We are always learning, but not always fostering our learning culture. If you have people, you have a learning culture. By our nature we observe, reflect, and adapt. It is happening all of the time, it is part of how we are wired. Understanding this–harnessing it into an intentional learning culture–is taking it to another level. Highly effective organizations do this. So we all […]
The other day a colleague asked me if I thought extroverts had a special advantage in terms of leadership opportunities. I reflected briefly and responded, “no.” Many of the leaders I’ve known over the years have been introverts. And I’ve known many strong extroverts who have struggled to advance to leadership positions. I asked my colleague why he was asking. […]
As a recent retiree of the federal workforce, I was impressed with the dedication and patriotism of those I worked with in the conduct of their particular mission or function. Every day the men and women that comprise our Civil Service conduct a cadre of activities and functions that sustain the democratic essence of our nation. The public is largely […]
There is a current phenomenon across the country and in business regarding a technique to relieve stress called “mindfulness.” I am addressing this topic because it is popular and has benefits in the workplace. I should be frank and disclose that I have seen many movements come and go concerning work and how to best conduct it but I think […]
The other day, a colleague asked me what I considered the most important quality of an effective leader. My immediate response was, “humility.” My colleague was incredulous. “Humility?! Really?! That’s the last word I would use to describe the leaders I know.” I asked, “Were these real leaders, or simply leaders by virtue of their professional title?” My colleague paused to […]
Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch’s was famous for asking his constituents, “How’m I doing?” Koch’s signature question showed that sometimes the best way to find out how you’re coming across to other people is simply to ask other people how you’re coming across to them. Some variations of Koch’s strategy for soliciting feedback that you can use to […]
We all spend a lot of time in our heads, and our internal narrative is mostly self-affirming. It’s human nature to fall in love with our own thinking and to assume it’s right on target. It’s not so common, but very useful, to challenge our thoughts, perceptions and conclusions from time to time. When people disagree with us, we feel […]
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