Do you put off dealing with employee performance problems? Many managers struggle with their reluctance to deal with an employee regarding poor performance or inappropriate behavior. Here are some concerns I’ve heard: “I don’t want to rock the boat, especially when the employee is performing the function even if not up to expectations.” “Correcting an …

Often combined, often confused, often misused is the best way to describe the relationship between Management and Leadership. Here is the problem for trainers: they aren’t the same thing. Training one is teaching nuts and bolts to a mechanic. One is more mechanic than engineer. Ask yourself if it is better to have one leader …

What’s the best way to find out about a career? Talk with those who do the work. In workshops, I ask people how did they get into the work they’re doing today. Some said: I just fell into it; I knew a company was hiring and thought it would be cool to work there; I …

Turbulence describes the business environment over the last 25 years, and there is no sign of it letting up. This means that leaders for the foreseeable future will be surrounded by our old friend VUCA – volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Turning this into an opportunity to adapt requires that we ask the right questions. …

Part One: Planning For Organizational Survival Non-profit organizations (NPOs) exist to provide services that would not otherwise be available to many in the community. Too many NPOs fail to survive, however, because the people responsible for their creation aren’t fully aware of what it takes to effectively provide for the needs of the community. Non-profits …

A crisis communications success story From late December 2010 to early January 2011, massive flooding occurred throughout Queensland, Australia. The crisis tested the mettle of first responders and government agencies alike, and also, as in most recent disasters, highlighted the importance and effectiveness of technology and social media in crisis management. In an article for …

Staying Sane When Leading Others: Summary Principles Everyone in management has gone through the transition from individual contributor to manager. Each person finds his/her own way to “survive.” The following guidelines will help you to keep your perspective and your health. 1. Monitor your work hours. The first visible, undeniable sign that things are out …

The bank wants a business plan. You have collected all the information on the external environment, company strengths and weaknesses. You thoroughly understand the market and financial rationale for starting or expanding your business. Maybe that wasn’t wasted time… Now it’s time to put the plan together. Typically the business plan will start with a …

(See Part 1 of 2) Relationship Model Steven Block proposes a model that, instead of having a rigid, top-down structure of roles and hierarchy of the traditional policy model, provides for Board and staff members to work together with great priority on generating relationships and value from those relationships. The Executive Director and staff play …

I just spoke with a bank manager yesterday about how his clients do not have well thought out plans for starting a business or expanding a business. So, I thought I’d help you out here. There are some standard questions the bank will ask: – Do you have experience in the industry? – Does your …