If your door is always open, you should go out in the world and see what's going on. Way to often the open door is a lazy excuse. Sure, come to me with your questions, doubts, concerns, just don't expect me to ask first. Because, well, you do not care. We keep reading of how … Continue reading My door is always open
Tag: empathy
Fan
If you want people around you to be motivated, be their fan. Cheer for them, clap for them, believe in them. Tell them they will be successful. Find what they are good at and nudge them. Promote them, advocate for their cause, put their work forward, write them references, and be their marketing department. Particularly … Continue reading Fan
The golden mean
I bought this yesterday, what do you think? Do you like my new haircut? I heard you were at my presentation, did you enjoy it? Honesty is a wonderful thing, but if you have ever had to answer the questions above (or any of their variations) you know that honesty has its dark side. Actually, … Continue reading The golden mean
Pick one
Since you have just started here / you have time / you have done it until now / I don't want to do it, why don't you take responsibility for this project? Or alternatively. I have noticed you working on a past project, and I appreciate how you could keep things on track while still … Continue reading Pick one
The big reveal
Our next project, the future of the team, the current state of affairs, the launch of the new product, the brand revamp, the newly appointed executive, the team member who is leaving. If we treat everything as a big reveal, sharing information with a restricted number of confidants while others are left reading tea leaves, … Continue reading The big reveal
Leave behind
A truth of life is that, at any point in time, we leave behind a wealth of opportunities, almost infinite chances. And a second truth of life is that we often care much more about what we are leaving behind rather than what we have with us. I guess the point is, why are you … Continue reading Leave behind
Lack of communication
Silence is golden. Lack of communication is not. One can find comfort in silence. It is a moment of reflection, of expression, of deep connection. Leaders who learn the power of silence are better listeners, and their team members get in a habit of sharing. Lack of communication is on the opposite side of the … Continue reading Lack of communication
Fairly and kindly
The things you believe you do to others, you actually end up doing them to yourself. The smart comeback to your colleague's comment is going to hurt a relationship that is important to you. The reply you have not sent to that important message is holding the project back and yourself accountable. The carefully planned … Continue reading Fairly and kindly
Auto reply
Four ways companies can decide to (automatically) answer an application for an open position. #1*crickets chirp* #2Hi, we have received your application. Best Regards. #3Hi *candidate name*,Thank you for your interest in *company name*! We wanted to let you know we received your application for *open position*, and we are delighted that you would consider … Continue reading Auto reply
Not going to work
The things you say have a life of their own. They do not fade once you are done saying them. They keep floating, and those who have heard them carry them around for an indefinite amount of time. They change in meaning. They change in strength. They change in effect. Often they are still there … Continue reading Not going to work