Leading Change: Why Things Get Worse Before they Get Better

Things typically get worse before they get better. That’s not pessimism. It’s reality. What happens when you ‘improve’ a practice or procedure at work? Productivity goes down. Frustration goes up. It takes time… Continue reading →

Dear Dan: I’m Writing a Resignation Letter to an Employer who Treated me Poorly

Dear Dan, I wonder how best to write a resignation letter. I’m in my late twenties and I’ve found a new position. I’ve been woefully underpaid and unappreciated. I’m wondering about explaining the… Continue reading →

How to Respond When Team Members Put Themselves Down

Your perspective on others isn’t as important as their perspective on themselves. You short-circuit growth when you rush to comfort, contradict self-criticisms, or offer quick solutions. Why we bully ourselves: We disrespect the… Continue reading →

Have you Fallen into the Destructive Practice of Offering Harmful Help

Harmful help looks like… Not doing your own job because you’re doing other people’s jobs. Bottlenecking results. Burnout. Resentment toward people who should be helping themselves and others. Disappointment because you helped someone,… Continue reading →

Incompetent Infants Aren’t Responsible to do Hard Things

Life without responsibility is easier than life with responsibility. Don’t seek management or leadership if fishing, video games, or playing golf are your greatest aspirations. Anyone who thinks responsibility is easy is irresponsible.… Continue reading →

How to Quiet a Loud Inner Critic and Stop Bossing Yourself Around

Competent people don’t like being bossed around. You bristle when an obnoxious boss tells you to do something. You might smile and take it, but you don’t leap for joy! Is the voice… Continue reading →