Leadership

The first time I presented a workshop on managing time was more than 30 years ago. The basic principles remain immutable: know your goals, identify the work that has to be done to achieve your objectives, prioritize the tasks and activities, then implement the plan on a daily basis (the really hard part). The basic tools and techniques also remain the same from creating an annual plan, to creating the daily “to do” list, to keeping a time log to identify time use patterns and time wasters. So, how does a time management “expert” have a major “Aha! moment”? 

Be The Change You Want to See

Change Management and Leadership for an Agile World

We all are confronted with change in our world. Be it in our private life, professional environment or society around us. Technology and new ways of communicating and collaborating are opening doors of opportunities, but are also questioning our expertise and proven ways of doing our job.

Living in Belmar between the ocean and famous “E” Street has been a joy.

With so much research, thinking, and writing on the topic of leadership, I sometimes wonder if we are getting any closer to really understanding it? I wonder if ordinary people recognize that they have the capacity to be leaders too?

Then along comes a force of nature, superstorm Hurricane Sandy, and we get a very clear idea of leadership in action.

"The best way to predict your future is to create it!" -  Peter Drucker

This is one of my most favorite quotes and I often use it in the discussions about leadership.  To me, as I have spent the past 25 years studying and positioning myself in the company of great leaders, this quote exemplifies what great leaders do. 

In today’s economy, leaders often feel that they do not have the tools necessary to motivate their employees.   Budgets are cut and managers are asked to do more with less.  They don’t have the monetary resources to motivate their employees to go the extra mile, or take on additional work. Managers are at times frustrated that they can’t give their employees a monetary award, whether it is a bonus payment, a good raise, an achievement award or a special gift.  Therefore, they feel helpless and unable to motivate their staffs.

Have you ever been nervous about beginning a new job? Most of us are as excited about a new work opportunity as we are uncertain about the proper way to take on the new assignment—and we know it takes more than luck to succeed. This is the moment that we need support and guidance. Unfortunately even the most well-intentioned may repeat the tactless phrase: “the job is yours to lose”. While the statement is true, it offers little concern for the natural anxiety of an important life event, often leaving the recipient confused and uncertain.

“Does't thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.”  - Benjamin Franklin

Life can feel like it is zooming by at a hundred miles an hour. We have full task lists at work. Our houses need repairs. Children need to be chauffeured from one activity to another. We move quickly from one activity to the next without taking time to think about what we are doing. Before we know it, our stress levels are sky high and that can result in a number of health problems.

Have you ever wondered why it seems so natural to talk with some people and so difficult with others?  Have you noticed that some people seem to just “get” what you’re saying and others cannot relate? Ever feel like you and the other person are just speaking a different language?

People may claim to give 120% to their projects, but their work product is always equal to 100%.  If it’s more, they went outside of the project’s scope.  If it’s less, well, maybe their 120% effort is questionable.  Or, more likely, perhaps they made a critical but common project management mistake.  Here are a few possibilities: