’s often missing. Here’s the bummer: What we most want is what’s most often missing: CLARITY! So, this morning’s … Continued
Jack and I were running up and down a field playing catch with lacrosse sticks yesterday. I started out as usual the noisy and irrepressible coach: “see it all the way, Jack” “watch the angle of your stick,” “come on, don’t quit.” Blah. Blah. Blah. He bristled. Who wouldn’t?
Jack is 12. Kate is 20. They remain my best leadership lab: I study their behaviors, and study myself acting in response. I like family leadership, because it’s real, raw, unpretentious, yet the stakes are high. This week the two reminded me that it’s important to exercise my authority. I mean “exercise” both in the … Continued