In the journey of leadership, the distinction between ability and skill is crucial. While ability may be an inherited trait, skill is cultivated through diligent effort and time in grade. By this...
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The Leader’s Credibility Index: Predictability Matters
As a leader, ensuring that what we say aligns with what we do is crucial. This predictability is the basis of confidence among all stakeholders. Years ago, I learned this lesson from a new CEO....
What’s a Leader to Do When They Are in the Ditch?
When managing initiatives, predictability is key. As leaders, we must prioritize effectively addressing initiatives that fall into the "red" condition. It happens to us all, and great teams have a...
The House that Leadership Built
It doesn’t always take a HBR case study to learn about what makes a company wildly successful. There are surprising moments when the essence of what makes companies great becomes strikingly clear....
Critique into Coaching
I grew up competing in track and field events from grade school through college. By the time that all wrapped up I had learned a lot, and this week, one of the more important lessons I learned came...
The Leader’s Responsibility to Inform
In my 40 years working to improve organizational effectiveness, too often communication comes up as a challenge and limiting factor. This week, I had a specific situation with a leader distressed...
The Three Dimensions of Team Care: Personal, Professional, and Organizational
In the world of team dynamics, there's a subtle yet profound element that distinguishes good teams from truly great ones. It's not just about the relationship between the team leader and the...
A Leader’s Role in Accountability
This week I was involved in discussion with 40 senior level executives on the topic of a leader's role in accountability and creating an accountable culture. It was awesome. I thought today I would...
Custer: Thank you!
I've had the pleasure of knowing Todd Custer for six years. He is the CEO of Custer, a company dedicated to creating personalized spaces that not only elevate well-being but also promote innovation...
Make Parts Not Charts
Time is a commodity we can't afford to waste. Leaders are constantly challenged with the task of using time respectfully and productively, especially when it comes to meetings. While meetings are...
Graceful Termination 2.0
After sending my last blog about accountable culture, my 93-year old father sent me his thinking on the matter. For context, he was once the head of Human Resources for what was then the old...
The Graceful Art of Termination: A Leader’s Guide
Terminating an employee is undoubtedly one of the most challenging decisions a leader faces – and it should be. To be clear, it’s not a moment that tests managerial skills, what it truly tests are...