"Let's set some ground rules." How often have you heard this at the start of meetings? Hopefully often! When starting a facilitated session or meeting, the establishment and adoption of ground rules is key.

How you start a facilitated session is critical to the overall success of the session. Conventional wisdom states that a good meeting should start with the agenda. The reason typically given is that the agenda answers the question, “What are we going to do.” However, Smart Facilitators know that participants in a facilitated session need answers to several questions before the agenda is discussed.

Two critical components of the Drivers Model are the mission and the vision. When it comes to strategy, do you know the difference between the two? (And, yes, there is a difference!)

If there are limited opportunities in your department or company for promotions, how do you keep staff excited and motivated and morale up during tough times? Here are six suggestions that will go a long way to enhance the employee career development of your staff as well as increase their commitment during times of change …

One of my first jobs after coming back from the United States Marines Corps was an inside sales job, downtown in a family-owned men’s clothing store. I had no preconceived notions. In fact, I didn’t know what to expect. I wanted to earn money and I was determined to do my best. However, it did …

“I’m at my wits end with one of my people regarding fill out reports in a consistent way. I’ve tried to be understanding and nice but it’s not working. I fear that I may explode the next time it happens.” Not dealing directly with the performance problem is common response. Many managers struggle with their …

My loyal blog readers have read my post on the 5 Ps of Preparation - Purpose, Product, People, Probable Issues, and Process. While all are important, which "P" is the most essential when preparing for a meeting?

The predictions are in. Josh Bersin, Principal and Founder Bersin by Deloitte, Deloitte Consulting LLP has published Predictions for 2013: Corporate Talent, Leadership and HR-Nexus of Global Forces Drives New Models for Talent. You can view the entire report here.

If you don't know where to begin in a meeting, let this secret be your starting point - Secret #8: The Secret of Standard Agendas. After all, it is the New Year and all about beginnings. Agenda setting will not only steer the course of your meeting - it will provide your beginning.

Our organization continues to downsize. We are getting a lot of “flack” from our managers saying there are not enough qualified employees to do the work in their department and everyone is overwhelmed and grumbling. Are they right or are they lobbying to prevent additional layoffs? Here are some examples of why they may, indeed …