What are you reading?

What are you reading?

We are often asked to recommend books that address a particular leadership challenge. While reading books certainly doesn’t guarantee behavior change, many people report that they are inspired and guided by what they learn in books. Here are several of our favorites,...
Choose your words

Choose your words

I cringed when I read this post by Karin Hurt of Let’s Grow Leaders. It reminded me of many times when I’ve spoken without carefully choosing my words. Most often, the results weren’t awful, like the loss of credibility Hurt examines. However, I know...
The perils of praise

The perils of praise

My kids have an amazing collection of trophies, medals, ribbons and certificates. I agree with the concerns shared by Ashley Merrman, in “Losing is Good for You” at NewYorkTimes.com. She writes about the downside of the “everyone gets a trophy”...
Facing an ethical dilemma?

Facing an ethical dilemma?

Leaders are often faced with tough decisions and must resolve ethical dilemmas. They think about the ends – what will be the possible result of each alternative? Hopefully, leaders also examine the means – what actions will be taken and how will they...
Make space

Make space

How many times have you asked a question – hoping to engage others – and the only response is silence? That can be pretty unnerving, and if you’re like me, your first impulse is to keep talking, to provide more background, to fill the dreaded empty...