Leadership
How paperweight wisdom can kill critical thinking
We like paperweight wisdom because it reinforces our own values and worldview. It absolves us of having to think deeply. Don’t be one of the shallow thinkers.
Conflict
What do a 7-year-old, a slice of cake, and a self-destructive project manager have to do with being a better leader?
A 7 year old’s moral relativism, a clash of cultures, and a self-destructive project manager show how a shift in perspective can help us be better leaders.
Courage
Racing to mediocrity: how to rationalize minus-one hiring
When a manager rationalizes hiring the lesser candidate, that’s minus-one hiring. It leads to institutionalized reliable mediocrity.
Decisions
Controlling the answers by controlling the questions
Some leaders manufacture outcomes by manipulating data and controlling the questions that get asked. That can lead to spectacular failure, and often does.
Communication
To think outside the box, they first must perceive the box
Expecting your team to think outside the box when they don’t even know there is a box will frustrate and baffle you. But there are things you can do to help.
Community
Knowing when to break the rules
This post is about roles and responsibilities, both in a team and in society. It includes a sports metaphor and a picture of me wearing an orange safety vest.
Decisions
Overcoming magical thinking
Leaders are responsible for overcoming magical thinking before it can sink their team or organization… or the entire economy.
Leadership
What leadership quality do you need to improve most?
There is no single leadership quality that will turn you into a great leader. Self improvement requires self awareness and situational awareness.
Leadership
Why I dislike the term “managing up”
Managing Up is a term that reinforces the channels of authoritarian hierarchy. I prefer to use a term a professional dancer told me: back-leading. Here’s why.
Leadership
Two questions you need to answer as a manager when taking over a team
Stepping into a management role and taking over a team can be far more complex than many people assume. These questions and exercises can help ensure success.