The COVID-19 pandemic has surpassed unprecedented business challenges to, in many cases, drive a stark shift in priorities. With the risk that anyone could fall ill, organizations are racing to establish emergency succession plans in the wake of the virus. …
For the first episode of her new podcast, “Sugar Calling,” Wild author Cheryl Strayed had a conversation with former mentor and fellow author George Saunders about the current pandemic. “I follow Carl Reiner on Twitter,” she said, “and [the other …
We recently hosted 24 HR and Talent leaders from a variety of industries for a roundtable conversation on teams. During the few hours we spent together, each leader shared conversations they are having in their organizations on the topic and …
Teams are complex – “lots of moving parts,” as the saying goes. But focusing on one or two underlying aspects of team functioning might make that complexity more manageable. For instance, how often do leaders consider working on empathy (or …
When it comes to managing teams, how do you balance? It has been some time since I ran track personally, but the experience developed my ongoing appreciation for the sport – particularly the relays. Given the inherent individuality of track …
Living in Chicago, I (like many) was captivated by the Loyola Ramblers during their NCAA run this year. The storyline made for great TV: the timeless allegory of David and Goliath(s), the playful banter between team chaplain Sister Jean Dolores …
Let’s start with a story. This is a Zen parable about a woman staying in a mountainside retreat, located high above her beloved fishing village. She is staying in a beautiful house she built herself and has decorated over the …
Do you feel frustrated in your efforts to make a difference? Are you concerned you don’t have the right team in place? Are you tired of inheriting poor performers? If you answered yes to any of these, ask yourself: what’s …
A few years ago, I was attending a conference of executive coaches when a keynote speaker caught my attention. This gray-haired, seasoned executive coach suggested that we should not use the scientific model to benchmark our success as coaches, but …
Aside from trust, what is the most important ingredient for a team that wants to go from good to great? Simply put: The right stretch goal. Of course it is more than this. You need to have a strong leader …
