How can you tell when a leader is becoming tainted by hubris and self-centered behavior? We like the simple explanation offered by Patrick Decker, the retired CEO of Xylem, a multibillion-dollar water solutions company. As he was rising through the corporate ranks,...
Do you care about me? This is what people want to know when they work for you. They may not say it directly, but it is the core question that defines the relationship between you and the people you lead. When people believe the answer is “yes,” they will be more...
If you’re aim is to be an effective leader, you need to be crystal clear about the differences between functional and dysfunctional leadership. It all comes down to getting the right blend of confidence and humility. We consider leaders functional when they carry the...
A high diver does not simply climb up and hurl himself off a 100-foot ladder without a great deal of preparation. Likewise, when facing a giant leap in your own life, there are steps you can take to prepare for risk. The 4 Principles to Prepare for Risk Find your...
Delegation can often seem like a time suck, but remember this: taking a task off of your plate leaves you more time. How could you spend that extra time? Additionally, delegation empowers those you lead. It gives them a greater sense of responsibility. Something...
Now that I’m in my sixties, I find myself reflecting on the strange journey of my life. If I zoom out, it seems to have moved through three major phases: The Good Bill, The Bad Bill, and the Better Bill. Bill #1 I grew up in a lower-middle-class household in an...
Leadership is hard. Eventually, All leaders will confront this reality. Sure, leadership can be attractive and seductive, but that doesn’t mean it’s obligation-free. When you’re a leader, the demands on you are fast-moving and unrelenting. Your direct reports are...
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