“Future-Proof” Employee

In IBM’s report from interviewing over 1700 CEOs around the world three main themes emerged for the most successful organizations. At the highest level, none are news to us. But going deeper there are some critical nuggets worth exploring. I’m focusing on “Build future-proof employees.” Because emerging capabilities are hard to define, hiring and equippingContinue reading ““Future-Proof” Employee”

Critical Skills for our Future

The more I learn, the more I need to learn.  And it doesn’t all take place in a formal educational setting.  As I watch our global economy and read Freidman’s latest book, “That Used To Be Us,”    it is clear that the Knowledge Sets are shifting.  Employers need people with the technical skills toContinue reading “Critical Skills for our Future”

Career Skills for Today – Mindreading

Recently a GovLoop forum asked: “What one skill do you wish you had?”  The very first response was “Mind Reading.” In my July 14, 2010  blog, I wrote on the career skill Trend Spotting, or Foresight. So I just have to respond. Indeed Mind Reading seems to be a Competency all by itself. Not toContinue reading “Career Skills for Today – Mindreading”

Change at Work – Bring a friend

Its  so much easier to do something different or scary if someone else does it too.  We used to dare each other to do something “dangerous.” But it wasn’t so bad if someone else did it first. Courage comes in many forms. Even as adults we often prefer to go somewhere new when we takeContinue reading “Change at Work – Bring a friend”

WIIFM? First, Listen

People are so overwhelmed by things changing in their lives and their work that we can count on them begin distracted while we are trying to communicate. Whether you are leading a training session or a meeting, over half the people are preoccupied with other thoughts.  Some are already gearing up to argue with you.Continue reading “WIIFM? First, Listen”

Change is tough – Stop being miserable.

One of my favorite bloggers has offered us this lovely gift of not only his wisdom but also his poetic talent. In this Seussical tale Kerry Patterson draws from his own experience (and all of us have similar ones!) to stop  perpetuating much of our own misery. You can download this story for yourself orContinue reading “Change is tough – Stop being miserable.”

Are Your Management Skills Up to Date?

I’m not talking about knowing the latest ‘flavor’ of management or the buzzwords. “Retention” is the battle cry once again. Many organizations are now using engagement survey stats for managerial performance measures. Your management skills along with to your technical credibility keep you viewed as a valuable contributor, not just a place holder, by yourContinue reading “Are Your Management Skills Up to Date?”

Rethinking Retirement – Boomers and GenX

Where do you fit into the workforce? Today’s organizations are facing challenges like never before with our current demographics. Check out this article for some interesting thoughts for both managing staff as well as your own career.

Are You a Bad Boss?

Most of us don’t think we are a bad boss. The really bad bosses aren’t reading this because they don’t care. Here are 4 clues  of a bad boss.  What would be especially useful would be your ideas on how to help someone be a better boss. (hint: This isn’t always just what the bossContinue reading “Are You a Bad Boss?”

Regaining Trust

It’s one of the squishy intangibles that makes all the difference in our work lives. If you cannot trust your manager – if you cannot trust your team – then no one is happy. Trust must be earned and that takes time, consistency and follow-through. There are some specific things leaders can do to helpContinue reading “Regaining Trust”