I’m always amazed at automation–it’s allowed us to come so far, to realize more efficiencies, effectiveness, and productivity from our obviously dull existences.
But you know what? Automation is not necessarily the right thing in all situations. Changing under the guise of automation sounds sexy, streamlined, and fast. It sounds right.
But what if it isn’t?
This is an interesting and pertinent topic to me; most of my clients are undergoing some level of change in structure and/or processes regarding talent and workforce planning right now (some for positive reasons, others… not so much), and it’s unlikely that this trend will slow down for some time. (more…)
So, with most payroll surveys showing 2.0-2.5% increases in salary budgets for 2012, life’s a breeze, right? Just add the percentages into the Excel formula, press “Enter,” and you’re done, right?
Actually, wrong.
Enter “wage inflation.”
I’m going to avoid the ecomomist argument that higher wages do or do not cause inflation. That’s just not our relative concern here. What is clearly our concern is that stronger economic growth lowers general unemployment rate (even if slowly). This, theoretically, can cause us to “bid up” the price of labor and (hopefully) pass through those higher costs in the form of higher prices.
You can be a leader, or you can be a jerk. You can’t be both, no matter what you think, and no matter how hard you try. (note: I didn’t say you couldn’t be a “manager.” A business card doth not a leader make…)
Leadership requires vision, and the wherewithal to execute to that vision, convincing and motivating those following to do “more” (called “discretionary effort”) in support and pursuit of that leader’s vision.
Being a jerk is in direct opposition to that effort.
So, what’s a leader to do, assuming s/he wants to avoid jerkdom? This ain’t exactly rocket surgery, but here are a few tips… (more…)
Change is good.
Change is the only constant.
I like change… I’m a change agent.
Yeah, right. I’m calling bullshit. Enough already with this change-kumbaya stuff. Sometimes, change is essential for growth, for progress, hell even for organizational survival. Sometimes. (more…)
Too many C-Levels spend too much time with block-and-tackling tasks and not enough time with real strategic leadership efforts. The differences are huge. And frankly, we need more leaders not do-ers.
Senior-most leadership is not for the faint at heart, nor is it a logical progression, really, from any position. There’s little specific preparation for that CEO role, only the hope that we’ve picked up some of the specific needs by observation. So, why don’t more step up to that true-leadership challenge?
The answers may surprise you… for instance: (more…)
Join our mailing list to receive our newsletter jam-packed with info, leadership tips, and fun musings.