Why were you fired? “I’m not altogether sure”

Fired red stamp

It happens.

Out of the blue an exec (or anyone else) gets whacked.

Sometimes it’s a clear quantitative reason (e.g. sales goals weren’t met).

But many times it’s not. And that not-so-clear can be for a host of reasons frequently including “bad” fit.

And at the top, where competence is a given, fit is what what sometimes gets you hired and more often than not, fit is what gets you fired.… Read the rest

Tips for Great Communicators: Match Medium & Method with Message

You can lack efficiency and effectiveness in how you communicate.

Or you can have both. Here’s how.

As background, it always helps to be clear about what you’re trying to communicate. Simply pass on information, or engage in a discussion and check for understanding? Ask for feedback, or do a data dump and run?

Great communication starts with focus about what you’re trying to accomplish, and what you’re trying to avoid.… Read the rest

Are the “Best Places to Work” Really the Best Places to Work?

The San Francisco Business Times announced its Best Places to Work in the Bay Area for 2011. This year’s ranking brought nominations from 301 companies representing employees in 12 counties around the greater Bay Area. The eighth annual Best Places to Work awards recognized the top employers in five categories based on company size.

Are the “Best Place to Work” the best places to work?Read the rest