Blog






Individual Development Planning: From One-on-One to a Team Sport
Many leaders – even those deeply committed to the growth of others – find themselves cringing as the annual individual development planning (IDP) season approaches. And they’re not alone. Employees frequently feel a similar sense of dread as they prepare to sit down...

Development: The Gift that Just Keeps Giving
With another extraordinary holiday season upon us, many leaders struggle to determine the best way to punctuate the year and thank their employees. Some settle on physical tokens. Others gravitate toward parties or meals. And a dwindling few find ways to offer cash...

December 2021 Leadership Development Carnival
As another pretty unusual year comes to a close, the importance of effective leadership has become increasingly clear. Organizations that have survived - and even thrived - during these past 21 months are the ones that have cultivated extraordinary leaders....

Thanksgiving Career Development Compilation
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. There’s something about this time of year when so many people are focused on gratitude that makes the world a bit softer, kinder, and warmer. And from this warm place, I find myself reflecting on the enormous gifts in my life –...

From ‘Great’ to ‘Ghoulish’: Surviving as Resignations Get Even Scarier
This might be the scariest Halloween that organizations and leaders have ever faced. Grim year-end forecasts. Ongoing supply chain(saw) massacres plaguing nearly every industry. Offices that look like graveyards. And spookiest of all is the specter of unwanted and...

October 2021 Leadership Development Carnival
Nine years ago when I launched my first book, I was invited to participate in this Leadership Development Carnival. And I was completely confused about what kind of circus I was signing up for. Since then, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this monthly celebration of timely and...

Heart First Leadership in Unprecedented Times: Guest Post by David Grossman
I am delighted to share this guest blog post from my friend David Grossman. I’ve been a fan of David’s work for years. I had high expectations for his latest book, Heart First: Lasting Leader Lessons from a Year that Changed Everything; and I wasn’t disappointed. This...

Why We Still Can’t Get Career Development Right
Yet again, organizations, talent professionals, and leaders have to face the hard data and hard reality that we’ve still not cracked the code on what matters most to employees: career opportunities. It’s not for lack of effort. Companies are investing extraordinary resources in skills training, portals, online systems, and processes designed to make this happen. And it all falls short. Here’s why.

The ABCs of Soliciting and Accepting Feedback
Soliciting and accepting feedback graciously are skills that distinguish successful and effective individuals. Yet many people have not had the benefit of learning these skills. Your employees are likely among them. In this excerpt from Help Them Grow or Let them Go,...