Last week was Tom Cruise movie week on TV. I watched a couple of Mission Impossible reruns. Not sure if you’ve seen any of them… there’s always a seemingly impossible mission (should he choose to accept it) that Tom aka Ethan Hunt is asked to take on. Of course he accepts and of course he succeeds. Last week, my client Celia (not her real name), started the contracting role she’d chosen to accept. A real life Mission Impossible! Unwittingly she’s walked into a political bees’ nest and has … [Read more...]
Do you believe in your team enough?
Being given lots of responsibility but not the same level of authority sucks. That happened the first time I made 'manager'. At performance appraisal time I’d put forward my bonus and pay increase recommendations. But they fell on deaf ears. The Big Boss had her own ideas… It was demeaning. I was the one working closely with these people. I was their manager. I was angry. I’m pretty sure I expressed my displeasure in the nicest possible way. Still, I had to suck it up and recommit to … [Read more...]
How emotionally skillful a supervisor / employer / colleague are you?
Recently, in response to the post about my own good health news [5 years all clear], it was suggested that: “it may be good to discuss how supervisors/employers/co-workers can make this horrifying experience [cancer treatment]more…how should I say it…endurable?” Even the use of the words ‘how should I say it…endurable?’ let me know someone emotionally skilful, sensitive and empathic was emailing me. So here goes… There are some stupid things people say … [Read more...]
Smart leaders do this…
He was loud. He was subversive. I couldn’t control him. He did his very best to disrupt the group and undermine me. He was the guy who had a sheet of blank butcher’s paper up on the wall. When I asked him: “What’s that”? He replied: “It’s Art”. He tested my leadership. And he was good at it. It lasted a couple of weeks… until I stepped up. I knew he wouldn’t be happy as part of the chorus. I was House Music Captain. It was my final year of school. What to do with him? At least I had formal … [Read more...]
Why it’s so hard to learn from experience [and every new year our resolutions fail]
It’s that time of year again. The end. I think you’re supposed to look back on your achievements, reflect on what you did well and learn from what you didn’t. Then you’re supposed to garner some kind of steely resolve and create New Year resolutions to become an even shinier you. Mark Twain famously said, "Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times." It’s Groundhog Day. So… how do you learn from experience? I like Robert Kegan … [Read more...]
Seasons Greetings… why this season is especially special!
I can’t believe that it was five years ago that I was called in for a follow-up. “It’s usually nothing”, the kind lady at the end of the phone told me. “It’s common after your first mammogram.” She meant to reassure me. I was kind of numb. I walked into the hospital and just did whatever they asked. A more targeted mammogram? …Sure. An ultrasound? …Ok. A bioposy? ...Now I’m scared. I didn’t need to wait the week for the results. It wasn’t just the escalation of tests. Their … [Read more...]
Deck the halls… this inspired me (music at work).
I don’t know about you, but as much as I like Christmas carols, they are driving me a little cray cray. I’m hearing them everywhere. Last week I stopped over in Fiji for a couple of days on my way home from a business mastermind in San Diego. They were playing Deck the Halls along the main pathway of the resort I was staying at. Now that was a surprise! I thought it’d be total peace and quiet. To be honest, it was a little annoying too. There are some places you simply don’t expect … [Read more...]
Mind your manners. Workplace civility matters!
I love my neighbour. He used to be a fashion buyer and is in the midst of a career change. He’s a green thumb and studying to be an agricultural scientist. Thanks to him there are free herbs for all – he grows them on the nature strip with a sign that says ‘Help yourself’. Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. …along with coriander, Thai basil, mint, chili and strawberries at the moment. See why I love him? I was put off last week. I was outside when a woman walked by with her dog. … [Read more...]
