Hey, Coach!
6th in a series I stated earlier that performance evaluation (management) is not a one-time event, held at the close of a performance cycle. It is an ongoing process that IS the cycle! The leader and the direct report … Continue reading
Discussing Changes of Expectations
5th in a series The only human beings that really appreciate regular change are babies. It never fails. You get a great performance plan written and agreed to. You enter it into your organization’s system, and start working on achieving … Continue reading
Setting Great Expectations
4th in a series Do you hear that rumbling in the distance? Or maybe it’s not so far away. It’s the sound of a run – a run on your talent bank. And if you are resting on your engagement … Continue reading
The Balance of Expectations
As many organizations begin their next performance cycle, I thought it would be good to show what makes for an effective process that managers, supervisors, and employees can actually look forward to. 3rd in a series A senior-level manager showed … Continue reading
What’s This About Performance Reviews – Part 2
As many organizations begin their next performance cycle, I thought it would be good to show what makes for an effective process that managers, supervisors, and employees can actually look forward to. 2nd in a series Part 1 dealt with … Continue reading
What’s This About Performance Reviews? – Part 1
As many organizations begin their next performance cycle, I thought it would be good to show what makes for an effective process that managers, supervisors, and employees can actually look forward to. 1st in a series There has been a … Continue reading
The Trouble With A-Players
Recently, I have seen an increase in chatter about “A-Players” out on the blogs – especially when it comes to recruiting and development. I find it interesting because this is a broad category of employee performance that often gets pigeon-holed … Continue reading
Overshooting Relevance
I was talking to a friend over the holiday, who told me about a situation at work. It seems there is an open position that the manager is looking to fill. He has a dynamite candidate – already a “temp” … Continue reading
Just 5 More Minutes? No!
In yesterday’s The Conversation (HBR Blog), Authors Paul Lienwald and Cesare Mainardi cite the Booz & Company survey, where executives from around the world were asked to comment on the results of their strategic initiatives. Their comment: With more than … Continue reading
That’s A Mighty Big Dust Bunny You Got There…
I originally thought it was just me, but recent conversations with colleagues have convinced me that this issue of talent retention is known about in high places, but not really being addressed. Unless tacit acknowledgement about it qualifies for “addressing.” … Continue reading
What is Corporate Culture?
A posting on a blog I recently saw asked the question, “Can the culture of a company be dictated by top level management?” Dictated? Not really. Defined and demonstrated? An absolute must! The definition I have used for corporate culture … Continue reading
Going Down the “Brain Drain?”
A friend of mine recently sent me this amusing little dialog he came across… Employee: Excuse me sir, may I talk to you? Boss: Sure, come on in. What can I do for you? Employee: Well sir, as … Continue reading
Engagement Low? Check The Dictionary!
The words you use may be compounding your problem. More and more studies are showing numbers above 50% representing employees who are planning to jump ship within the next 12-18 months – and it may not be that long, either. … Continue reading
Getting SOAKed
When Technical Expertise Gets In The Way There was an interesting “tweet” that came across my screen the other day. The tag read “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.” It linked to an article about innovation, but it … Continue reading
CEO vs Engagement – Part 5
Reminder: This is the 5th (of 5) responses to Lance Haun’s “Five Reason’s Your CEO Doesn’t Care About Engagement.” My responses start with the December post titled “Cultural Responsibilities” CEO Statement #5 Engagement Is Not An Objective If you look … Continue reading
CEO vs. Engagement – Part 4
Reminder: This is the 4th (of 5) responses to Lance Haun’s “Five Reason’s Your CEO Doesn’t Care About Engagement.” My responses start with the December post titled “Cultural Responsibilities” CEO Statement #4 Oh Hey, Look – Another “Touchy-Feely” HR Initiative … Continue reading
CEO vs. Engagement – Part 3
Reminder: This is the 3rd (of 5) responses to Lance Haun’s “Five Reason’s Your CEO Doesn’t Care About Engagement.” My responses start with the December post titled “Cultural Responsibilities” Huan’s 3rd argument…There’s no ROI In order to drive employee engagement, … Continue reading
CEO vs Engagement – Part 2
Reminder: This is the 2nd (of 5) responses to Lance Haun’s “Five Reason’s Your CEO Doesn’t Care About Engagement.” My responses start with the December post titled “Cultural Responsibilities” Jobs that don’t lend themselves to engagement The year was 1964. … Continue reading
CEO vs Engagement – Part 1
Reminder: This is the 1st (of 5) responses to Lance Haun’s “Five Reason’s Your CEO Doesn’t Care About Engagement.” My responses start with the December post titled “Cultural Responsibilities” “The Company is not ready” Haun’s argument here is that, in … Continue reading
Cultural Responsibilities
NOTE: On 2/3/11, the subsequent postings were linked by each of the 5 reasons listed below. You can also link using the post listings “CEO vs. Engagement” on the right. We have heard time and again that it is the … Continue reading
Blocking and Hoarding
Growth may mean exit – but which way? I spent 8 years working with a junior varsity show choir band – the background instrumentalists behind what could be called a “Glee, Jr.”. They were wonderful years and I got to … Continue reading



