Author Archive

5 Lies About Self-Confidence

The ability to drain self-confidence from others is a foolish leader’s talent. “Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Helen Keller Skillful leaders know how to inspire self-confidence in others. 5 Lies About self-confidence… Continue reading →

How to Energize Low-Energy Employees

Managers complain about pushing low-energy employees. Low-energy suggests lack of purpose, not lack of energy. Don’t try to energize low-energy employees. Help them connect with their purpose. Purpose pulls. You don’t push people who… Continue reading →

7 Questions to Ease the Pain of Giving Negative Feedback

One negative feedback session – done well – has more positive impact than a hundred pats on the back. 7 questions to ease the pain of giving negative feedback: #1. Do you need… Continue reading →

Remarkable Leadership Begins Unremarkably

Sometimes I think dreaming big is a cowardly excuse for doing nothing. If we dream big enough, we can justify inaction today. Nothing’s ever big enough to achieve really big dreams. Leadership is earned… Continue reading →

How to be the Boss and have Friends

If you don’t have friends at work, you feel alone for half your life. Can bosses be friends with direct reports? How about CEO’s with front-line employees? It depends on how you define… Continue reading →

Playing in the Gap

During a recent presentation, I asked participants to write the top five qualities of a great supervisor on sticky notes. One quality per note. Debrief: I asked, “What do you have on the… Continue reading →