“When are we going to talk about the good stuff?” a senior executive exclaimed after Day One of working with TGN Consulting on transforming a dysfunctional culture.We human beings tend to be crafty creatures—naturally inclined to lean into survival tactics to keep us safe. Whatever we can do or say to keep the peace, we say… Continue reading Positivity Kills Culture
You did it! The business is finally taking off. Your sales are up. Your headcount has swelled to meet increased demand. You’re starting to think that perhaps the sky truly is the limit. For most, this kind of the growth is the dream. Growth is the most reliable indicator that you’re doing something right. But… Continue reading The Givens We Take for Granted in High-Growth
One of the most important and sought-after skills in the modern workplace is the ability to coach others. It’s one thing to identify coaching as an important capacity — it’s another thing altogether to develop that capacity. The reality is that many HR departments are not practiced in developing the coaching capacity in managers. What’s… Continue reading Developing the Coaching Capacity in Managers
It’s likely that somewhere along the way, you’ve explored the difference between “yes, and” and “yes, but.” And, if you’re like me, you’ve found the difference to be striking. The word “and” is one of the most powerful words in our vocabulary. It opens up the possibility of more than one answer, more than one… Continue reading Managing Polarities and the Power of “Yes, And”
“We’ve never been here before.” This comment is a common one from organizational leaders. The COVID-19 pandemic abruptly ushered in a “new normal.” Circumstances have become unpredictable, and “best practices” have become largely irrelevant. Consequently, organizations have had to reimagine what they do and how they do it — sometimes in a matter of days.… Continue reading Leading Through Uncharted Territory: The Power of Distributed Authority
2021 is here! I don’t know about you, but I have never felt more ready for a fresh, new year! I am connecting with my family, colleagues, and community to savor this time of reflection and possibilities–to do the satisfying work of imagining who we are going to be this year. And, I would be remiss… Continue reading Prepare to Lead in 2021
Tony Hsieh of Zappos A Stakeholder Leader Tony Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos and legendary Silicon Valley figure, died tragically on November 26 at just 46 years old. Several news outlets in the last few days have reported on Tony’s reclusive descent into drugs, alcohol, and other dangerous behaviors since leaving Zappos. His… Continue reading Tony Hsieh of Zappos
Google pulled a fast one on us. There are few web services I love(d) more than Google Photos, which enables you to back up unlimited images to the cloud. With Google Photos, there’s no need for clunky hard drives. No worrying when you drop your iPhone in the river—and all of those adorable photos of… Continue reading A Lesson From the Google Photos Fiasco
How to Get Out of the Office Without Things Falling Apart Everyone “needs” a vacation. We say it all the time. And, just saying the word may evoke images of beaches, mountains, or narrow cobblestone streets. All of the things we work for, right? Don’t we “work to live”? Isn’t it obvious that taking care… Continue reading Take Your Vacation–Things Will Be Fine!
As a business owner, one of the most important contracts that ever came my way was the one I didn’t end up signing. On paper, it was a no-brainer. The prospective client was a powerhouse in the beauty care space. It was a lucrative contract with ample room to expand into an even larger engagement.… Continue reading Primal Seeking–the Allure & Danger of “More”
