Your Comments

First Year Highlights

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:11:25 -0700

We’ve used our first year anniversary as an opportunity to review what we consider to be the key take-aways from the series so far. But more important is what YOU consider to be the highlights. We’d like your guidance on where to go from here, so please share what you’ve learned and been able to apply.

International Teams

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 17:43:44 -0800

Whether it is a result of cutbacks, expansion or outsourcing of services, many managers are finding themselves having to oversee international teams. It’s hard enough to make those calls at 11:00 PM, but what about all the cultural factors that come into play? We’ve made some suggestions for preparing yourself and team members. Please let us know what’s working for you.

Efficient Process

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:02:06 -0800

During a downturn, it gets harder to hide your flawed, slow, or outdated processes. You may be working with fewer resources or simply facing tougher competitive pressures. Either way, you’ll need to make some changes. We’ve made some suggestions. Please share what’s working for you (or ask if it isn’t.)

Talent Spruce-Up

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 16:07:51 -0800

Have you had to downsize your staff? How are your remaining people doing? Are they still productive? Is morale holding up? Can they still get the job done? We’ve provided a few ideas for getting positive answers to these questions. If you are doing something else in support of your talent, please let us know.

Intelligent Layoffs

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:16:24 -0800

If you find you have to let some of your people go as part of restoring profitability, it’s important to put some thought into your plan. The market is sure to turn around and you want to have enough people in the right places to get back to work. We’ve suggestion some important questions to ask and things to do as part of an intelligent layoff. Let us know if something else works for you.

Professional Development Plan

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:34:40 -0800

Financial pressure is not a good reason to abandon your professional development goals. In fact, impending layoffs and increased need for flexibility might be good reasons to focus on where you need to be. We’ve discussed some areas we think are important. Please let us know what you would add.

Facilitated Mentoring

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 17:49:07 -0800

Are you looking at a potential skill or knowledge gap in your company? Are you facing downsizing, retirement or turnover? Have you thought about how to keep that knowledge within the company? Facilitated mentoring may be the perfect cost-effective measure to take. Let us know if you agree and what else you have found.

Project Leadership

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:53:25 -0800

In response to changes in business, project managers have an opportunity to expand their responsibilities beyond administrative duties and into a leadership role. Using a project charter is one way to stay on top of pressing issues and facilitate critical discussions. Let us know what else you are doing to deliver to expectation.

Leadership Essentials

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 16:56:53 -0800

What makes you someone that others follow? Do you model behavior you want to see in the workplace? Are you clear about expectations and assumptions? Do you encourage your team to act like a team? Please share your leadership essentials with us.

Creating Trust Relationships

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:45:49 -0700

Trust doesn’t just happen like microwave popcorn. Certain feelings must develop and be tested. We have given you some ideas for speeding up this process and ensuring that the bonds are lasting. Please let us know what else you do to build trust among team members.

Listening II: Listening Styles

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 15:33:49 -0700

Have you ever felt that you’d been clear, but the other person just didn’t hear what you said? Listening style may be the culprit. We’ve outlined a few ways for you to leverage the differences between styles. Let us know how they work and what else you’ve tried.

Listening I: Active Listening

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:45:34 -0700

Listening is the hardest of all of the communication skills (which also include speaking, reading, and writing) to improve. Even with conscious intent, old habits get in the way. We’ve offered six tactics to get you on the road to be a stronger listener. Let us know if you have a tip we’ve missed.

Non-Native English Speakers

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 18:16:27 -0700

No reflection on New York, but we’ve always thought the Bay Area was the true melting pot with office workers often representing the four corners of the world. With more companies attaining global reach, reaching out to non-native English speakers has become more important than ever. Please let us know what you are doing to nurture their valuable contributions.

Meetings II: Moving Forward

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:13:53 -0700

One of the biggest challenges when moving to a more facilitative role is relearning how to run a meeting. You need to keep your eye on the goals and keep things moving while being supportive to varying ideas from many sources. We’ve suggested some tips and language to help you find new balance. Let us know what else you’ve tried that’s worked.

Mitigating Turnover

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 18:12:30 -0700

No matter how healthy your work environment is, your company is going to experience turnover. In fact, some turnover is desirable. But how are you protecting yourself against the loss of important skills, information, and relationships? If you have a successful strategy, let us know.

Problem Solving Language

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:11:08 -0700

Starting with the Enron crisis, American business went through a dreadful stage in which blame was treated like a solution. Now we seem to know better and managers are looking for new ways to have healthy dialogue. Problem Solving Language is what I offer. If you have a technique that works for you, I hope you’ll share.

Lean Communications

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 18:09:42 -0700

We all know that clear communication is key to the success of any company. But when does it become too much of a good thing? If you have a successful go/no go process for deciding what gets communicated and to whom, we hope you’ll share it with us.

Meetings I: Getting Focused

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:08:20 -0700

Meetings often take up much of the work week and have mixed results. We hope that by getting more focused you’ll spend less time with more to show for it. Let us know your favorite tip for keeping meetings productive.

Your Leadership Plan

Tue, 3 Jun 2008 18:06:26 -0700

If you lead a team, you’ve probably noticed that leadership is not one-size fits all. You need to be flexible and gauge each situation to get the most from each player. This podcast covers some key things to take into consideration. Let us know what works for you.

Work / Life Balance

Tue, 20 May 2008 18:05:01 -0700

When Christmas in April becomes a mandatory team project, is it still a work/life balance initiative? How is community being brought into your workplace? Are your managers recognizing and dealing with overwhelm in a positive way?

Visions that Cook

Mon, 5 May 2008 18:03:37 -0700

All too often, companies try to “sell” their employees on their vision rather than using it as a decision-making tool. What is your company vision and how do you use it to set priorities and stay focused?

Opening the Books

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:02:00 -0700

Sharing financial information with the team used to be taboo. Now it’s seen as a powerful tool in helping members make better decisions. How does your team use cash flow in their decision making?

Talent Strategy

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 17:57:53 -0700

Talent management needs to be integrated into your overall business strategy in order for you to keep pace. What does your company do to look down the road and hire and train the right people?

Pilot: Managing Expectation

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:02:04 -0700

Despite what they say about assumptions, even clever business owners make them all the time. But at the end of the day, the most important thing we have is our reputation and our word. Managing expectations is the best way to protect these precious commodities. So did I give you some ideas about how to do that better? Anything to add?