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
Four Big Topics from the Succeeding with Challenging Conversations Programs
Anyone who has attended one of my programs knows I genuinely geek out on sharing concepts, approaches, and tools that help us solve problems, make better decisions, lead more effectively, and communicate effectively under pressure. This latter topic—communicating...
Four Big Topics from the Succeeding with Challenging Conversations Programs
Strengthening as a workplace communicator takes focus and deliberate effort. In a summer filled with multiple corporate workshop programs focused on Succeeding with Challenging Conversations, here are four big topics that energized the groups. Use the ideas in great communication health!
Leadership Caffeine™—Resilience and Courage
The next time you come face-to-face with someone offering different ideas or coming from a world you don’t know or understand, slow-down and listen. And then listen harder. Don’t let the pressure to conform with convention keep you from the right decision.
How To Succeed When You’re Working With a Coach
If you’re fortunate enough to be working with a coach in your professional or personal life, know that there’s a formula for success with this endeavor. Success starts with the right mindset—a beginner’s mind—and the commitment to listening, processing, and applying and experimenting with yourself and your behaviors daily. In other words, it’s hard work. Here are five additional ideas that will help you succeed:
Starting Strong as a New Manager
Here’s some guidance to help new managers move beyond that early feeling of disorientation and start strong.
Effective Leaders Resolve to Improve Daily
Annual resolutions are tempting but mostly empty promises easily discarded. Effective leaders work hard at identifying opportunities to improve daily. Here are some tools to help your cause:
For the New Year, Resolve to Become a Rebel at Work
The gravitational pull of the status quo is powerful in every organization. It takes rebels and rebellion to change. While breaking the rules always comes with risk, learning to guide others through constructive rule-breaking in pursuit of needed changes is a great way to grow your success.
In the Spirit of the Season
Wishing you all the gifts of health, peace, and prosperity in this holiday season. And for those of you who celebrate, a Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Ripple Effects
Sometimes we’re reminded that our actions in the present create someone else’s backstories and memories. As a leader and manager, you have the unique opportunity to directly impact the lives and careers of the people you encounter. Make certain your impact on people ripples positively through time.
Lock in 2019 Professional Development with Challenging Conversations
I’ve long been convinced we work our way to professional success one challenging conversation and one challenging situation at a time. (Think about it.) Of course, learning to succeed in those moments is the critical part. That’s why we put together our online/on-demand program, Crushing It with Challenging Conversations.
For Challenging Conversations, Respect Melts Resistance
The absence of respect breeds toxicity among individuals and across the workplace. Instead of being blinded by your brilliance it pays to take the time to look, listen, learn, and value the person across the table from you. You’ll be pleased with results, including the respect you’ll receive in return.