“Too often, we don’t find out what’s truly on others’ hearts and minds because we don’t know how to ask the right questions in the right ways,” explains Jeff Wetzler, author of the new book, ASK.  In his timely, must-read book, Wetzler shows you a powerful method called The Ask Approach™, based on a simple premise: that tapping into what other people truly think, know, and feel is a game-changing superpower for leaders.  Wetzler explains that the only thing that allows you to understand what’s on another person’s mind better is just asking them.  Following the powerful The ..read more

The constant pace of change and a variety of new demands are contributing to widespread burnout among both employees and managers today.  According to new research from a Harris Poll survey done on behalf of The Grossman Group, more than 75% of employees and 63% of managers report feeling burned out or ambivalent in their current position.   And surprisingly managers are not recognizing just how overwhelmed their employees feel, with 89% saying their employees are thriving compared to the actual thriving figure of 24%. That is more than a 3-to-1 discrepancy.   Today, I asked Da ..read more

Yesterday, I published a post about the new book, Burnout Immunity, by Dr. Kandi Wiens.  In the book, she explains that employees who work at organizations led by servant leaders tend to have higher job satisfaction, higher engagement, and higher psychological well-being. Those employees also tend to have lower levels of emotional exhaustion, cynicism, boredom, and intent to quit. Less burnout.  As background, servant leadership places primary emphasis on the growth, freedom, health, autonomy, and overall well-being of those it serves, rather than on the leader.  Wiens lists i ..read more

Raise your hand if you have ever experienced burnout during your career? I sense many raised hands. That is because workplace burnout is incredibly common. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. Burnout also means feeling unmotivated and feeling stuck and ineffective. And making too many personal sacrifices, wanting to leave your job, and having a bad or cynical attitude about your work.   Fortunately, according to Dr. Kandi Wi ..read more

“The fact is that most companies are structured to maximize efficiency and minimize risk, resulting in an environment that ultimately prevents meaningful innovations,” explains Elliott Parker, author of the new book, The Illusion of Innovation.  Adopting inefficiency, experimentation, and messiness as a strategy sounds counterintuitive, but Parker – backed by 25 years’ experience working with Fortune 50 companies – proves it’s necessary for progress.  “The hard truth is there is no formula for innovation success because every innovation is new and every organization unique. The only ..read more

Speaking about his new book, The Generous Leader, author Joe Davis says, “This book is about the ways in which you can become a generous leader to be part of something bigger than yourself.”  He adds that the old model for a leader – a top-down, unilateral, single-focus boss, isn’t effective in today’s workplace. “That old model no longer attracts talent, invites collaboration, or gets the best results from the team. That leader’s time is passed. Today, there is a need for a more human-centered, bighearted, authentic way to lead,” adds Davis.   To help you become a generous leader ..read more

Years ago, Entrepreneur magazine offered these timeless and valuable tips on how to give praise: Praise followed by criticism is not praise. Praise followed by praise is probably a little too much praise. Ending an expression of praise with "...and stuff" nullifies the praise. And, Make it timely. The closer the recognition is to the behavior, the more likely the behavior will be repeated. Be sincere. Be impromptu.  Remember, a handwritten note is worth more than a gift card. Having trouble writing your handwritten note of praise? Try this template to ge ..read more

The new book, Shine, is a transformative guide that illustrates how looking inward is the key to unlocking true entrepreneurial freedom. Certainly, Shine is a book for entrepreneurs, however, it is bound to benefit any business leader.  “Entrepreneurs often have a burning need to succeed. But that same relentless brilliance that propels you in your career can take a toll on your teams, personal relationships, and even your health,” explain author Gino Wickman andcoauthor Rob Dube. “Our book will help you strike a crucial balance between those inner and outer worlds while taking your succ ..read more

Forbes named, A New Way To Think, as one of the 10 must-read books for 2022.  In the book, authored by Roger L. Martin, he urges business leaders to toss out the old ways of thinking, and instead try new models in every domain of management – from competition and customers to strategy, data, culture, talent, mergers and acquisitions, and everything in-between.  More specifically, within 14 chapters, Martin explores his recommended new ways of thinking about: Competition Stakeholders Customers Strategy Data Knowledge Work Corporate Functions Planning Execution Talent ..read more

“Uncertainty is here to stay. Rather than seeing it as an obstacle to overcome, integrate it into your strategic approach to invigorate your high-growth potential and outperform competition under any market condition,” explains Rebecca Homkes, author of the new book, Survive, Reset, Thrive.  “Most books aren’t honest enough about how hard it is to reset,” adds Homkes. Yet, resetting and leaning into change is essential. “If you are ready to embrace change as a central element of your growth strategy, this book is for you.” Homkes’ book is a timely, comprehensive, and essential rea ..read more