Lead Change Blog

JANUARY 11, 2017

Do you (or your organization) use the vending machine approach to leadership? That approach is when someone asks the boss a question (inserting the coins) and out pops (like the candy bar, soda, or bag of chips) the correct answer. Fitting the mold. This “all-knowing” expectation is common in many organizations: you, as a leader, are rewarded for looking smart by quickly providing answers.

Leadership 281

Leadership Uncertainty Self-aware Learning-by-Doing 281

Lead Change Blog

JANUARY 12, 2017

While on vacation I was reminded of the power of positivity. During lunch, my wife and I couldn’t help but notice a particular waitress who bounced from table to table, serving her customers with a smile and a side of joy. We watched as she delivered a child’s sandwich in a sing-songy voice. “Here comes your grilled cheeeeese and haaaaam.” She made it fun.

Positioning 251

Positioning Leadership Class Learning-by-Doing 251

Lead Change Blog

JANUARY 10, 2017

If you have ever visited a new doctor, dentist or other medical professional, you might find yourself in the exam room wondering: Will they respect me or talk down to me? Will we have enough time or will they seem hurried? Will we have the same values? I’m thinking about a recent experience. I realize now my underlying question is, “Am I going to be treated like a human being or just another case in a folder?

How To 225

How To Influence Review Leadership 225

Lead Change Blog

JANUARY 13, 2017

My wife went to get a piece of carrot cake for my brother on Fathers’ Day. We had visited Aspens, the steak house she went to, a number of times over the last few years. Their carrot cake was excellent. She arrived just after four o’clock. The doors were open. When she walked in, she was greeted by a dark-haired teenager. “May I help you?”. “Yes, I’d like to buy one piece of carrot cake to go, please.

Team 189

Team Open-book Loyalty Learning-by-Doing 189

Lead Change Blog

JANUARY 9, 2017

Welcome to the January 2017 edition of the Leadership Development Carnival! One of the components of the Lead Change Group that I most appreciate is its spirit of supportiveness. There are so many areas of our lives where we can feel isolated, personally and professionally. In reading through this month’s submissions, I see many interesting concepts and multiple strategies for being more productive and satisfied at work.

Leadership Development 216

Leadership Development Development Leadership Ethics 216