What's the difference between sensitivity and diversity training? Isn't diversity training the answer? So, what do organizations hope to accomplish with diversity training, and what is the difference between diversity training and sensitivity training? So, let's begin here. There are two primary reasons for diversity training: Preventing lawsuits Promoting inclusion What's the Difference Between Sensitivity [...]
Learning to listen isn't always easy. However, in leadership, listening is more important than talking. Often, it’s not what you say, it’s what you hear that will make the difference. Too many people in leadership roles spend time on what they’re going to say, but little on improving listening skills. When teammates are allowed to [...]
I haven't always been a shining example of these 12 attributes of great leaders. I’ve made every mistake a leader can make, which highly qualifies me to share some wisdom on leadership. A couple of years ago, a group of young managers asked me what it takes to be a leader. I shared the following [...]
What is the key ingredient to a successful management development program? I'll share my opinion in a minute, but first, there are steps to consider leading up to the key. These steps will not guarantee a successful management development program, but any training plan is doomed to fail without them. Successful Management Development Program Commit [...]
Becoming a better leader should be the goal of everyone who manages people. I don't think anyone in a leadership role wants to be a poor leader. At least, I hope not. And I think many would admit they have room for improvement. Unfortunately, it's been my experience that most people in leadership roles never [...]
How to add action to your words doesn't have to be complicated. I was having dinner and drinks with a few friends last week when one of the group discussed completing her first class as a teacher. She had recently retired from journalism (do journalist ever really retire?) and was teaching a writing class at [...]
Here are 17 axioms to live and lead by most of which I've learned the hard way. As self-evident truths or principles, axioms are effective, timeless standards to conduct our lives and business affairs by. There are various axioms I use in my life. Even though I sometimes fall short, I have better results when I use [...]
Guest post by Robby Slaughter. Randy Clark wrote a nice piece entitled Why Communication in the Workplace Sucks. And he’s correct: workplace communication does suck, and the reasons he gives are certainly valid. Because yes: we don’t listen, we don’t give our full attention, we don’t think carefully about which medium to use when communicating [...]
Do leaders need to make amends? Wouldn’t that detract from their authority and influence? No one is perfect. Period. Regardless of someone’s status, position in an organization, or leadership role, they are not without flaws. People make mistakes. What someone does about their miscues informs their teammates who the leader is and what to expect. [...]
So, do you company policies serve your customer’s needs? I read a phrase in an SBA (Small Business Administration) post titled Marketing 101 that struck a nerve, "All company policies and activities should be directed toward satisfying customer needs." Most of my career has been in sales and marketing. Customer service hasn't only been important to [...]
