One of the hardest questions organizations confront is when and how to assert control of its people. Talking with Eric Ryan, the co-founder of the cleaning product company Method, clarified some of my own thinking as it relates to this issue.
Something you notice quickly in talking with Eric is that he takes delight in being [...]

It is so tempting to always hire people who seem just like me. Someone who will fit right in and want to do everything the same way I want to do it. So where is that line between selecting people who share aligned values and commitments, but also bring some new perspectives and experiences? What is the optimal balance of commonality and diversity?

At this time of year, we see a lot of Halloween ghouls and goblins.  But what could be scarier than putting your opinions out there and, oh, dread the thought, letting people respond honestly and publicly?
Bernard Tyson said he does just that.  I assume he means he’s writing a blog or sending mass [...]

President and COO, Kaiser Permanente
Bernard has passion in his heart that lights a fire in those around him. It’s the kind of passion that emanates from a person who’s doing the work he’s truly meant to do. At the core, Bernard is someone driven to help others. The path he’s chosen to make his contribution [...]

President and COO, Kaiser Permanente
Bernard has passion in his heart that lights a fire in those around him. It’s the kind of passion that emanates from a person who’s doing the work he’s truly meant to do. At the core, Bernard is someone driven to help others. The path he’s chosen to make his contribution [...]

John F. Kennedy had one. So did Simone de Beauvoir. Machiavelli was one. So was Cardinal Richelieu. History tells us of the great conquerors, the leaders who changed the course of civilization as we once knew it. We learn about the genius artists and the wunderkind athletes and musicians whose singular talents could only have come from within. In many cases, these figures made the history books on their own merits – solo artists in the annals of achievement. But so often, a deeper examination reveals a close adviser just offstage, someone giving counsel, delivering criticism and providing the occasional dose of reality.

Because of its inherent transparency, social media is more than a new communication medium for connecting with customers, prospective employees, and stakeholders. It’s a powerful game changer that lays bare the frequent disconnects between what we project to the world and who we actually are. And, it’s a feedback mechanism that shows leaders exactly how corporate messaging is—or isn’t—tricking out through the organization, and which employees and managers are most likely taking things seriously.

 
In light of the London Olympic Games, I’ve been thinking a lot about the accountability and responsibility we place upon athletes. This pressure comes from all different channels- the media, other competitors, and audiences watching worldwide. However, key people I think we often forget about in the Olympics are the coaches and their perspective.
Obviously these [...]

 
Our 12-year old son is away at summer camp.  By no means a newbie to the sleep-away camp experience; this is, however, the first year that he will be gone for one month.  Understandably daunted by the prospect of this length of time away from home (and from his electronic gadgets), we tried our best [...]

I ask a lot of questions. So much so that that my team makes sure to warn anyone headed my way. Those who know me well get used to it and simply say “I don’t know” or “I need to think about it” once I’ve pushed past their point of comfort. Those who don’t know me well can become uncomfortable. And those full of baloney usually become angry.

Jay Conger – Prolific Writer, Educator and Leadership Guru

If you are insecure around people who are better than you, you will never be exceptional.

Jay Conger – Prolific Writer, Educator and Leadership Guru

The best leaders are catalytic learners.