We’re still having summer weather here in Houston. It was 99 degrees today and that is after a “cool” front blew in! So we’re OK to continue to wind down with this summer series. It’s time now to move toward the solution. But let’s review what we’ve covered so far:... read more →
Sep
28
Aug
31
Relationship Mastery Series III Here’s the challenge….we have to engage in relationships to get work done. The question is HOW do YOU typically go about engaging these relationships, especially when you’re under some kind of stress? Are your behaviors typically the result of thoughtful responses or automatic reactions? This is... read more →
Aug
09
Relationships do not occur in a vacuum. We’re not merely a collection of random people who happen to be in the same organization at the same time. Once we join a group (including our families!) we become part of an emotional unit. Whether we like it or not, we are... read more →
Aug
09
The Context for Relationships: The Emotional Force Field Relationships do not occur in a vacuum. We’re not merely a collection of random people who happen to be in the same organization at the same time. Once we join a group (including our families!) we become part of an emotional unit.... read more →
Jul
21
Part 1 Wise as Serpents; Harmless as Doves After a summer hiatus, I’m back. My recent newsletter Effective Leaders: Relationship Masters received such positive feedback that I’m delivering a short, bi-weekly series going into the “Relationship Master” in more depth. Here are the key takeaways from the initial newsletter: Truly... read more →
Jun
17
Effective leaders are relationship masters, period. I honestly have to say that if I had to sum up the leadership wisdom of my 23 years of corporate experience, it would be that successful leaders know how to effectively navigate the sometimes murky waters of professional relationships. Call it "soft." Call... read more →
Jun
14
No doubt, one of the most challenging aspects of leading a business is the people factor. Navigating employee relationships and the problems that can arise from them can be extremely challenging, even for the most seasoned professional. This is definitely where seemingly “soft” is truly “hard.” I’m absolutely convinced that... read more →
May
31
Recent political events have brought to light the work and qualities of the Navy’s special unit teams, the SEALs (SEa, Air and Land). Not surprisingly, the Wall Street Journal (May 7,8) featured the work of this highly trained specialty force. I was intrigued and was completely surprised by the punch-line.... read more →
Mar
08
Words are powerful and I take them seriously. So when I state my belief that sound or healthy leadership is a moral responsibility, I’m serious about it. Merriam-Webster describes moral as, “of or relating to principles of right and wrong behavior” and “sanctioned by...one’s conscience or ethical judgement.” Leadership is... read more →
Jan
28
We take inventory of many things and even other people. Are we taking inventory of ourselves? This is a vital challenge that Socrates posed; it’s one that virtually every leadership guru challenges leaders to ask. Yet, so few leaders make the effort. There’s a lot of ink spilled these days,... read more →