Leaders give feedback because they want people to grow. But even when the intention is good, that's not always what happens. Instead of thinking about how to improve, the person receiving the feedback may be wondering something else entirely: Did I disappoint them? Am I in trouble? What does this mean going forward? When the […]
Accountability is something every leader should strive for. But there are times when the way we pursue it doesn’t have the desired effect. Instead of encouraging ownership, it can leave people more focused on avoiding mistakes than on sharing ideas. Most leaders don't set out to create a culture of fear. They want people to […]
By Barb Ward It’s 2:30 a.m. and again, you are lying awake worrying about things that you can do nothing about. As you toss and turn, your anxiety increases to the level where you might as well get up, because sleep is no longer an option. If only you had control! This is a common […]
By Barb Ward from an interview with Gail Gumminger, Leadership Consultant There has been a staggering leadership deficit over the past several years, most pronounced when Covid-19 hit and lingering to the present. While organizations are beginning to find their way out, the impact of this deficit has left its indelible mark. According to a […]
By Laurie Cure I learned strategic planning the old-fashioned way: Conduct a comprehensive environmental analysis Complete a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) Develop strategies, actions, and tactics Operationalize through a scorecard Because I learned this way, it’s how I taught my grad students, and, for decades, implemented planning using this method. It’s a good process […]