by D. Kevin Berchelmann | Jul 9, 2010 | Brazen Leader, Executive Improvement, Kevin Berchelmann
I recently presented “Leadership is Easy… until it isn’t: Successful leadership in challenging times“to six or seven hundred of my closest friends in San Diego at SHRM’s annual conference.
Both at the conference, and via email since then, I’ve received a hundred or so comments regarding the presentation. All positive so far, thankfully, but that could be misleading. More importantly, some of the specific comments included:
“Great presentation — the part on ‘no whining‘ was really relevant, and HR leaders would do well to take heed.”
“I liked the part about the Three Stupids; took notes on that part for sure.”
“I agree — Stupid should hurt!”
“My biggest take-away was the coaching advice: ‘you don’t really know the limits of your authority until you exceed it.’”
…and many more, with similar positions.
My biggest learning?
We need to spend more time “telling it like it is,” and facing reality head-on. This politically-correct garbage we get entangled with is stifling our abilities to lead with any real success. Stop it! If someone is acting stupid, how about saying “Hey — stop acting stupid!” instead of taking two 20-minute ‘counseling sessions’ to talk around it and make the person feel good in the process?
Why should I care how an idiot feels?
How about “Stop acting stupid — you’ll feel better.”
See, I can be sympathetic.
But that’s just me…
by D. Kevin Berchelmann | Jun 2, 2010 | Executive Improvement, Kevin Berchelmann
“My gut tells me…”
“I have this gut feeling…”
“Trust your gut…”
(All these sound sort of gross when used out of context, don’t they??)
Exactly when should senior leaders “trust their gut” when making decisions??
First, gut instincts are simply visceral descriptors for “judgment,” which is clearly a function of senior leadership. Solid facts may trump judgment/gut instinct, but full information, e.g., “facts,” aren’t often available.
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by D. Kevin Berchelmann | May 6, 2010 | Executive Improvement, Kevin Berchelmann
The Wall Street Journal posted an article asking “Are we working smarter, or just harder?”
I say, “What’s the difference??”
Now before some productivity, process, or efficiency yahoo jumps all over that and rails against me for advocating “harder” as equal to “smarter,” let me explain…
We simply don’t work hard enough today. Many of us (self included) seek immediate ways to minimize effort; we use technology, delegation, process improvement, yadda yadda…
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by D. Kevin Berchelmann | May 6, 2010 | Brazen Leader, Executive Improvement, Kevin Berchelmann
Management has been around a while, to be sure.
In fact, I’m quite fond of saying that “Management theories, principles, and concepts haven’t changed much since Moses.” I stand by that. Applications may have been modified, to allow for changing demographics, stilted legislation, excessive competition, etc. But the basics? Nope, no real change in a couple thousand years…
Throughout modern years, there always seems to be a movement afoot to “professionalize” management; to make it a “legitimate profession,” like you do specialty fields such as medicine law, and accounting.
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by D. Kevin Berchelmann | Apr 5, 2010 | Executive Improvement, Kevin Berchelmann
I love pithy quotes that people regularly share.
A frequently quoted proverb from Zig Ziglar on setting goals and time management:
“A goal without a deadline is just a dream.”
Now, if you subscribe to “SMART” goal methodology, which many of you do, then you already know that goals have an infinitely better chance of being successfully accomplished if they are Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Timely.
Yeah, yeah… we know that already…
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by D. Kevin Berchelmann | Mar 3, 2010 | Executive Improvement, Kevin Berchelmann
So, I travel a lot, as many of you do…
The TSA folks aren’t my favorite people, obviously, but I do understand they are merely the object of my ire and not the cause if it; and they have a job to do, that I sincerely hope they do well.
But seriously… look at this picture. It’s a sign posted at the Elite check-in line at Houston’s Intercontinental airport. If you are having trouble reading it, here’s what it says:
“Thank you for your patience as we carry out security procedures designed for your safety and required by law.
Our Transportation Security Officers also have rights. To protect their safety, threats, verbal abuse, or violence of any kind will not be tolerated.
Please give our officers the respect they deserve.
“Your safety is our priority.”
Really?? (more…)
