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 [...]

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.

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 [...]

Simon Mainwaring – Brand Strategist, Social Entrepreneur and Bestselling Author

Authentic does not mean ideal. Mistakes are a necessary and important part of the process.

Simon Mainwaring – Brand Strategist, Social Entrepreneur and Bestselling Author

People emotionally invest when they’re involved in creating the solution.

Simon Mainwaring – Brand Strategist, Social Entrepreneur and Bestselling Author

Technology is teaching us to be human again.

Margaret Wheatley – Paradigm Shifter, Author and Co-Founder of the Berkana Institute

There is a misperception that people are motivated by competition. People are actually motivated by generosity and love.

Margaret Wheatley – Paradigm Shifter, Author and Co-Founder of the Berkana Institute

To inspire performance, we must change how we lead. We must shift from hero to host.

Margaret Wheatley – Paradigm Shifter, Author and Co-Founder of the Berkana Institute

Let go of ego and you can find community.

Stephanie Pace Marshall – Educational Trailblazer, Founder and President Emerita of Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA)

Mind shaping is world shaping. When you change your mind, you change the world.