When asked the question, “If I only made the time to read one leadership book, what book would you recommend?” my response is unequivocally “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” This book, written in the late 1980s by Stephen Covey, is based on timeless principles and habits of effectiveness. Covey uses the 7 Habits…
The term “Talent Management” became popular after McKinsey’s 1997 research and the 2001 book on “The War for Talent.” The shift was designed to introduce a more scientific strategy for human resource planning, effectively changing the minds of leaders in organizations. A more holistic, complete and inclusive strategic workforce planning model tied to business strategy…
There’s a common phrase among organizations to distinguish and delineate the division of effort from leaders: Leaders work “in” and “on” the business. Although a form of binary thinking, the intention behind the phrase can be helpful when approached as two pieces of the whole of a leader. The two compartments of effort simplify a…
We came into the world attached to our mothers, but when did we really start getting productive? When the cord was cut. Somehow, now, we have become attached again – this time, to technology. Between email, social media, and smartphones, we can be reached anytime, anywhere. Studies are now showing that detachment and recovery from…
In today’s business world, things aren’t quite as cut and dried as they used to be. Right up until recent times, small or family-run businesses were usually kept within the family. As one family member retired, another took their place. But nowadays, people are more frequently encouraged to follow their own paths, even if that…
A few months ago, you may have read Cindy Masingill’s post summarizing the book “First, Break All the Rules.” If you have not, please follow this link to enjoy that post (after you finish reading this one of course!) In Cindy’s summary, the 12 questions – fondly referred to as the Q12 – are the…
The popular magazine Psychology Today defines emotional intelligence as: “the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others. It is generally said to include three skills: emotional awareness; the ability to harness emotions and apply them to tasks like thinking and problem solving; and the ability to manage emotions, which…
I am reading a wonderful book called “Unthink” that is part of the curriculum for our LeadFORWARD program. The Emergent LeadFORWARD program is a year-long program for high-level leaders in organizations in Central New York. “Unthink” – like its title implies – reminds us not to just do the same things over and over again,…
With the onset of technology, changes in society and new workplace ideals and attitudes, the business environment has changed greatly in just a few years. As a leader at your company, you may be faced with feelings of uncertainty. While you might feel confident that you can manage your workforce, you might not feel quite…
The subtitle of this book – not a spoiler alert! – gives a good idea what it’s about and how it ends: “Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.” What you will find between the front and back cover are pages of powerful metaphors for building, leading, and inspiring…
