Thoughts on people, teams, organizations, communities, effectiveness and success
There are a number of ways to effectively manage conflict. The approach someone recently used with me (“There are issues; you’re the problem“) is not amongst any of them.
Here’s one conflict resolution approach that in my experience works 90+% of the time.
As a step back, it’s helpful to remember that much, perhaps most, conflict stems from people having different perceptions about what has happened or is happening.… Read the rest
When you’re whacking somebody, stepping down to get out, or getting fired yourself, what passes for organizational “truth” makes most “goodbyes” meaningless.
Isn’t time for more transparency, and more courage?
“Left the firm to pursue personal interests” is the “doing nothing” act in departures. It’s hardly ever true, and frankly everyone knows it.… Read the rest
There are opportunities to do great things all around you every day. Sometimes the chances pass by you like friends and neighbors that you know well; they holler, wave and grab your attention. Other times they pass by like strangers, moving quickly, and avoid notice or detection. In both cases the most important thing for you to do is not just to hear, but to listen.… Read the rest
Other times, though, you realize that like that unfriendly cat who has suddenly decided to be friendly, it’s in your lap; what you’re staring at is your future that’s become your present.… Read the rest
It’s been a tough few weeks for standards.
While the details and allegations aren’t settled, the arc of the scandals involving Herman Cain, the Penn State University football child sex abuse case, Tokyo-based Olympus CEO firing and coverup, and the Jon Corzine -MF Global debacle is familiar; people betrayed positions of public trust.
There are standards that everyone flaunts (Are you driving 60 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone?… Read the rest
It has become the dreaded phrase you don’t want to hear; “I’ll follow-up and get back to you”
Why? Because when you hear that phrase you know that 90% of the people you deal with won’t get back to you.
I’ve stopped chuckling when I get the email from someone with whom I’m scheduled to meet (“Are we still on to meet at 2 PM tomorrow”) because I realize we live in a world where people, rather than do as they say they’re going to do, do as they say they won’t.… Read the rest