by Larry Johnson I’m a big believer in Bear Bryant Motivation and here’s why. I usually lead off my management workshops by having people brainstorm a list of words and phrases that describe the worst managers for whom they have ever worked. Invariably, the sin of “Takes credit for your work,” is mentioned. Yuk. Isn’t… Read More >>
Truth To Power: Avoiding the Naked Emperor Syndrome
Speaking truth to power – definition: (Huffington Post) “Speaking truth to power means believing deeply in what you say and fighting every day to have that heard. It may not be popular; it means taking a risk, it means standing for something.” Alternate definition: having the guts to tell the truth about your company to… Read More >>
Improving Corporate Culture – Having an Accountability Conversation, Part 6
This is the 6th in the series of video blogs I’m doing on improving corporate culture by having an accountability conversation. Note: If you missed Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5, you can watch them all before watching this video. What does “Having an accountability conversation” really mean? In our last session, we talked… Read More >>
Improving Corporate Culture – Cultivating Employee Accountability, Part 5
This is the fifth in a series of video blogs on improving your corporate culture by cultivating employee accountability. What a concept! In the first four sessions, we talked about the importance of being clear with your team about your expectations around accountability. What Can You Do as a Manager or Supervisor to Create an… Read More >>
Improving Corporate Culture – Employee Accountability, Part 4
This is the fourth in a series of video blogs on improving your corporate culture by cultivating employee accountability. If you missed Part 1 , Part 2, and Part 3, you can watch them both before watching this post. You can read the summary of the video below: Corporate Culture We’re looking for people who will… Read More >>
Radical Honesty = Meritocracy & Success
I just read a fascinating treatise on corporate culture and radical honesty called Principles, written by Ray Dalio. If the name is not familiar to you, he founded and is the co-CEO of Bridgewater Associates. With $152 billion in assets and 1500 employees, it is the world’s largest hedge fund. Dalio started investing when he… Read More >>
Leadership = Monkey See, Monkey Do
Leadership at mighty Volkswagen was embarrassed this past week when the company was caught cheating. The ensuing scandal has forced CEO Martin Winterkorn to resign. To enable its Diesel automobiles to pass rigid U.S. emission control standards without losing any noticeable power, the company has, for years, installed special software to get around the inspection system.… Read More >>
Amazon Corporate Culture: Sweatshop or Paradise?
The recent article in the New York Times[1] criticizing Amazon’s corporate culture as a “brutal” and cutthroat culture has the business pundits all atwitter. It seems this company that has enjoyed astronomical success in on-line retailing may not be everyone’s idea of a great place to work. Employees are reportedly expected to work up to 16 hours a… Read More >>
Culture Of Engagement Requires “Generosity Gene”
I’m presently reading The Real-Life MBA: Your No-BS Guide to Winning the Game, Building a Team, and Growing Your Career by Jack and Suzy Welch.1 So far, it’s chock full of practical suggestions on how to be a great leader in business, including how to push employee engagement up. And given their track records (Jack… Read More >>
Tom Selleck’s Lesson For Corporate Culture
Regarding corporate culture, there is a famous quote in Time Magazine from Warren Buffet that goes: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” Never has that quote been more appropriate than in an age where social media can have a huge impact on an employer’s reputation. Do something… Read More >>