When you are in a leadership role, you are frequently in the position of giving other people critical feedback. And in criticism, as in comedy, timing is everything. When you’re giving constructive feedback (including positive feedback, although I’m focusing on constructive criticism below), try to give that feedback as soon as possible. Here’s why: The […]
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Happy Trails: What to Do When a Popular Employee Leaves

It’s amazing how much the presence of just one person can influence a team. If the person has a negative influence, teams are often relieved when they leave and may regroup without much help from leaders. It’s much trickier, however, when a highly respected, well-liked employee leaves. Depending on their reason for leaving, employees may […]
Feedback, Popular employee, TeamHow to Be a Better Listener

If you’re like me, you have probably found that the people with whom you feel closest are also the best listeners. And although outstanding listeners do it seemingly effortlessly, as a recent article in Entrepreneur points out, there are some common issues that tend to characterize ineffective listening. Here are just three of the ones […]
Is Your Conference Room an Idea Graveyard?

MY FRIEND JONAH DOESN’T like conference rooms. That’s why he’s held client meetings at Wegman’s. And Barnes and Noble. And a nearby donut shop. He meets with his staff at a local Texas Roadhouse they call by a code name: “Meeting Room T.” In fact, Jonah would rather meet anywhere than in a corporate conference room, and […]
5 Simple Time-Saving Listening Tips

A word is worth one coin; silence is worth two. – The Talmud Years ago, I had a colleague at work who planted his Jumbotron-sized computer monitor on his desk so it blocked his view of anyone sitting across from him. He might as well have taped a sign on the back of the monitor that […]
Is anyone out there listening?

I’m all about listening. And I’ve found that the more I focus on it, the better I do it. I’ve also noticed, as I’m sure you have, too, that the more gadgets we have and are paying attention to, the less attentively and effectively we listen. It’s not uncommon for me to talk with people […]
Really, Really, Really Listen
I’m all about listening. And I’ve found that the more I focus on it, the better I do it. I’ve also noticed, as I’m sure you have, too, that the more gadgets we have and are paying attention to, the less attentively and effectively we listen. It’s not uncommon for me to talk with people […]