Experts Blogs

Mergers and acquisitions can seem too daunting when we view the merging entities as separate cultures, with separate norms, separate ways of doing things. Usually the small company is eaten by the larger and loses its persona. People leave the company in droves and, with that loss, goes much of the wisdom and human energy for creating the new entity. What is left is often a demoralized culture, a group of individuals who are riddled with fear over how the new parents will treat them-friend or foe-and who feel abandoned by those who left for "greener pastures." The new entity needs...

People gain their self-esteem from their work Work takes up the majority of our life. The contributions we make, the feedback we receive, the new opportunities – all contribute to our self-esteem. When people feel good about their work, they communicate better, establish better working relationships, and feel more positive. When people are not treated fairly, they hold back ideas, don't help their peers as much and sometimes might even have negative things to say to customers about where they work. All this is bad for business. The role of the manager There have been many theories established and management books written discussing what...

Hello readers! I’m sure many of you work with businesses and leaders across the globe, either in person or via online communication and social media outreach. Our world is rapidly becoming much smaller, and the customs and nuances from one country to the next can prove a little daunting at times. In 2010 Michelle Obama mistakenly shook hands with an Indonesian dignitary, unaware that this was improper cultural etiquette. The dignitary practiced a conservative orthodoxy that forbids physical contact between a man and woman who are not related. Most Indonesian Muslims are more moderate, so it was probably tough for Mrs....

It may sound counterintuitive, but leaders should almost always apologize. Except when they shouldn't. That’s right – to set the best example and foster a positive, motivated environment, leaders should hold themselves accountable for any mistakes and let their employees and colleagues know when they’re sorry. Yet there are those times when apologies are not in order – sometimes it’s not easy, but it is necessary. Top 3 reasons not to apologize: 1. When someone messes up and you have to give feedback: In this case, there is no need for “sorry” because, well, you didn’t do anything wrong necessarily. If...

What prevents us from making the changes we know will make us more effective leaders? Great question. I may be the only executive educator who actually measures whether the participants in my leadership development courses actually do what I teach--and then measures if they are seen as becoming more effective leaders. At the end of my sessions, I ask leaders (who have received 360-degree feedback) to follow up with their co-workers and ask for ongoing ideas about how they can continue to become more effective. A year later, about 70% do some version of this recommended follow-up (as reported by their...

Courageous leaders recognize defining moments and apply courage at work. This conscious action is vital to their success. By developing the following behaviors in yourself, you?ll be better able to call upon your courage when needed. 1. Constantly affirm your strength and determinationRealize that no one expects you to be perfect. They do, however, expect you to do your best. Take time for daily reflection so you can evaluate your resources and how you can best use them. When you know how your strengths can benefit your organization, you'll be able to do what you believe is right and see...

Can you see in yourself what others see in you, or do you see in others what you don't see in yourself? As a Ph.D. student at UCLA in the 70s, I had a self-image of being 'hip.' I believed I was involved in discovering deeper human understanding,self-actualization, and profound wisdom. Early in my Ph.D. program, I was a student in a class with 12 other people led by a wise teacher, Dr. Bob Tannenbaum. Bob had invented 'sensitivity training', published a popular article in the Harvard Business Review, and was a full professor. In Bob's class, we could discuss...