I have been exclusively coaching pairs, almost always the top two in their organizations. Typically I begin by “onboarding” them in the sense that the two will retreat with me for a couple days – after they have been working together for just a few months, or sometimes right from the get-go. I help them … Continued
“I am a really good teacher, and as so, I hold people’s attention.” That’s what I tend to think. But when I watch others teach, I realize, “OMG, it’s so easy in the audience – even without technology – to drift off!” And when I allow myself to sneak a peak at my phone, well … Continued
If you’ve been reading Read2Lead over the past few years you’ve tracked my decided shift into two territories you might call micro-leadership: leading yourself and leading in dyads. They are profoundly connected. And here are the two primary reasons why they are, and how they form a virtuous cycle: lead yourself by increasingly leading with and … Continued
406 words. 3 minutes reading time. Here are two simple images of an organization – a classroom, locker room, a start-up, a division: The drawing on the right is excerpted from fascinating work by Professor Wayne Baker of the Ross School of Business.* My simple point is this: Which would appear more dynamic and powerful? … Continued
Ten days ago our Connor read his vows to Alexis. And Alexis read hers to Connor. I know it’s not a word, but they were sweeting! Ever since, I’ve been reflecting – like a mirror – back and forth from sweeting in love and marriage, to leading in business and partnership. What I keep … Continued
For six years I have been looking at the nature of Leading by Two. I have been coaching pairs 2-at-a-time, running workshops on great pairs and collaboration, and researching and writing with my LX2 thought partner, John Gillis. John and I live it in our work and are convinced of its incredible value. The TED … Continued
About ten years ago, Duke Coach K for Krzyzewsky was cast in a commercial where, with his nasally Chicago voice he said, “I’m not a basketball coach. I’m a leader.” And, indeed the term leader is bounced around almost as much as the leather ball itself. I offer you a case today. I wish I … Continued
A week ago, I spoke to 1,500 people from the TEDx Berkeley stage at Zellerbach Hall on the UC Berkeley campus. I was blind. I realized this would be the case during my dress rehearsal: the hall was dark and the stage lights were like a row of parked cars all pointing their brights at … Continued
Thank you to the 117 of you who have answered my 2-question survey on first level supervisors. I think we would all like to see a bigger “N,” so here’s a second chance: I’ll take Dan’s survey on what I want(ed) from a first-level supervisor. I’ve been surprised by the initial results and will write … Continued
My co-writer, John Gillis, says “No one leads alone. No one.” When you pull away the perceptual film of “the leader,” you see “leading by two” is everywhere. We can learn how we best pair by looking at others who do it well. One unusual pair is Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor. They co-host Ear Hustle, … Continued