Leadership: How Approachable are You?
One characteristic of an effective leader is how approachable he or she is. Being approachable leads to being informed about both good news and challenges. If people feel comfortable coming to you then you will have an opportunity to influence them. Two facial expressions that keep others from approaching you: 1. Angry Face – Terry, […]
MoreKeeping students positive about the future
I received this web inquiry from a shop teacher in an area being particularly hard hit by the automotive industry downturn. Check out my ideas and feel free to add your own comments. “I am a shop teacher in high school. I would like to keep my students motivated in the school setting because they […]
MoreLead Change Don’t Manage It
Managing Change is an oxymoron. Change is not something to be managed. By definition, management is focused on efficiently applying resources to achieve pre-determined standards. Deviation is something to be reduced or eliminated. Change, on the other hand demands deviation from standards towards something new. If your organization is experiencing change right now, it’s interesting […]
MoreLeadership That Comes Too Late
There’s nothing like a full blown crisis to finally bring out the leadership that was missing in an organization. General Motors is finally having to confront the reality of becoming a smaller company with two profitable divisions and a lot fewer employees and dealers. The CAW and UAW have been humbled into becoming the partners […]
MoreLeadership Wizard radio feature ends
It was August 2006 when I received the good fortune to be a weekly guest on one of Canada’s top rated news stations AM800 in Windsor, Ontario. Jason Moore, News Director and Keith Chinnery, Program Director made it happen and the profile I received in Windsor/Essex was incredible. Morning Drive hosts Mike Kakuk and Lisa […]
MoreTo Twitter is not to fritter
Likely you have heard the latest buzz about Twitter. After resisting it I finally took the plunge. Twitter works similarly to a text message from your cell phone. It is 140 characters long and a record of your posts is kept on your Twitter page. Unlike a cell phone text message, everyone who ‘follows’ you […]
MoreWhat your boss is really thinking
Does your manager give off mixed messages that leave you dazed and confused? In my work with various companies and organizations I have found a big difference from what the boss thinks he or she is saying and what people in the organization are hearing. So let’s look at some of the hidden messages your […]
MoreConsequences of government handouts
I realize that companies like AIG, General Motors and Chrysler have their backs against the wall and face the alternatives of either accepting a government bailout or declaring bankruptcy. Isn’t it interesting the kind of scrutiny they are now and will continue to receive because they said yes to government assistance? It’s kind of the […]
MoreImportance of training demonstrated by two pilots
The impact that training and experience can bring to your organization can be dramatic. Continental Connection Flight 3407 experienced icing conditions and crash landed on February 12th outside Buffalo New York killing 49 people on board and one person on the ground. Captain Marvin Renslow was the pilot of that flight. Captain Renslow had only […]
MoreBe a better listener
Listening is a key skill for managers and in life in general. Do people think they are better listeners than they really are? Yes, most people THINK they listen well. In reality most managers and employees really don’t listen well. I see it in training classes when I give instructions. People usually miss it the […]
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