Advice for Prophets: Go Outside to Get In

Advice for Prophets: Go Outside to Get In

Have you ever made a recommendation to leadership that fell on deaf ears, but then a consultant, new employee or customer makes the recommendation and all of a sudden leadership thinks it’s the best idea since cupholders in cars? Leaders seem to believe people outside...
Trust: The Lifeblood of Healthy Organizations

Trust: The Lifeblood of Healthy Organizations

“What, you don’t trust me?” Becky asked her boss, Pat, when he told her he needed to get daily progress reports from her. “Sure . . . I trust you,” Pat replied after an awkward pause. “It’s . . . my boss. She’s a stickler for all this administrative stuff.”...
Riding the Career Rollercoaster

Riding the Career Rollercoaster

When it comes to career highs and lows, many of us obsess about the troughs and skim over the crests. But if we take the long view — seeing these ups and downs as recurring patterns that are neither good nor bad — we can better manage our response and accept the...
Becoming the Architect  of Your Career

Becoming the Architect of Your Career

After earning an undergraduate degree in mathematics I pursued a career in systems engineering. I found the work enjoyable enough but realized that a sizable part of my brain wasn’t fully engaged in it. So I went to business school to find my next career. At the end...
Employee Engagement: Owners Versus Renters

Employee Engagement: Owners Versus Renters

A common coaching topic is how managers can encourage employees to take responsibility for their work. Some employees fully embrace their job, do it to the best of their ability, want to learn more and do more, help their colleagues, and are fully engaged. These are...
Advancing Your Career in a Tough Job Market

Advancing Your Career in a Tough Job Market

Regardless of the type of job market, your ability to manage and direct your career is an essential skill. Organizations change, so developing your skill set is the best job security you will ever have. Finding Your Best Work First, figure out the intersection of...