Build Workplaces With Thriving People + Extraordinary Outcomes
It’s time for a difficult conversation with a colleague or employee. A project just finished and didn’t go as anyone had hoped. You are dreading raising it directly. You are worried about how he or she will respond. So you are procrastinating and reading this article. Good timing. I estimate that at least 80% of … Read moreDon’t Give Feedback Until You Read This
Leadership experts make it sound easy: “Follow these simple steps and you will have amazing results!” The typical format is somewhat formulaic. With poise and pithy quotes, we deliver our sticky stories. We boil down thousands of hours of research and experience into a set of snazzy slides and talking points. When they go well, … Read moreIn Defense of Doers
How do you motivate employees to greater levels of engagement and productivity? Maybe you shouldn’t try to do it yourself. For many people, the popular TV show The Office strikes just a little too close to the reality of their day-to-day experience. It is funny because it is true. Consider this example: manager Michael Scott … Read moreHow to motivate people? Don’t do it yourself.
When meeting with leaders interested in building positive organizations, one question recurs more often than the others: “where do we start?” As a manager myself, I can certainly relate to this. Good advice is seemingly limitless. Help to put it all together, however, is in short supply. Followers of the Center for Positive Organizations, based … Read more4 Leverage Points for Being a Positive Leader
The sun was shining as Katie set off for her first day at work on her dream job. Heading to the office with a brisk walk, a little smile, and the flutter of butterflies in the stomach, everything seemed bright about the day to come. As managers, we know that there are many things to … Read moreHow to help your new hire get off to a great start
Managers sit at a juncture at which there lies great opportunity for positive contribution in the world. Our managers make a disproportionate difference in our happiness, engagement, and performance at work. As we look back on our careers so far, almost all of us can point to a teacher, mentor, or manager whose skillful commitment … Read moreThe Opportunity of Management