Most successful leaders can do a fine job of mastering “hard” data on financials, production, and the variance between goals and actual performance. But many leaders do a less commendable job analyzing the “soft” data that measure attitudes, perceptions, and opinions within the organization.

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?

What keeps an employee productive? A new survey suggests that for HR leaders, workplace productivity is something to be protected from the creeping time suck of Facebook and Twitter.
Jointly conducted by Holos Research and MySammy–a “productivity measurement” firm with a clear interest in closely monitoring [...]

In the months following the 9/11 terror attacks, there was a great deal of national dialogue and reflection on what it means to lead during times of crisis, uncertainty and fear. Rudy Guiliani, who was the Mayor of New York City at the time, led the city – and some might say, the nation – through the crisis of 9/11 and is often cited as the quintessential model of strong leadership under fire.

It takes barely a moment watching the video of Patricia Harrison speak for her passion and charisma to grab you. After recently interviewing her for Let Go & Lead, I can tell you her affect is even more dynamic when you meet her in person! It’s no wonder that throughout a career in and around [...]

I recently listened to a webinar on empowering the workforce with mobile technology and its impact on employee performance. The webinar reminded me how the flood of new tools – almost 500 million smartphones shipped in 2011 – are changing the way we all do business. Employees are using the technology to redefine their work day as 80 percent of people continue to work after they leave the office; increasing productivity and the number of hours spent on the job.

This week, we learned the exciting news that one of the leaders featured here on Let Go & Lead, Bernard Tyson, has been appointed the next CEO of Kaiser Permanente!

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 [...]

My first job after graduate school was in a company that was dominated by the “my way or the highway” style of leadership. Work never changed, we just kept delivering the same stale service over and innovation was neither encouraged nor desired. As a result, turnover in the organization was high, and we lost the [...]