What does it mean when a person or a culture is said to have a we/they issue? The most common explanation of we/they is when someone positions themselves positively (or at least neutrally) while positioning someone else less favorably. A classic example is a manager who says, “If it were up to me, I’d give you a raise, but administration has frozen all pay increases for the rest of the year.” While we/they is harmful…
We are short-staffed. It is so hard to find help. These statements are often given as the explanation for a range of issues: why something is taking longer than planned…why response is slower than desired…why business hours are less than they used to be…why people are working more hours than they like…why employees feel overwhelmed…why companies are paying more overtime dollars and at times bringing in temporary workers at a high cost…etc. Taken as stand-alone items,…
How self-aware are you? In my book The Busy Leader’s Handbook, published by Wiley, Chapter 1 is titled “Strive to Be Self-Aware and Coachable.” The book is about how to lead people and places that thrive. There are 41 stand-alone chapters that provide tips for leaders in the many situations they face. Why is Chapter 1 different from the other 40 chapters? Because if someone is not self-aware and coachable, those other chapters will not have…
How does one replenish themselves and others? A common definition of the word replenish is “to make full again.” This is often used in terms of supplying what is lacking, used up, etc. I have heard the message that one should stay hydrated. To hydrate is to replenish oneself. That is physical replenishment, and it’s important…but mental and emotional replenishment are also important. Much of my current work is focused on helping organizations create cultures of replenishment.…
Managing burnout is a two-pronged effort for leaders: we need to care for our own mental health as well as that of our team members. In many cases, one perpetuates the other. Dr. Ben Knutson, a busy ER physician, does focus on work/life balance, play, and family time. But also, he finds that helping his team at the Mayo Clinic better manage burnout is incredibly replenishing for him as well. In this conversation with Quint…
I woke up recently in great spirits. I was spending time with a group, and they noticed my jovial demeanor. One person described it as childlike joy. Later on, another person shared that since they have begun meditating, they are doing better. It hit me: I had meditated every morning for the past week. Maybe this influenced why I had woken up in such a good mood. As he continued speaking, I realized that I…
As a leader, do I bring the needed enthusiasm to those I meet? Do I express optimism about the future? Lately, these are questions I’ve been thinking about a lot. With each of my books, columns, articles, podcasts, and presentations, I hold up the self-awareness mirror. The question I ask myself is: How well am I following what I recommend to others? Sharing best practices in leadership provides such an opportunity. It is normal for me to come…
Gossip is something I’ve encountered at various times in my life. I am on a journey of learning. When I share about work situations and community items, the fact that they’re based on actual experiences is helpful. It provides me with empathy and understanding. I know how hard being in a leadership role is. In studying recent employee engagement results and reading comments, it became clear there are signs of gossip. In researching materials on…
Organizations work very hard to create and market a great brand for consumers. Their goal is to make sure their products and services are distinguishable from the products and services of others. I’ve seen a brand described as a perception in the mind of the customer, and as a promise of what they will experience. That brand promise is vital. It attracts customers and gives them a reason (the “why”) to use the product or…
In this season of Thanksgiving, it occurred to me that one thing I’m deeply grateful for is the opportunity to give. Since well before the inception of Healthcare Plus Solutions Group (HPSG), my colleague, Quint Studer, and I have tried to demonstrate a closeness to the healthcare industry…and part of that closeness is illustrated by looking for opportunities to give back. One of the most tangible illustrations was the amount of time that Quint has…