Tag: failure
The Risky Business of Leadership Development
Business success today demands careful attention to risk management. Contingency plans, redundant systems, business continuity insurance, and countless other vehicles protect organizations from the volatility and unpredictability of today’s business landscape. But there’s one area where risk should actually be cultivated rather than averted, and it’s the on-the-job growth, learning and development of leaders. By…
Lessons in Stumbling and Set-Backs… from the Big Top
I recently attended a stage production of Circus 1903, a variety show featuring turn-of-the-century circus acts. The audience enjoyed heart-stopping performances from high-wire artists, aerialists, contortionists, and acrobats from around the world. (While this isn’t intended to be a review, I can highly recommend the show!) Each act was an impressive display of a lifetime…
Career Conversations: A Chemistry Experiment
In their recent HBR blog post, Judith and Richard Glaser explore the neurochemistry of conversation. They explain that: “When we face criticism, rejection or fear, when we feel marginalized or minimized, our bodies produce higher levels of cortisol, a hormone that shuts down the thinking center of our brain [… causing us to] become more…
The New Game of Management
Today’s managers and supervisors are under tremendous, and often competing, pressures. They’re challenged to balance short-term results with long-term focus. They must keep costs down but drive ever-increasing levels of contribution and value. They must follow directives and think outside of the box. And they have to do it all at once. Analogies abound. A…
Are You Just Auditing? 3 Sure-Fire Signs
During a recent early morning yoga class, the instructor admonished the group with five words that have haunted me ever since: “Don’t just audit your practice.” I was guilty as charged… but not just at yoga. How frequently do we audit other dimensions of life – relationships, even work? In an educational setting, auditing a…
Make Sure to Learn from Your…. Successes
“Learn from your mistakes.” How frequently do we hear that – or something similar? Failure is touted as one of the most powerful teachers we’ll ever meet. It’s been elevated in some cases to a magical status that can produce outcomes of legendary proportions. (Think 3M and the less- sticky glue that ultimately birthed adhesive…