Wake-Up Calls for Managers
For the hard parts no one prepares you for
When the path isn’t clear, the stakes are high, and the answers aren’t obvious—this is where managers struggle most.
Wake-Up Calls for Managers delivers practical, real-world guidance for navigating:
- Tough conversations
- Leading through uncertainty
- Building influence without authority
- Driving results through others
The Leadership Caffeine Blog
People Don’t Want to Manage and That’s a Problem
I’ve noted a recent shift in the tone of many individuals joining my manager development programs. Interestingly, they're present for the skills development, but they’re uncertain whether they want the responsibility of working as a direct manager. I’m sensing a sea...
People Don’t Want to Manage and That’s a Problem
The old supervisory model and mentality are obsolete. The essence of the new role is empowerment and support. Perhaps instead of having individuals write off the opportunity to contribute to others and their organizations in unique ways, we might just build the next generation of great leaders. I’ve checked, and we need more of those great leaders!
Leadership Caffeine™ at Information Management and New Newsletter Resource
Two news items here at Management Excellence: First, as of February 1, 2012, the good folks at Information Management are kindly syndicating selected posts from my blog at their resource rich website: info-mgmt.com under my name and the Leadership Caffeine label. And second, I’m pleased to announce the launch of a new resource to support your professional development…the Leadership Caffeine Newsletter.
No One Asked My Opinion…But $100 Billion for What?
As of this writing, the world is abuzz with the expected Facebook IPO. The number $100 billion is being floated and passed around (probably by those who stand to benefit from a big IPO), and whether real or wild speculation, that’s a number that gives one cause to pause. This is beginning to feel like Déjà vu all over again (thanks, Yogi Berra), much like that fascinating period in the late ‘90’s when stratospheric valuations were applied to firms that had no products, no earnings and sometimes no revenues.
Leadership Caffeine™: Change or Learn to Say, “Would You Like Fries with That?”
Much of the pablum that is passed off for guidance on leading others ignores the reality that the context in which we lead has changed from just a few years ago, and it continues to change faster than any of us can truly understand. While it’s a bit disheartening to realize that those of us with much time under our belts and more than a few laps around the block of life are vestiges of a bygone business era, we are. That doesn’t mean we can’t be relevant, but first, we have to understand and accept some of the important contextual changes in our world of business:
Strategy-Towards Hypotheses, Experiments, Involvement & Learning
Few would argue that a nimble, quick-to-learn and quick-to-adapt organization is a bad thing. Given the rate of change in our world, those characteristics are increasingly table-stakes for survival and success. Why then has the approach to strategy and the notion of “strategic planning” in so many organizations remained mired in a 1960’s kind of static, top-down event-focused model? Here are six ideas to transform your organization’s approach to and effectiveness with strategy.
Leadership Caffeine™: Warning! Your Words About Change are Falling on Cynical Ears
Even the most credible of leaders have to step up their game when it comes to talking about and promoting change on their teams and in their organizations. Here are 7 Helpful Steps to Get Started on the Right Foot Talking About Change:
The Heavy Lifting of Career (Re) Invention-5 Keys to Moving Forward
Whether you are a few years removed from college or a few years removed from that time when prior generations began thinking about retiring, chances are, you or someone you know is involved in defining or redefining their career. It’s a daunting task in a world where the old rules no longer apply. Here are 5 key areas for you to focus on as you move forward with this challenging work:
It’s Always About Leadership
Leaders step up during times of crisis. This is where people in positions of responsibility finally earn the right to the “L” label. Unfortunately, in this instance, much like just about every other crisis we’ve created or viewed, leadership seems to take a holiday, replaced by “everyone for himself” and “it’s not my fault.”
Leadership Caffeine™-Success One Step at a Time
Too many people fail to overcome resistance and start moving forward. Instead of heeding Drucker’s advice, fear rents space in their minds, creating a never-ending litany of excuses that help ensure that their feet remain firmly planted in place.
Are You Running in Place When it Comes to Your Professional Development?
Unlike the resolutions that so many of us make in January and discard just as quickly by February, our own professional development requires a deliberate and consistent effort to improve. Here are 7 ideas to help you stop running in place and start moving forward.