If you supervise or manage people then you’ve probably encountered the “Star Effect.” The Star Effect occurs when we promote people to greater responsibility based in talent alone. All it takes is for someone to do very well then the thinking goes, “He is our star salesperson, I know he will be a great sales manager.” The results can make for interesting coffee breaks but not so interesting reviews. Is there a better way to find your next manager?
Read MoreRecently I listened as an accomplished woman bemoaned her lack of decision. As we talked she asked, “Why didn’t I pull the trigger?” “Why do others make decisions that I won’t?” Her words weren’t a complaint but a genuine curiosity at why, even when knowing that an outcome could be positive, she wouldn’t commit. We discovered that she was at a limit-situation. Ever been at one?
Read MoreLeading organizational change can be daunting and while it likely will never become a favorite task neither does it have to be your crucible. During research into the leader’s use of story to conduct change, I discovered three essential practices.
Read MoreThe thought of quitting a task or not completing a goal carries disappointment for others and us. Yet is that reason enough to press-on? Do we ever reach a place in our pursuits when the encouragement to “Don’t Quit” can be the wrong advice?
Read MoreThere are two facts that I reserve for critics: 1) to never receive criticism from anyone who is not interested in my welfare and 2) critics interested in my success are my best friends. I think I see these and three powerful lessons for life and business in the story about a lawyer and a fishmonger.
Read MoreWho are you telling your stuff ? Should you? Isn’t it a weakness (it’s probably helpful to appreciate that confession isn’t only for moral problems but is, at a real level, telling your story to someone who has an interest in you)? The notion of confession isn’t new to me. But now that I have left the pastorate I am seeing it in an entirely different light.
Read MoreThink it might be true that our life is shaped to do a particular thing? What if it were possible to know “that thing?” Would you be interested?The question comes largely from my own journey, as does the answer. But I’m joined by a host of others who agree that our lives aren’t meant for aimless wandering or to be filled with unsatisfying work.
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