As a talent development professional, I’ve been privileged to lead, observe and participate in many types of learning and training events. I’m often invited by vendors to sit in on their training in the hopes I’ll make a purchase. MORE
You just finished a project, event, engagement or training exercise. It’s time to get some feedback. What do you do next? The After Action Review (AAR) was originally developed by the U.S. Army to analyze and report on training exercises. MORE
We all know that competence is one of the main requirements for effectiveness. But can you become so competent that it actually becomes a detriment? The answer is yes. If you’ve developed a high level of competence in a particular area, you’re actually in a danger zone. MORE
One of the most distasteful activities leaders face is giving negative feedback to others. The reason? It rarely produces a positive response. No one likes engaging in activities that aren’t appreciated. Giving great feedback isn’t easy. MORE
For years I’ve been asked for book recommendations. I always take them seriously because I wouldn’t be the leader I am without my library. It’s been a huge part of my leadership education. MORE
In the 16th century, political consultant (for lack of a better term) Niccolò Machiavelli’s works were published in the controversial manuscript The Prince – which is still in print today. MORE
I had a chance to work with a couple new vendors recently. The contrasts couldn’t be more stark. One is a time-tested and respected brand and product. Another is a semi-recent start-up with an innovative concept. But the differences didn’t end there. MORE
How do you lead when you’re not the boss? It’s hard enough to lead when you are in charge. What are the other options? If you’ve wondered this, I’ve got good news for you. It’s a lot easier than it sounds. And you can get started today. Here’s a game plan for you. MORE
When you’re new to the workforce, enjoying leadership success can be a far off goal. The main focus is finding the right role and doing quality work. I know that was the case for me. But with time and experience (and a lot of hard work) come new opportunities to lead at higher levels. MORE
Several years ago I had a shocking experience that permanently changed my outlook. I’m afraid the traces of that experience began in high school. As a high school football player, we had a strictly enforced protocol among the players for team photos. MORE
I’ve been thinking about career selection and management a lot recently. When I’m asked how I landed where I am, I’m quick to reply that I wouldn’t wish my career path on anyone but I sure do love where I am now. MORE
I first heard the term “servant leadership” in high school. Since then, I’ve seen and heard it referenced over and over again in books, presentations and casual business conversations. MORE
How do you get your big idea across in the age of information? A quick keyword search can provide anyone with much more data than they could ever hope to use. What’s the secret to getting your idea past all the clutter and into the land of reality? MORE
Years ago I served as a consultant to two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that worked closely together. At one, the head accountant was a friendly woman who very much enjoyed her job. MORE
I recently conducted a needs assessment for a senior executive group and was surprised when one of the highest rated development needs was stress management. The topic came up again in training discussion when another executive group expressed a high desire to include stress management on the list. MORE
A decade ago, American organizations were largely unaware of the predicament they faced. The initial wave of Baby Boomers (many of whom occupied senior leadership roles) was set to begin a mass retirement. Many organizations were completely unprepared. Then something curious happened. MORE
After repeat appearances, the Kansas City Royals have accomplished something they haven’t done in 30 years: win the World Series. MORE
Picture yourself attending two training sessions. In the first, you sit quietly in your row as the instructor lectures on the benefits, nuances and applications of the topic. MORE
What happens after a big win? For all the focus (and press) directed at planning and executing, what comes next? Whether your team has achieved a significant goal or is looking to get back on track after a shake-up, here are some basic ways to get everyone back on course. Identify the Next Horizon. MORE
“If you were a fruit, what kind would you want to be?” ” That was the ice-breaker that kicked off the worst meeting I’ve been a part of. It took 30 minutes for everyone to contribute. The meeting ran 25 minutes long. MORE
It’s that time again – time to mark the 5th year for the Everyday Leadership site. We’ve had more readers from all over the world and have high hopes for 2017. Thanks for making it another great year! Below I’ve compiled the top 10 posts of 2016. MORE
Decisions fascinate me. Occasionally they come easily. Sometimes they are difficult. Oftentimes they’re stressful. Some have huge implications. Most have a variety of influencing factors. Some decisions turn out perfectly. Some blow up entirely. MORE
“What we really need around here is a culture.” ” I’ve heard this dozens of times. You probably have too. MORE
“I don’t know that I’ve ever had someone come to me with that level of initiative. If they did, I think I’d be blown away.” ” I heard these words from an executive at a leadership event a couple weeks ago. His frustrations weren’t anything new. MORE
As you continue to grow as a leader, the invariable happens. You get put in charge of more. Whether you’re promoted to a higher position or have your level of responsibilities expanded in your current role, there’s simply more to oversee. MORE
If you have goal to grow as a leader, you’re on the right track. If you have a plan of how to do it, you’re doing even better. But where have you put your focus? Many leaders choose to focus their development energy on areas they think (or have been told) are their weak areas. MORE
If you’ve worked for any length of time, you’ve probably wondered, “Why is it so hard to find good leaders?” ” You’re not alone. MORE
A couple weeks ago I had an idea for one of my corporate leadership programs that has over 6,000 leaders enrolled. MORE
One of my all-time favorite leadership values is being proactive. It’s Stephen Covey’s first habit. Taking initiative (and accepting responsible) is the characteristic that makes all the others possible. But can it be taken too far? MORE
My first job in high school was working at a small grocery store in town. I remember there were only eight aisles, so it wasn’t long before I had most of the place figured out. MORE
I love the opportunity for new partnerships. Having been on both sides of the vendor & client agreement, I’ve enjoyed some partnerships so incredible that folks were often eager to work late – and then chum together afterward. MORE
“How can I get my leaders to do a better job coaching their teams?” ” That’s a question I frequently field from the executives and HR partners I support. I hope you’ve asked that question for yourself as well, because it means developing your team is high on your radar. MORE
Decisions fascinate me. Occasionally they come easily. Sometimes they are difficult. Oftentimes they’re stressful. Some have huge implications. Most have a variety of influencing factors. Some decisions turn out perfectly. Some blow up entirely. MORE
The new three-part video series Jump-Start Your Employee Engagement has now launched. Join communication expert Josh Erickson and I for three ideas in three days – all in four minutes or less. This video series will only be available for a limited time – click here to enroll. MORE
When I think about what makes a great boss, one of my first items is someone who really knows what they are doing – a true expert. MORE
There’s incredible power in language. Words don’t merely convey ideas, they can change the course of history. The words you use as a leader matter too. Here are some simple but powerful phrases that set great leaders apart from the rest. “We” (not “me”). MORE
6 years. That’s how long this Everyday Leadership blog has been running. I hope you’ve seen your leadership awareness and effectiveness grow over this time – as have mine. Below I’ve compiled the top 10 posts of 2017. You can also view the Top 10 list from past years. MORE
Over a decade ago I received a DVD of a past Chick-fil-A franchisee seminar. As I watched, the late founder Truett Cathy took the stage to deliver his opening remarks. They weren’t what I expected. MORE
Acquiring knowledge and know-how is critical to any professional – both for knowledge and manual workers. But with it brings some new disadvantages as well. MORE
What comes to mind when you think about leadership responsibility? Taking charge? Casting vision? Setting strategy? Getting results? Every time this question has been asked in a workshop setting, the list gets long very quickly. MORE
In the past, I’ve shared the value of being a “Kamerman teammate” – that is, going the extra mile to make your teammate look good. It’s a mindset shift for most of us, and a complete game-changer at that. MORE
Napoleon Bonaparte claimed, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” ” Hope is a strangely human enigma. It can’t be handled but it can be shared. It can’t create anything on its own but it can pave the way for new accomplishments. MORE
We hear so much about coaching these days. Leaders need to coach more. Employees need more coaching. High performers need coaching. Low performers need coaching. As leaders, how can we know we’ve done enough? And what does a quality coaching conversation actually look like in action? MORE
Nathan Magnuson
JUNE 4, 2018
Several years ago I had a shocking experience that permanently changed my outlook. I’m afraid the traces of that experience began in high school. As a high school football player, we had a strictly enforced protocol among the players for team photos.
Nathan Magnuson
MAY 7, 2018
A couple weeks ago I had an idea for one of my corporate leadership programs that has over 6,000 leaders enrolled.
Nathan Magnuson
JANUARY 8, 2018
If you have goal to grow as a leader, you’re on the right track. If you have a plan of how to do it, you’re doing even better. But where have you put your focus? Many leaders choose to focus their development energy on areas they think (or have been told) are their weak areas.
Nathan Magnuson
APRIL 2, 2018
We all know that competence is one of the main requirements for effectiveness. But can you become so competent that it actually becomes a detriment? The answer is yes. If you’ve developed a high level of competence in a particular area, you’re actually in a danger zone.
Nathan Magnuson
SEPTEMBER 19, 2016
There’s incredible power in language. Words don’t merely convey ideas, they can change the course of history. The words you use as a leader matter too. Here are some simple but powerful phrases that set great leaders apart from the rest. “We” (not “me”).
Nathan Magnuson
FEBRUARY 5, 2018
As you continue to grow as a leader, the invariable happens. You get put in charge of more. Whether you’re promoted to a higher position or have your level of responsibilities expanded in your current role, there’s simply more to oversee.
Nathan Magnuson
OCTOBER 17, 2016
“If you were a fruit, what kind would you want to be?” ” That was the ice-breaker that kicked off the worst meeting I’ve been a part of. It took 30 minutes for everyone to contribute. The meeting ran 25 minutes long.
Nathan Magnuson
OCTOBER 3, 2016
Acquiring knowledge and know-how is critical to any professional – both for knowledge and manual workers. But with it brings some new disadvantages as well.
Nathan Magnuson
JUNE 5, 2017
The new three-part video series Jump-Start Your Employee Engagement has now launched. Join communication expert Josh Erickson and I for three ideas in three days – all in four minutes or less. This video series will only be available for a limited time – click here to enroll.
Nathan Magnuson
DECEMBER 11, 2017
6 years. That’s how long this Everyday Leadership blog has been running. I hope you’ve seen your leadership awareness and effectiveness grow over this time – as have mine. Below I’ve compiled the top 10 posts of 2017. You can also view the Top 10 list from past years.
Nathan Magnuson
DECEMBER 4, 2017
One of the most distasteful activities leaders face is giving negative feedback to others. The reason? It rarely produces a positive response. No one likes engaging in activities that aren’t appreciated. Giving great feedback isn’t easy.
Nathan Magnuson
NOVEMBER 6, 2017
What comes to mind when you think about leadership responsibility? Taking charge? Casting vision? Setting strategy? Getting results? Every time this question has been asked in a workshop setting, the list gets long very quickly.
Nathan Magnuson
NOVEMBER 7, 2016
How do you get your big idea across in the age of information? A quick keyword search can provide anyone with much more data than they could ever hope to use. What’s the secret to getting your idea past all the clutter and into the land of reality?
Nathan Magnuson
AUGUST 7, 2017
“How can I get my leaders to do a better job coaching their teams?” ” That’s a question I frequently field from the executives and HR partners I support. I hope you’ve asked that question for yourself as well, because it means developing your team is high on your radar.
Nathan Magnuson
NOVEMBER 21, 2016
Years ago I served as a consultant to two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that worked closely together. At one, the head accountant was a friendly woman who very much enjoyed her job.
Nathan Magnuson
MAY 16, 2016
For years I’ve been asked for book recommendations. I always take them seriously because I wouldn’t be the leader I am without my library. It’s been a huge part of my leadership education.
Nathan Magnuson
OCTOBER 2, 2017
I had a chance to work with a couple new vendors recently. The contrasts couldn’t be more stark. One is a time-tested and respected brand and product. Another is a semi-recent start-up with an innovative concept. But the differences didn’t end there.
Nathan Magnuson
JULY 4, 2016
A decade ago, American organizations were largely unaware of the predicament they faced. The initial wave of Baby Boomers (many of whom occupied senior leadership roles) was set to begin a mass retirement. Many organizations were completely unprepared. Then something curious happened.
Nathan Magnuson
JUNE 6, 2016
I’ve been thinking about career selection and management a lot recently. When I’m asked how I landed where I am, I’m quick to reply that I wouldn’t wish my career path on anyone but I sure do love where I am now.
Nathan Magnuson
SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
Decisions fascinate me. Occasionally they come easily. Sometimes they are difficult. Oftentimes they’re stressful. Some have huge implications. Most have a variety of influencing factors. Some decisions turn out perfectly. Some blow up entirely.
Nathan Magnuson
JANUARY 9, 2017
Napoleon Bonaparte claimed, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” ” Hope is a strangely human enigma. It can’t be handled but it can be shared. It can’t create anything on its own but it can pave the way for new accomplishments.
Nathan Magnuson
AUGUST 15, 2016
In the 16th century, political consultant (for lack of a better term) Niccolò Machiavelli’s works were published in the controversial manuscript The Prince – which is still in print today.
Nathan Magnuson
SEPTEMBER 7, 2015
How do you lead when you’re not the boss? It’s hard enough to lead when you are in charge. What are the other options? If you’ve wondered this, I’ve got good news for you. It’s a lot easier than it sounds. And you can get started today. Here’s a game plan for you.
Nathan Magnuson
MARCH 6, 2017
I love the opportunity for new partnerships. Having been on both sides of the vendor & client agreement, I’ve enjoyed some partnerships so incredible that folks were often eager to work late – and then chum together afterward.
Nathan Magnuson
JULY 17, 2016
“What we really need around here is a culture.” ” I’ve heard this dozens of times. You probably have too.
Nathan Magnuson
FEBRUARY 6, 2017
As a talent development professional, I’ve been privileged to lead, observe and participate in many types of learning and training events. I’m often invited by vendors to sit in on their training in the hopes I’ll make a purchase.
Nathan Magnuson
APRIL 4, 2016
If you’ve worked for any length of time, you’ve probably wondered, “Why is it so hard to find good leaders?” ” You’re not alone.
Nathan Magnuson
SEPTEMBER 5, 2016
When you’re new to the workforce, enjoying leadership success can be a far off goal. The main focus is finding the right role and doing quality work. I know that was the case for me. But with time and experience (and a lot of hard work) come new opportunities to lead at higher levels.
Nathan Magnuson
APRIL 3, 2017
I recently conducted a needs assessment for a senior executive group and was surprised when one of the highest rated development needs was stress management. The topic came up again in training discussion when another executive group expressed a high desire to include stress management on the list.
Nathan Magnuson
DECEMBER 5, 2016
We hear so much about coaching these days. Leaders need to coach more. Employees need more coaching. High performers need coaching. Low performers need coaching. As leaders, how can we know we’ve done enough? And what does a quality coaching conversation actually look like in action?
Nathan Magnuson
FEBRUARY 15, 2016
In the past, I’ve shared the value of being a “Kamerman teammate” – that is, going the extra mile to make your teammate look good. It’s a mindset shift for most of us, and a complete game-changer at that.
Nathan Magnuson
DECEMBER 26, 2016
It’s that time again – time to mark the 5th year for the Everyday Leadership site. We’ve had more readers from all over the world and have high hopes for 2017. Thanks for making it another great year! Below I’ve compiled the top 10 posts of 2016.
Nathan Magnuson
AUGUST 1, 2016
Picture yourself attending two training sessions. In the first, you sit quietly in your row as the instructor lectures on the benefits, nuances and applications of the topic.
Nathan Magnuson
MARCH 21, 2016
One of my all-time favorite leadership values is being proactive. It’s Stephen Covey’s first habit. Taking initiative (and accepting responsible) is the characteristic that makes all the others possible. But can it be taken too far?
Nathan Magnuson
MAY 1, 2017
When I think about what makes a great boss, one of my first items is someone who really knows what they are doing – a true expert.
Nathan Magnuson
NOVEMBER 2, 2015
After repeat appearances, the Kansas City Royals have accomplished something they haven’t done in 30 years: win the World Series.
Nathan Magnuson
JUNE 20, 2016
“I don’t know that I’ve ever had someone come to me with that level of initiative. If they did, I think I’d be blown away.” ” I heard these words from an executive at a leadership event a couple weeks ago. His frustrations weren’t anything new.
Nathan Magnuson
DECEMBER 19, 2016
You just finished a project, event, engagement or training exercise. It’s time to get some feedback. What do you do next? The After Action Review (AAR) was originally developed by the U.S. Army to analyze and report on training exercises.
Nathan Magnuson
FEBRUARY 1, 2016
What happens after a big win? For all the focus (and press) directed at planning and executing, what comes next? Whether your team has achieved a significant goal or is looking to get back on track after a shake-up, here are some basic ways to get everyone back on course. Identify the Next Horizon.
Nathan Magnuson
AUGUST 17, 2015
My first job in high school was working at a small grocery store in town. I remember there were only eight aisles, so it wasn’t long before I had most of the place figured out.
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