by Art Petty | Nov 29, 2017 | First Time Manager Series
If you’ve ever worked under a totalitarian dictator of a manager, you know how oppressive this experience is for everyone involved. One of the frequent laments I hear from individuals is, “I have a lot of ideas, but no one listens.” Manager, your job is to listen. In...
by Art Petty | Oct 11, 2017 | First Time Manager Series, Leadership
Earlier in my management career, a few courageous employees approached my office with looks of determination and resolve on their faces and what seemed like linked arms blocking my exit from the door. (This was the year before my boss congratulated me for showing...
by Art Petty | Sep 19, 2017 | First Time Manager Series, Leadership
One of the common reactions to the content I present in my online workshops “Succeeding as a First-Time Manager,” is, “This is hard work.” I agree. Kind of. In a recent article, “Leadership is Common Sense in Action,” I make the case that we over complicate it a great...
by Art Petty | Jun 10, 2017 | Art of Managing, Decision-Making, First Time Manager Series
New(er) managers often step all over this issue of fixing people. I know I did. Twice. Both situations ended in disasters. The lesson: it’s never your job to fix a difficult employee. It turns out that regardless of your great intentions, powers of moral...
by Art Petty | May 10, 2017 | First Time Manager Series, Leadership
Your instinct as a first-time manager is to tell people what to do. It’s not asking versus telling, it is telling versus asking. After all, you’re in charge, and that’s what bosses do. Or not. Telling works great in fire drills, emergency rooms, and battlefield...
