Stinkin’ thinkin’: How confirmation bias affects the quality of your decisions
In the business arena, confirmation bias can lead to some pretty poor decisions, which is why leaders need to be on guard….
The art of facilitation: How to navigate your group’s interpsychic storms
When you’re leading a group, a lot of things can get in the way, ranging from unenthusiastic participants to unclear objectives. The greatest challenges, however, stem from what I call the “interpsychic storm”…
Leadership lessons from Joe Maddon
A great read from Tom Verducci, “The Cubs Way” examines a number of changes that transformed the Cubs organization, including Joe Maddon’s leadership style. Many of Maddon’s principles have particular relevance for growth-oriented business leaders…
The optimistic organization: Leadership lessons from neuroscience
Optimism is no soft skill as the human brain is wired to be negative. Yet people can use their minds to restructure their brains — and reap the benefits of optimism.
Why playing it safe can be risky business
We prune plants and trees because it encourages new growth. Similarly, your business is an organic system where all participants need a little pressure — even your top performers.
Going with the flow: a blueprint to greater productivity and happiness
Happiness doesn’t result from external events, such as being promoted or winning the lottery. Instead, it’s a condition sparked by how we interpret external events…
Tribal behavior: the good, the bad, and the need for balance
Leaders often misinterpret how they spend time and focus effort. During early days when you only have a handful of employees, you’re managing individuals. But when you cross over to second stage (10 to 99 employees) you need to begin managing groups. So let’s talk about groups. First, the good news: Humans are social animals, especially when it comes to…
Leadership power: six degrees of differentiation
In second stage, founders are trying to transition from entrepreneur to leader. This is no easy task because leadership is complex and about influencing the behavior of others.
Brain-based leadership: How to keep your employees engaged and motivated
Whether a perceived threat is physical or social, the human brain reacts the same way — which is why smart leaders are paying attention to neuroscience research.
Getting real: how leaders can unlock their organization’s learning power
No one wants to feel vulnerable or look foolish, and humans can become extremely competent at protecting themselves from perceived threats or embarrassment. Yet defensive behavior can take a real toll on your organization.