How to Survive Under a Crappy Boss
I’ve written before on how to handle a difficult (okay, maybe crappy) employee, and while I’m tempted to write on how to handle a crappy president or president elect, I won’t. Ha! Today, I’ve been asked to write about how to survive under a crappy boss. Here are five tips: (more…)
We all have days, weeks, and sometimes seasons where our projects and commitments exceed our capacity. The question is, how do you handle it? You have two options.
- You can continue to rush around, frazzled and hectic because you have too much on your plate. (This does nothing to lower your own stress level, and it likely raises the tension and anxiety of those around you.)
- You can raise your hand and ask for help.
Have you ever been the recipient of fake appreciation? We probably all have at one time or another. Fake appreciation is discouraging, and most times it’s worse than no appreciation at all. Sometimes the leaders’ intentions are good, but their efforts fall short. Here are a few all-too-common examples:
Two Scoops of Motivation
If your only strategic response to a big win or to boost morale is to have all the top execs serve ice cream to rank-and-file employees, you’ve missed the mark. Many find it patronizing and belittling; it’s too trite following a big win, and too shallow for boosting morale in challenging times. Your employees are not toddlers; ice cream will not enhance their long-term job satisfaction (neither will burgers, hot dogs, pizza or having your car washed by the CFO). This type of motivation will last about as long as a hot fudge sundae on a 100 degree day. (more…)
Just about everyone has an inner circle. Hopefully your circle is made up of people with whom you are safe discussing topics and getting feedback. The people in your inner circle should bring value to you by both building you up and challenging you. (more…)
Like many of you, I’ve been conducting performance reviews these past few months, while many leaders dislike this process, I have to admit it is extremely fulfilling for me. I am passionate about helping other leaders see the fun in performance reviews. This is the first of two posts on the subject. Today, let’s look at my top six picks for performance review mishaps. (more…)
This week’s REALity Question is one that I have fun asking various groups and teams from time to time.
Who’s more valuable – the leader or the player?
Before you answer, think about it for a minute. If a team is loaded with talented players, does the coach really matter? On the other hand, if you have the league’s best coach leading a team of marginally-skilled players, can the coach really make a difference? (more…)