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
The Problem(s) with One-and-Done Training for Manager Development—And Two New Programs that Solve Those Problems
Be Very Suspicious of One-and-Done Training for Professional Development The reflex action in most organizations for professionals is training. "Let's send Lucero and Erik to New Manager Training at (name your training organization)." In and of itself, there's nothing...
The Problem(s) with One-and-Done Training for Manager Development—And Two New Programs that Solve Those Problems
One-and-done type training programs for manager development consistently fall short. A proper professional development experience blends expert instruction, cohort-based learning/sharing, coaching, and time. For time, the issue is months, not weeks. My thoughts and two new programs that deliver the right blended experience.
The Top 10 Outcomes from an Art Petty Live Event
One of the happy outcomes of my leadership and management writing is the opportunity to speak and work with great groups of professionals in live settings. This post outlines the Top 10 Outcomes of one of my live events. I would love to work with you and your team!
Great Leadership Remains in the Moment
Too many professionals I encounter add stress to their lives and reduce their effectiveness by forgetting to be in the moment. You cannot change the past but you can control what the future looks like by being present in the here and now.
In Search of Good Operators in Business
We tend to elevate the visionaries in our world to mythological status, when in reality, a good operator is what is needed to save and transform your business. Here’s a reminder on the behaviors of good operators:
Dangerous Words in Business and Six Year-Old Refrigerators
We are often our own worst enemies, especially when it comes to making decisions around failed initiatives (or failing refrigerators). When you hear the words, “with a bit more time and money,” you should run the other way and don’t forget to grab your checkbook.
Leadership Caffeine™—The Cost of a Shortcut
The pressure for results can push people to make small compromises in corporate values. Once you start down this path, the results are potentially catastrophic for you in your career and for your firm. Just ask Volkswagen…
How to Save $1,500 on Leadership Books
The formula for success as a leader is not a secret. In every course, keynote and workshop, I hear people describe the behaviors of the leaders that inspire them. Their formula is consistent and simple:
Conquering Your Fear in the Workplace
Fear in our professional lives robs us of our hopes and dreams. It keeps us from realizing our potential. Externally imposed fear from boss bullies is toxic as well. Both are capable of being neutralized.
How to Get to “Yes” at Work
Improve your success rate with important workplace “asks” with this simple behavioral change:
New Video: 3 Ideas to Help Jump-Start Your Strategy Process
Helping a group align on the hard work of strategy is…hard work. Here are 3 ideas in my latest video update to help you get people working together early in the strategy process: