Blog: Management

While sharing their journey from passion-filled enthusiasm to missing self-imposed deadlines, the writer uncovers the intricate web of factors affecting our drive. This post delves into the real-world implications of missed commitments, as exemplified by the writer's relationship with their editor, Keri. By reflecting on the value of 'Mental Health Days' and the restrictive nature of tight schedules, the writer provides a balanced perspective on managing one's motivation and mental well-being. Whether you're feeling the weight of a creative block or simply curious about the ebb and flow of passion, this piece offers a blend of personal anecdotes, practical insights, and a touch of humor to enlighten and engage.

Challenge the popular management mantra 'Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions!' with this insightful blog post that pushes for more proactive and constructive managerial behavior. The author unpacks why this phrase, while well-intentioned, often hampers genuine feedback and team growth. Emphasizing the value of problem identification, the writer urges managers to guide and mentor their teams towards solution-building. Introducing the novel idea of White Flags – challenges recognized but yet unsolved – the post outlines different types of problems and the necessary managerial responses. Drawing from personal experiences and a deep understanding of team dynamics, this article is a must-read for any leader or manager seeking to foster a proactive, solution-oriented team environment.

Drawing upon personal experiences at Microsoft and broader observations, the writer breaks down why waiting for failure can be catastrophic, hinting at deeper organizational flaws like broken communication and a lack of trust. Dive into a real-world example of how ignoring collective team concerns can lead to significant setbacks, job losses, and missed opportunities. Beyond just pointing out problems, this post provides actionable insights for leaders. Emphasizing the importance of trust, open dialogue, and proactive problem-solving, the writer encourages a decisive, action-first leadership approach. This is a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their leadership skills and foster a thriving, proactive team environment.

Dive deep into a personal narrative that emphasizes the beauty of finding passion in work and achieving a fulfilling work-life balance. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, this blog post underscores the importance of prioritizing happiness, valuing time, and seeking out a job that ignites genuine joy. Whether it's the joy of a weekend getaway with friends or the simple pleasure of attending a child's hockey game, the post serves as a poignant reminder of life's fleeting nature and the need to chase dreams and passions rather than societal norms. A universal message, this post resonates with both men and women, urging them to take charge of their happiness.

Venture into the debated world of stretch goals with this insightful blog post that challenges Daniel Markovitz's critiques. By drawing parallels between golf and business, the author highlights the importance of addressing foundational aspects before blaming the tools or strategies in use. While acknowledging the potential pitfalls of stretch goals, the post emphasizes that these arise more from poor management than from the concept of stretch goals itself. This piece serves as a call to focus on the basics, ensure ethical standards, and create a supportive environment where growth and progress can thrive. It's a must-read for managers and leaders striving to set effective goals.

Discover the intricacies of leadership in the modern era with this insightful blog post. Delve into the debate between formal and informal leadership styles, with a nod to contemporary thought leaders and the impactful Situational Leadership theory by Ken Blanchard. While the casual approach of today's leaders is celebrated, the importance of adaptability, structure, and setting clear expectations is emphasized. Recognizing that there's no one-size-fits-all strategy, the writer encourages leaders to discern when to stick to traditional tracks and when to venture off.

Using a quirky anecdote about the dangers of accidentally poisoning a cat, the author humorously underscores the significance of confronting issues head-on. By listing common business problems and emphasizing the benefits of timely communication, the post provides readers with a straightforward and crucial lesson: bad news is always better than stale bad news. With its engaging style and important message, this post is a must-read for professionals at all levels. Engage with the author and community by sharing your own experiences in the comments.

Navigate the often-debated world of corporate meetings with this insightful blog post. Instead of criticizing meetings as redundant, this article offers a fresh perspective on how the real issue might lie in their execution. By stressing the importance of understanding the purpose, selecting the right format, and setting clear expectations, the author provides actionable advice on conducting effective meetings. With a blend of wit and clarity, the article challenges readers to view meetings not as a burden but as a powerful tool, if wielded correctly. Dive into the essence of effective meetings and learn how not to be the 'tool running the tool'.

Ever felt overwhelmed by new technology? Dive into this insightful blog post, where the author shares a personal experience with BMW's iDrive system. The story captures the challenges of interacting with innovative interfaces, and how our biases can sometimes be our biggest obstacles. But, as the narrative unfolds, there's an unexpected twist. Through the fresh perspective of a child, we're reminded of the importance of approaching problems without preconceived notions. Engaging, relatable, and sprinkled with humor, this post offers a profound lesson about the power of seeing things with 'fresh eyes'.

Ever felt that a business message was disingenuous? Dive into this thought-provoking post about the critical importance of honesty in customer communication. Using a personal experience with a favorite sports team as a backdrop, the author delves into the pitfalls of glossing over pressing issues, showcasing how a simple message can alienate loyal customers. Introducing the concept of 'Elephant Hunting,' the post emphasizes addressing significant concerns head-on. Discover why confronting the 'elephant in the room' can lead to deeper customer relationships, trust, and respect. Candid and insightful, this piece serves as a crucial reminder to businesses about the value of genuine, honest communication.

Despite endless resources on effective communication, why do businesses continue to struggle with it? Dive deep into this candid exploration of the communication challenges that companies face, drawing from the author's first-hand experiences. The piece emphasizes the simplicity of communication – conveying an idea from sender to receiver – and the need to avoid over-complicating the process. With a no-nonsense approach, the author offers a clear checklist for senders to communicate efficiently, while also hinting at the crucial role of receivers. Engaging and insightful, this blog post is a must-read for anyone keen on enhancing their communication skills in the workplace. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the role of receivers in an upcoming post!

In this blog post, the writer embarks on a journey of self-reflection, confronting their neglect of their blog and the reasons behind it. Delving deep into the nature of distractions, the post offers a fresh perspective on how these seemingly annoying detours can be a goldmine of insights and opportunities. Unpack the power of acknowledging and recording fleeting thoughts and learn the art of balancing focus and flexibility. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by interruptions or guilty about sidetracks, this post will provide solace, guidance, and a renewed appreciation for life's unexpected turns.