Skillful leadership requires many things. Among them is being aware of your own leadership style – and how it affects other people. Knowing your style, and adjusting it to fit the needs of the situation, helps build trust. This tool describes the four leadership styles in detail. Don’t have time to read the blog? Download the …
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This tool provides a valuable checklist of specific ideas to make sure your company is organized for innovation. It lists specific strategies for creating an environment in which innovation flourishes. Among other things, it details the pros and cons of technological “push” versus market “pull.” It also describes the role of corporate headquarters in fostering …
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This tool distills the concepts behind core process improvement and provides a useful framework for leaders who want to understand the factors behind successful process improvement. This tool is very useful for managers at all levels. Hint: This tool is best used in conjunction with “8 Step Process Improvement Plan.” When should you focus on process …
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Effective conversations need to be organized so that people can move through them in a logical way. One technique is the GROW model. You can use this tool to manage virtually any kind of conversation. For people familiar with the Socratic inquiry, the GROW model is a way to remember each step along the path. …
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Most people assume they make good decisions most of the time. But a new body of research reveals a phenomenon called “decision fatigue,” which means the more decisions you make during the course of a day, the more likely you are to make a bad decision. This tool explains how decision fatigue works – and …
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This tool reminds people about the difference between teams and groups. When a group is mislabeled as a team, people may have unrealistic expectations of each other. On the other hand, if a group aspires to be a team, it is useful to know what behaviors are expected of team members. This tool is best …
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This tool enables leaders to increase the level of emotional intelligence in the workplace. It shows ways to increase awareness of emotions at both the individual and team level. It also suggests strategies to help regulate emotions. This is invaluable for leaders who want to create teams where there is a healthy balance of emotional …
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The CEO of a retail chain wanted his leadership team to learn how to have tough business conversations. Too many issues were being buried, he said. Team members needed to bring their issues to the table and learn how to resolve them. He asked me to design a three-hour team-building workshop. I began the workshop …
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What are the characteristics of high performing teams? This tool, drawn from the book “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni, provides you a quick look at what high performing teams really do. High Performing Teams Here are the five characteristics of highly effective teams: Attention to results: Team members regularly monitor their …
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Organizations are constantly faced with the need to rethink, redesign, restructure, or reduce costs to remain competitive. However, many organizations find it challenging to tackle business process improvement. It is often a domino effect; changing business practices in one area may affect numerous other processes across the organization. Add in all of the stakeholders who …
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