Chapter 1: An Accusation of Incompetence, Transparency

The day my leader informed me that her boss thought I was incompetent felt like a gut punch.  My heart leaped from my chest to my throat and anguish flooded my body.  I do not remember anything beyond her comment. As I walked out of the meeting room, flashbacks of my 27-year career...washed over me [...]

By |2018-12-21T14:49:47-05:00November 14th, 2018|

Leading Diverse Talent – What it Takes

Challenge stereotypical thinking Leaders who successfully lead diverse talent have the courage to challenge the biased thinking of others. Negative comments and jokes targeting specific groups are squelched; and micro-aggressions are called out, not ignored. I was once in the presence of a leader who suggested that what was interpreted by one leader as abrasive (in his [...]

By |2017-10-03T17:07:33-04:00October 3rd, 2017|

Leading Diverse Talent – What Works

Consistent feedback and coaching with clearly stated intentions for success The ability to deal with ambiguity is an organizational competency that too often leads to derailment. Leaders that demonstrate success leading diverse talent ensure role clarity by clearly communicating expectations and identifying key stakeholders. They initiate honest conversations about what success looks like, reinforce strengths, identify [...]

By |2017-09-13T16:51:15-04:00September 13th, 2017|

Don’t Demonize the Messenger

A study conducted by Francesca Gino, a professor at Harvard Business School, revealed that people tend to move away from those who provide feedback that is more negative than their view of themselves. They do not listen to their advice and prefer to stop interacting with them altogether. When it comes to feedback, there does [...]

By |2018-01-05T22:08:34-05:00August 22nd, 2017|

The Make or Break of Feedback

How you respond to negative feedback can be the difference between success and derailment.  The key is to not confuse feedback about your behavior with feedback about who you are. No one is good at everything.  Consequently, we are all bound to get constructive feedback at some point in our lives.  Of course, none of this [...]

By |2018-01-05T22:08:34-05:00August 15th, 2017|

Open the Door to Feedback

“She said she wanted honest feedback.  When I give her feedback, she gets defensive and shuts down the conversation.”  These were the words of a frustrated leader whose senior leader opened the door to feedback and then quickly shut the door when the feedback was provided. While many leaders understand the importance of feedback, the sting [...]

By |2018-01-05T22:08:34-05:00August 8th, 2017|

Social Responsibility Begins at Home ~ With Your Team

Success as a leader requires the ability to help each member of the team perform at their absolute best. It goes without saying that a focus on team performance will increase individual and team potential.  It will also allow you – the leader – to guide your team toward enhanced outcomes and greater levels of performance [...]

By |2018-01-05T22:08:36-05:00September 27th, 2016|
Go to Top