Why “One Size Fits All” Leadership Styles Actually Fit None
Have you ever tried on a garment labeled “one size fits all” and thought, “Uh, really?” Well, over the years I’ve found the term “one size fits all” doesn’t translate any better in management than it does in tank tops or Halloween costumes. And yet, leaders often fall into the trap of trying to manage […]
“We Didn’t Give Ourselves the Trophies” — Millennials
If I had to vote for the most unfair cliché to describe the supposed problem other generations have with millennials, I’d say it’s the concept of young people being the “trophy generation.” Although many of today’s twenty- and thirtysomethings did receive trophies and praise more than other generations, here is why I believe the stereotype […]
Managing Millennials Q&A: Why Isn’t My Mentee Reaching Out?
Note to readers: This is the sixth post in my new series based on questions I frequently hear about managing millennials — those ongoing management challenges that can really make or break workplace relationships. Each month I’ll tackle a question and provide some advice for managers and millennials (and, of course, millennial managers). I hope the […]
Multigenerational Workplace Challenge: Develop Healthy Conflict Resolution Skills
Disagreement in the workplace is inevitable, particularly when you are passionate about what you do. Add in generational differences and discord can become all but certain. But here’s the thing: Conflict needs to be respectful. Always. Losing your temper or being overly stubborn can mar your professional image. Mastering the art of healthy debate and […]
What Do Millennials Really Want in a Work Environment?
Modular furniture? Bike rooms? Relaxation spaces? I’m often asked what millennials most want in a work environment, because there is so much conflicting information. New trends seem to arise every day: Open plan offices were all the rage among employers, until people realized they can be noisy and distracting. Working from home was going to […]
Want To Shed the Millennial “Snowflake” Image? This Quality Will Help
Grit. This word has recently jumped into our business vernacular, sparked in large part by the revealing book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth. When millennials are falsely described through stereotypes like “snowflakes” or “trophy chasers” or as being constantly hovered over by “helicopter parents,” what detractors are really saying is […]
5 Totally Ridiculous Things Millennials Are Blamed For
We have literally been shaming younger generations for centuries, and while I firmly believe it’s time to stop shaming the millennial generation in particular, it also helps to keep a sense of humor about these things. Someone made a collage of headlines saying what millennials are killing So today let’s look on the lighter side […]
Communication Secrets of Great Leaders
Have you ever worked for someone with exceptional communication skills? Whether they have a knack for simplifying a complex topic or inspiring a team with just the right message, gifted communicators are able to instantly win over their audience in any setting — from a large conference audience to a one-on-one meeting. The good […]
ICYMI: My Post on Helicopter Parents Struck a Chord
Wow. People feel strongly about helicopter parents in the workplace. It seems my July 26 post on helicopter parents in the workplace definitely resonated. I enjoyed reading each and every comment and thought I would share a few of them in case you missed the lively discussion… Twitter Buzz on Helicopter Parenting I appreciated […]
The Best Career Advice Quotations
One of my favorite questions to ask successful professionals is, “What is one thing you know now that you wish you had known earlier in your career?” (For me, it’s learning to reach out for help when difficult situations arise, rather than thinking I have to solve everything myself.) Surround Yourself With an Awesome Team […]