Recently, complaints about powerful men (and women) committing sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace have gone from a trickle to a torrent. After years of victims remaining silent about their mistreatment, they are finally speaking out in great numbers and I say bravo. It’s about time! But one has to ask why these victims… Read More >>
Unintended Lesson In Empowerment From United
Empowerment of employees: how can it save you money? Well…by now, you’ve probably seen the disturbing video of Dr. David Dao being dragged off a United Airlines flight to make room for crew members who were traveling to another airport to staff another flight. The incident has created outrage in social media, sparked harsh criticism… Read More >>
The Transparent Leader – a book worth reading
In this day of fake news, alternative facts and down right lying, it’s refreshing to read the Transparent Leader that celebrates honesty, integrity, and openness. I just finished reading The Transparent Leader: How to Build a Great Company Through Straight Talk, Openness, and Accountability by Herb Baum, the former CEO of the Dial Corporation.” Since… 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 >>
Open Door Policy = A Lame Excuse for Cultivating Honesty
In an insightful article in the January-February 2016 issue of the Harvard Business Review titled, “Can Your Employees Really Speak Freely?”(1) authors James R. Detert and Ethan R. Burrus discuss the importance of leaders maintaining a culture of honesty so they can get the feedback they need to know what’s going on in their organizations. They… Read More >>
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Kentucky Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)
As a professional speaker, I can’t believe how blessed I am to stand in front of an audience, flap my lips and get paid for it. But nothing beats presenting with my daughter Meagan Johnson like on September 24 when we presented at the 31st Annual SHRM Conference in Louisville. I am truly a lucky man.
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. To do… 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… 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 >>