-Project Manager at a Regional Engineering Firm
For a leader, inertia is both a friend and a foe. In 1687, Isaac Newton published his famous theory on inertia. Summarized it simply states, “A body at rest tends to stay at rest while a body in motion tends to stay in motion.”
For a leader, understanding the theory of inertia is critical to leading a successful team.
I met Isaac Newton at least twice my senior year in high school. The first time was in Mr. Berger’s physics class. The second time was when a girl friend’s car wouldn’t start.
Confronting your boss is not fun. When I have done it, I have been met with anger, indifference, and/or passive aggressiveness. I have also seen some very positive reactions as well.
When I speak to groups about Building A Culture of Leadership within an organization, I always discuss the need for those without the title to speak up and lead up. I can usually count on someone approaching me after the program with a problem.
Some people tell me about their boss and the issues they will encounter if they attempt to lead up. I usually respond with empathy and one of two quotes from my dad:
• Just because it isn’t easy to do does not mean you should not be doing it!
• Whoever said leadership was going to be easy?
These quotes have some bite to them, but they are true nonetheless. Continue Reading…
Email is a terrible way to communicate. There are multiple studies showing about 50% of all emails are misinterpreted. My experience and your experience probably support that fact.
I have received angry emails from my customers, my peers and my leaders through the years. They can make me both angry and frustrated. Unfortunately, the way I choose to respond to those emails usually escalates the emotions involved.
We all have a choice in how we respond to these messages.
On my wedding day my dad, General Jim Anderson shared with me his secret to a successful marriage.
The General: “Buddy, before your mom and I got married we decided that I would make all the big decisions and she would make all the small decisions.”
Me: “I really like the sound of that!” I said through a grin.
The General: “And in 30 years of marriage there hasn’t been a big decision yet.”
I have learned a lot about life, love and leadership from being married to Elizabeth. Not all of the lessons were easy to learn. But, they have made me a better leader not just at home, but at work as well. Continue Reading…
At Acme Inc., we believe that good communication is the bedrock for all successful relationships in business and in life. From good communication flow trust, understanding and teamwork both with our customers and with each other.
Acme Inc. Is A Communication Company “When in doubt, over-‐communicate.” Continue Reading…
If I challenge my boss, she will thank me. If I speak up for what is right, my boss will not persecute me. If I fight for my integrity despite pressure from above, I will always keep my job.
None of these results are guaranteed if I do the right thing. The only time I have a guarantee is if I stay silent. My silence guarantees things will stay the way they are. Speaking up is the only way change may happen.
Based on comments I received on my last blog post, I am reposting this blog from November 2012 to encourage people to SPEAK UP if in matters of integrity.
As a parent, I always want to clean and bandage a cut on my children to avoid infection and promote quick healing. I know wounds left to themselves can cause serious problems to the health of my children.
Issues at work, within a friendship or at home that are left alone can be dangerous as well. But if that is the case, why do I avoid attending to these wounds? It is because I do not see confrontation as part of healing. But, confrontation done well can heal wounds!
Self-awareness sounds like some new age, kumbaya, talk show topic. As an aspiring man’s man, my low sensitivity level has not always allowed me to consider things like self-awareness. But, obviously I have or I would not have been able to write that last sentence…
Self-awareness is a critical element for the success of a leader. As a leader, if I do not recognize who I am and how I affect other people, I will never reach my potential. Continue Reading…
Every time people around me use statements or questions from the list below, I feel an aneurysm coming on. They make my head hurt just reading them.
What are my priorities for 2013? What accounts and what goals should I focus my efforts on? The time is now to think ask these questions. Do not wait until after the holidays.
These are key questions that will help me continue to grow and lead others to grow. Taking the time to get the answers to these questions does not have to be complicated.
Somewhere along the way I picked up a tool that helped me clear through the clutter of brainstorming sessions and simplified my action planning. Continue Reading…
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