Dianne was a prodigious doer. She accomplished more than most people. But it meant she was always running from back-to-back meetings/Zoom calls during the day; dealing with emails at night. Her young family also demanded her time, which meant she often felt over stretched. The prospect she could burn out confronted her if she continued … Read more
Early in my career, I learned some important lessons from my boss about connecting with people. Everyone who worked for him would go the ‘extra mile’ for him, me included. How come? I won’t embarrass him by mentioning his name, but he had a great capacity to connect with people and get the best from … Read more
The day after Glen started in a new role, his employer lost their largest customer and a significant part of their recurring business. Part of his motivation in taking the new job was the opportunity for professional development it provided. He wanted to lead a transformational sales organisation and deliver successful major deals. Now he … Read more
I am excited about timely research showing the greatest predictor of success for leaders is positive energy: the energy exchanged between people that helps uplift, enthuse, and renew them. It is not charisma, influence, or power. It is not personality, attractiveness, or innovative genius. In the HBR article, The Best Leaders Have a Contagious Positive Energy, … Read more
Back in the day, my new boss Michael* asked me to tell him what he needed to know. He said, “Plenty of people will tell me what I would like to hear, that I am doing a great job. But I am asking you to tell me what I need to know.” I agreed, provided … Read more