Has it dawned on you yet that... - Dennis' Blog

Has it dawned on you yet that...

"Why Is Emotional Intelligence Such a Big Deal?"

8/19/2015

     Emotional intelligence is "new" only in that it is a label that is newly recognized.
     The ability to relate to other people productively has been around a long time. However, we now know how to teach it better than in the past.
     Let me know what you think about "Why Is Emotional Intelligence Such a Bid Deal?"
     Dennis

"The Trap of Thinking Short-Term vs. Long-Term"

7/10/2015

     If you were free to decide to "do good" for just a short period of time or for a much longer impact, you'd most likely choose the longer term.
     So why do so many leaders allow themselves to be seduced into working on short-term issues? Take a look at "The Trap of Thinking Short-Term vs. Long-Term."
     Dennis

"Three Goals for Every Encounter"

6/30/2015

     Leaders often know WHAT they want to accomplish. HOW they do that is usually far more memorable to the people involved.
     "Three Goals for Every Encounter" provides excellent guidance for leaders to not only achieve specific outcomes, but also to build healthy cultures.
     Dennis

"Feedback and the Vision"

6/3/2015

     Leaders typically don't receive feedback, and they certainly don't receive feedback from the front-liners. However, without good feedback, leaders can be self-deceived. What does that mean? They think they are giving constructive and beneficial guidance to the organization, but they won't know that it is being received in the wrong way, or that the effect is something very different from what they intend.
     How do leaders overcome this undesirable condition? "Get out there" and talk with, and especially listen to, the people doing the work. You can also provide a bit of inspiration if you'll start by offering a reminder of the organization's vision. Read about it in "Feedback and the Vision."
     Dennis

"Your Colleagues Often DON'T Think Like You Think"

5/26/2015

     Have you ever been frustrated because your colleagues or direct reports did something very different from what you would do in the very same situation? Typically, you might think something was wrong with that person. Have you ever considered that you may be operating under some very wrong assumptions?
     Most people have not heard of the "False Consensus Effect." It's a rather obscure psychological concept that describes a normal cognitive bias all us human beings have--even you as leader of your organization. However, as the name implies, it's a bias which is false.
     You can read about it in "Your Colleagues Often DON'T Think Like You Think." Once you do, you might want to do some additional research on your own to reduce the frequency by which your thinking is thrown off--it will keep you from making some avoidable mistakes!
     Dennis

"What Do You Love about What You Do?"

5/14/2015

     A very common question when first meeting someone is, "What do you do?" Often, the conversation dissolves after only a few sentences.
     A much more engaging and interesting question, which often leads to quite an in-depth conversation, is, "What Do You Love about What You Do?"
     Dennis

"Why Do You Work--HERE?"

4/20/2015

     How well do you know the members of your team? Many times, the knowledge that leaders have of those they influence is very superficial.
     Would you like to learn more, and at the same time reinforce the loyalty and camaraderie that you have among your colleagues?
     Asking the two simple questions in this article, "Why Do You Work--HERE?" will cause you to realize just how interesting and diverse the members of your team are.
     Dennis

"Let's Significantly Improve Our Culture"

4/19/2015

     Has your organization unintentionally lapsed into tolerating undesirable conditions or situations? It's not unusual.
     You can make an intervention to improve those conditions or situations you would rather not continue. Take a look at "Let's Significantly Improve Our Culture" for some ideas on how you might start the progress you desire!
     Dennis

"Whose Agenda are You Working?"

3/11/2015

     If your team members are well trained and are engaged in the vision of the organization, how beneficial does it feel to them when you intervene and start telling them what to do?
     You could ask them, of course. Or you could read "Whose Agenda are You Working?" Enjoy!
     Dennis

"Can a Leader Be Too Collaborative?"

12/26/2014

     I certainly advocate a collaborative style of culture. For leaders who do not naturally know how to engage collaboratively, I teach them.
     However, "Can a Leader be Too Collaborative?" Unfortunately, yes. The optimum leader is able to function extremely well in both directive and collaborative styles and has the good judgment to determine which is preferable based on the conditions and the people involved!
     Dennis