Category Archives: Communication
Goldilocks leadership – not too tough, not too easy – just right
Just like in the children’s story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the best managers know how to strike a balance between being too tough or too easy on employees. The ‘too tough’ manager is mistakenly seen as an effective …
Leaders need to clarify what employees are trying to say
Even when the leader is trained to be a more effective communicator, it is quite possible that the leader’s frustration with employees might derail any improvement in communication skills. Without training everyone on how to be a better communicator, the …
Employees Listen With Their Eyes
Whenever a leader is within the sightline of his or her employees, communication is occuring. What message is your face and body language communicating without you even having to open your mouth? Communication continues to be a problem for virtually …
Frustrations be gone
Do you want to be less frustrated at work? An engineering manager shared an insight in a leadership course I was teaching a couple of weeks ago. He said that being frustrated is simply a sign that you are avoiding …
Modelling the McJob: Why Managing Like McDonalds Might Be Good For Employees
Last Wednesday (May 5th) was McHappy Day at McDonalds Canadian operations. It is a big fundraiser for Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada. I had the priviledge of working as a volunteer that day for the fifth time. I’m guessing …
Corporate Quicksand – How to Engage Passive Employees
As a leader, you are measured on results and those results depend on people taking action. A common frustration is how to get the rest of the organization to buy into ideas more quickly and move forward. It turns …
Limitations of the Golden Rule
Why aren’t other people be as dedicated and motivated as you are to work hard and get great results? And, if you practice the Golden Rule (Treat others as you would like to be treated), why does that only …
Addicted to Being Right
Are you addicted to being right? Being right always feels nice but it could be holding you back from greater success. My wife Robin is right about many things and she is kind enough to let me think some of …
What Employees Wish Santa Would Bring Them For Christmas
Dear Santa, I have been a good employee all year and wish that you could help my manager bring me the following gifts this season. They would help me become happier and more productive next year. Give me the gift …
