Category Archive: Managing

4 Ways Managers Screwup One-On-Ones

A simple thing that’s made complex disappoints and drains. 4 ways to screwup one-on-ones: #1. Leave them to the last minute. People feel valued when you prioritize time with them. Rushing around at… Continue reading

How to Honor the Law of Vitality

You’re worn out because the escalator is going down and you’re going up. You stumble because you won’t turn around. Some things don’t work no matter how hard you try. People often ask… Continue reading

Positive Discontent: How to Intervene Before Things Fall Apart

While he was on vacation, one manager’s team lost momentum. We discussed how to intervene before things fall apart. I gave him two phrases for reflection, protecting gains and positive discontent. “Protecting gains… Continue reading

Dear Dan: I Never Do Enough

Dear Dan, I am struggling at the moment with one team member. It feels like I do so much for her and it’s never enough. I provided so much positive feedback and when… Continue reading

Reject this Myth about Management Before it’s too Late

The danger of a myth is it works until it destroys you. A path based on a lie always leads to oblivion. The myth to reject: always-on is the path to success. Always-on… Continue reading

Distraction: Defeating the Beast that Contaminates Leadership and Dilutes Effectiveness

The seduction of distraction is it makes you feel important while diluting usefulness at the same time. The habit of hurry drains fulfillment and frustrates engagement. No one achieves excellence by doing one… Continue reading