February 5th, 2010
Friend or foe?
Sometimes it’s not so easy to tell. When it comes to voices, some of the most damaging words we hear come from those closest to us. And it isn’t uncommon, on the other hand, for the harsh criticism of those opposed to us to be the most helpful of all.
Yes, it’s important to distinguish between friend and foe. The acceptance, loyalty, and faithfulness of friends is an irreplaceable foundation for survival, much less success.
Also important, though, is to be able to distinguish between voices. Even the well-intended input of those most committed to our well-being may be misplaced. Just as the substance underlying the input of our opponents cannot be dismissed or disregarded simply because they have ulterior motives.
How do you listen for the nuggets of substance hidden within the insecure and harsh attacks of those who do not understand how to wield power?
How do you hold your ground against the misplaced kindness of those who, while intending good for you, are in fact diminishing, second-guessing and/or undermining you?
It’s not as black-and-white as trusting the nice people and avoiding the mean people, is it?!
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February 3rd, 2010
Instead of explaining their difficult decisions themselves, these leaders hide in their offices and delegate one of their most important responsibilities to the Human Resources department.
It’s as if having other people on the team is an annoying necessity, which these leaders would gladly forego if only they had enough arms and legs to do everything themselves.
Far from being considered multi-faceted assets to be appreciated and valued, employees are expensive resources from whose passions, ambitions, and preferences the responsible leader must protect the company.
In this week’s audio conversation, Claudia and I explore what we are terming, “The HR Cop-Out.”
How do you treat those who work for you? As assets full of untapped potential or expenses full of hidden dangers?
How might you be hiding behind your Human Resources department?
Listen in.
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February 1st, 2010
February 1st is the real beginning of the year.
January 1st is the calendar start of the year. February 1st is the practical beginning of the year.
The holiday festivities and hangovers are finally behind us. Our idealistic New Year’s Resolutions are a distant memory.
Some of us are startled by how February was able to sneak up on us. “Oh <insert your favorite expletive here>!” we blast. “Where did January go?”
Instead of condemning ourselves for letting an entire month slip by, I suggest simply designating February the official beginning of the “practical year.”
Oh yes, some of you are well into your year, and you are to be congratulated. (However begrudgingly.) This reflection is not intended for you.
For many of us, though, the beginning of February marks an opportunity to turn the “I shoulds” and “I wants” of January into the concrete “I wills” of February.
February 1st offers the opportunity to make and own a new decision… the decision to turn our ideas into action. Our goals into plans. Our to-do lists into accomplishments. Our “I’ll start it tomorrow” into “I’ll finish it today.”
It’s the beginning of a new month. It’s also Monday. The perfect combination to make just such an adjustment. Given that February is the “practical” beginning of the year, let’s get started!
On your side,
- Karl Edwards
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January 29th, 2010
Brainless downsizing. Instead of creatively rethinking how to do business, brainless downsizing involves simply firing 20-30% of your staff, have the remaining staff do that work on top of their own, and then waiting until the economy recovers.
An exaggeration? I’m afraid not.
When the evidence (the worst economic crisis in 50 years) that our business practices are seriously and deeply flawed, this knee-jerk response amounts to sticking our heads in the sand and hoping everything is will somehow turn out okay whenever it is that we muster the courage to peek out again.
If any time called for a thoughtful rethink of business practices it is now. But our business leaders are failing us.
Claudia and I begin our discussion of Leadership Bullshit with a conversation about this naive and lazy, if not outright negligent, response.
What about you? How are you thinking critically and creatively about how your business is structured?
Listen in.
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January 27th, 2010
A raw mixture of disappointment and anger motivates this series.
In the wake of our biggest and most complex economic crisis since the Depression, our business and political leaders are functioning like ostriches with their heads in the sand as if anything they don’t see won’t really be happening.
Instead of the thoughtful, probing rethink of policies and practices that have proved themselves disastrous, these leaders are simply waiting on the sidelines… continuing with all that we now know doesn’t work and squandering a significant—and possibly limited—opportunity to learn and change in deep and transformative ways.
More than a personal disagreement about approach, I want to identify these practices out for what I am convinced they are: Leadership Bullshit.
Leadership Bullshit is the public bravado that those with power muster to disguise their own lack of knowledge, capabilities and integrity about how to proceed forward in these challenging times. They mistakenly interpret those three deficiencies as weaknesses to be hidden at all costs instead of learning edges to be addressed in partnership with their peers, staffs and coaches.
In this next audio series, Claudia and I have some fun pointing out that the proverbial emperor is wearing no clothes.
Join the conversation and share your own experiences where the leaders in your life have tried to pull any of the following stunts.
Leadership B#llsh&t in a Tough Economy
Week #1: Brainless Downsizing
Week #2: The HR Cop-Out
Week #3: The Fine Art of Blaming
Week #4: Fear & Panic on Main Street
Week #5: Political Mumbo-Jumbo
Listen in.
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January 25th, 2010
The urban skyscape sparkles from being scrubbed clean. The incessant storming pausing to catch its breath. I want the freshness that is outside to infuse my work and infect my attitude.
More of us are familiar with dreary weather leading to dreary feelings. What about good weather?!
I‘ve got to tell you, this is the morning to get outside if you’re anywhere near me in Southern California. Crisp, bright, bracing and fresh.
Don’t even think of disappearing behind those solid walls or settling yourself underneath those oppressive florescent lights until you’ve had a deep breath of cold morning air and an invigorating walk outside.
When struggling to get back to work on Mondays, we need all the help we can get. It can be difficult to leave the weekend behind. Instead of spending the first part of the day grieving its loss, we can give our attitudes a jump start by noticing and enjoying the special beauty bestowed by the recent rains.
Give yourself the gift of a fresh start to the week. If the weather is on your side, embrace this fickle friend before it turns. May its freshness restore and renew your energies at work this week.
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January 12th, 2010
“Rebellion against your handicaps gets you nowhere. Self-pity gets you nowhere. One must have the adventurous daring to accept oneself as a bundle of possibilities and undertake the most interesting game in the world—making the most of one’s best.”
Harry Emerson Fosdick
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