Situational Team Decision-Making: Collaboration Does Not Require Consensus
There are six ways teams can make decisions. Some people believe that in a collaborative environment, consensus is the best. But that’s a big mistake. Pushing for consensus when it's not needed actually makes collaboration more difficult. The best collaborative...
Why Nobody Noticed You Changed and 5 Things You Can Do To Make Change Stick
Did you ever get feedback that your behavior was having a negative impact on others? Perhaps you were told you’re too critical… or don’t listen enough… or are micro-managing your team… or even the other end - that you’re not involved enough? Have you ever worked hard...
Vision and Execution Are Not Sequential
One of the biggest mistakes leaders make is moving from vision to execution as though it’s a linear process. The widely held assumption is they are two ends of a spectrum: Vision is about planning. Execution is about action. The truth is: Vision requires action to be...
To Be a Better Leader You Must Kill Your Darlings
According to Faulkner, Ginsberg and many great writers, if you are particularly proud of a piece of writing, chances are it’s self-indulgent, stands out, and does not serve the greater good of your work. The saying goes: "you must kill your darlings" – delete them....
Think You Can Lead Without a Vision? Think Again
Think you can lead without a vision? Think again. Leadership is about going somewhere. How do you know where you're going if you don't have a vision? Vision makes work meaningful. Vision helps us feel connected to something larger than ourselves. A shared vision helps...
The Power of an Emergent Network
Last week several of us launched a social media driven fundraiser for our friend and colleague Jamie Showkeir who is courageously facing ALS. In just one week we sailed past our goal and raised over $60,000! I am thrilled for my friend, and it has reaffirmed my belief...
Are You Compromising Your Future?
Guest Post by Frank Sonnenberg For some folks in the business world, living in the “here and now” means seeking instant gratification. So they request favors five minutes into a new relationship, hold “fire sales” rather than building customer loyalty, and bark orders...
Join Our Emergent Network and Keep Jamie at Home
Last spring my good friend and fellow Berrett-Koehler author Jamie Showkeir received the nightmare diagnosis of ALS. By summer, he needed the support of a cane. By fall his legs no longer supported him. Today he has only 20% use of his arms, cannot feed himself, and...
Do You Have a Blah, Blah, Blah Vision or a DRIVING Vision?
Does your vision sound something like this? - Our vision is to provide aggressive strategic marketing with quality products and services at competitive prices to provide the best value for consumers. Bad news. You have a blah, blah, blah vision. Do yourself and...
Guidelines to Create a Compelling Vision
A compelling vision helps you make choices about where to focus your energy. Without vision, you are in danger of trying to be all things to all people, scattered or adrift. So stay focused on your vision, and don't get distracted by unrelated opportunities. In our...
4 Tips to Cultivate Resiliency Before You Need It
Guest post by Eileen McDargh If there's one thing you can count on, it's that at some point this year, you will need to be resilient - whether pushed by pain or pulled by possibilities. Resiliency has become an important life skill. So why wait until you're in a...
Six Things to Keep in Mind Before Goal Setting
Although January is typically the time of year when we turn to goal setting, too often, it is a waste of time. Let’s be honest. How many times have you achieved all of your yearly goals? The problem is not with goals. Goals provide focus, create momentum and help us...