When we were together at #HREvolution in Chicago this Spring, Paul Hebert, @incentintel, led a session with Jason Seiden with the objective of discussing how to influence people.  I found an interesting twist to the conversation that I have not been able to get out of my head for the last couple of months.  So, I have been reading and thinking and watching with this topic in mind.  I feel that my thoughts might be helpful for some.

The topic about influencing continually moved to compensation and incentives.  I believe some in the group had a very different perspective of these terms then I did. And, if I am going to develop myself and my managers as good leaders at Aquire, I need to figure out why!   read more »

How a company adapts during a crisis or problem can give you a true sense of their leadership. Policies are important to be created and followed as a framework when issues pop up. But when an unprecedented crisis occurs, leadership is tested. I have to say I’ve been disgusted by many employers’ choices during the European travel crises due to the Icelandic volcano. Because so many of the stories I’m referencing are sourced from blogs and cnn.com ireports, I’m not going to reference them with links, as I cannot verify the criticisms of specific companies. But the lessons are still real. read more »

As leaders we should all try to give the gift of perspective to our employees, our friends, and our families, especially in this difficult economic time. We may not have the power or authority to change the current physical or financial environment, but we can change our perspective and we can help others do the same. I believe that, as leaders, we must consider what perspective we follow and what perspective we project. read more »

After discussing the trip we took to South Africa last summer with a friend, Greg Magennis, he loaned me an amazing book, Playing the Enemy by John Carlin. This book is an incredible study of leadership. At first I was simply impressed by the story of Nelson Mandela and how he lead people from apartheid into his presidency and a more unified nation. The story itself made a big enough impression on me. Yet, I can’t stop thinking about the book. It is the essence of his leadership that keeps playing in my mind. read more »

You have knowledge that you take for granted, as most people do. But one of the best gifts you can give is your knowledge. I talked about this a little at Thanksgiving, but there is more to consider. As you gather for Christmas holidays you will encounter students or people who may have been through a lay off or reorganization. Your knowledge may be invaluable to them. read more »