In its simplest definition, culture is the way things get done in an organization. It’s about the behaviors and attitudes of employees and management and how that translates into different approaches to performance—both good and bad. If you are a leader looking to improve your organization’s current culture and work environment, here are five steps…
In our coaching practice we often coach leaders who are dealing with change in their organizations. One universal coaching truth we share with our clients is change starts with you. What do you need to say and do differently for your team to believe change is real? How do you demonstrate your commitment to achieving…
Good leaders are constantly striving for excellence. They start with themselves, then raise the bar for their team. It’s a journey that requires a combination of self awareness and growth. I had a chance to experience both of these things when I recently accepted a new position with my company. Eight months ago, I stepped…
Last week my daughter and niece—both 13 years old—attended a Student Self Leadership course that was offered to employees here at The Ken Blanchard Companies. I was curious about what they would think about the program since we were basically teaching them an accelerated, age appropriate version of the class we teach to aspiring leaders…
“Thank you for your transparency!” These words came at the end of a presentation I gave where I shared a new strategy—a strategy that would require change, including new roles and some sacrifice, from everyone. I wasn’t sure how everyone would respond but I knew I would have my best chance of successfully leading the…
Successful change leaders demonstrate three common characteristics—courage, patience, and determination. And they make sure all three are in balance through a manageable dynamic tension. For example, courage might mean speaking up and sharing an opinion different from that of the CEO—someone who has more authority than you do. But it needs to be balanced by…
Have you ever started a new job or position and thought Where do I start? I recently started a new role in my company and it’s also a new position—so there are no past performers to measure against. The stakes are high and although the objective is clear, we are still defining the key responsibilities.…
A tour of duty is not just for soldiers. Ben Casnocha, co-author of The Alliance: Managing Talent in the Networked Age, shares the idea that the phrase tour of duty can be a good way to look at an employer and employee relationship that has time-limited mutual commitments with focused goals and clear expectations that…
During a coaching conversation, leaders often bring up the topic of workplace relationship challenges. The ability to partner, connect, and build positive and productive relationships at work is critical to job and career success. Clients who are struggling with relationship building are at either one end or the other of the continuum. At one end…
As a leader, have you ever felt as if you were rowing upstream alone while your team watched from the bank, wondering what you were doing? Have you ever felt as if you were the only one carrying a sense of urgency to get something done? I’ve experienced this as a leader and I’ve also…