When there is an organizational change, a systems upgrade or change in policy/procedures or leadership, a common mis-belief is that if we give people the facts, they can handle the change. Facts are important to answer the “why” question. But it doesn’t get to a personal level – and that’s where the change must beContinue reading “Change Success – Initiate more conversations”
Tag Archives: accountability
Plan B – 5 things to do if your office temporarily shuts down
What are you doing as federal employees and all the contractors and others dependent on federal agencies anxiously await Congress to approve a budget? I hear many are doing nothing at all; business as usual. Some don’t think it really will shut down. Others believe if they don’t plan for it, it won’t happen. AndContinue reading “Plan B – 5 things to do if your office temporarily shuts down”
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.”
I Just Want a Job! Part 2
In this series, I’m tackling some of the frustrations of job seekers I hear. “I don’t want to call strangers and ask for a job.” That’s right. You don’t call strangers. Even effective “cold calling” begins with having something or someone in common with the person you are contacting. When we hear the name ofContinue reading “I Just Want a Job! Part 2”
Raised by Wolves
That phrase has become an ear-worm for me recently. It generally refers to someone who has misbehaved in a social or work setting. I recently read a book about how our bosses sometimes act like they were raised by wolves. At first I took issue defending the wolves. Their system works for them…because they liveContinue reading “Raised by Wolves”
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?”
Performance Review Time – Hearing feedback
Posted September 04, 2009 09:02 AM Hide Post Giving and receiving feedback are two different sets of behaviors. Many resources are available for giving feedback effectively. Yet there is little to help us prepare to receive and participate in these conversations, and not dread them. It’s hard enough for people to give feedback and manyContinue reading “Performance Review Time – Hearing feedback”
Activity, Efforts or Outcomes
A recently released report on successful government leaders [http://www.boozallen.com/publications/what-it-takes-to-change-government] lists several characteristics, one of which is “outcome oriented.” Leaders happen at every level of the organization- formal and informally. As we diligently work to do the best we can, we also need to ask the question, “So What?” This is one of the most powerfulContinue reading “Activity, Efforts or Outcomes”
Thinking of Retirement?
Is retirement an option for you? Are you facing a decision due to mandatory or an early retirement offer from your employer? Have you reached that milestone point in terms of tenure or age? “Retirement” is really a word only used in financial terms now – you are eligible by either age or time inContinue reading “Thinking of Retirement?”
Not an “Elevator Speech”
You meet someone at a social event or are introduced by a mutual friend and they ask “What do you do?” The next time they ask, “What do you do?,” try giving them some information they can personally relate to, and that will help them remember your name. If you feel good and proud ofContinue reading “Not an “Elevator Speech””