“I never get involved in politics,” “I hate power plays, they create a bad atmosphere in teams.” Associated with ego and underhanded manipulations, politics have a bad name in companies. Yet, given recent financial constraints, political maneuvering for limited resources is on the rise. Is this cause for concern? In a difficult economic situation, leadersRead more…

One result of the “infobesity” that characterizes today’s business environment is that it is more and more difficult—yet critical—to get people’s attention. According to Dan Roam, the solution to this communication challenge is to illustrate words with pictures! Even if you hate to draw, visual thinking can enable you to communicate more efficiently and convincingly.Read more…

Do you have trouble listening to opinions that differ from your own or asking others for advice? Do you feel like you should appear poised and in control at all times? All too often, addiction to achievement causes driven professionals to sabotage themselves without even knowing it. Stop doing the wrong things well and startRead more…

When push comes to shove, leaders may sometimes need to sacrifice being kind in order to get results… Right? Wrong! Too many confuse benevolent attitudes with weakness —to the detriment of their ability to lead. If you happen to be charismatic, great, but that isn’t the signature characteristic of a great leader. We think kindnessRead more…

Are you incapable of making choices? Do your decisions lead to chaos? Is your brain working overtime? If so, like most leaders, you probably suffer from decision fatigue. Dangerous for your performance and that of your company, fighting it requires three things: take your time, trust your intuition, and lean on those around you. NoRead more…

“The ideas are there, all around us, just waiting to be identified and turned into innovations,” explains Andy Boynton and Bill Fischer, co-authors of The Idea Hunter (Jossey-Bass 2011). Innovation is not the fruit of genius but of constant attention to cultivating curiosity…and humility. The trick is to learn how to find them, and itRead more…

While the power of networks (as a pool of talents, skills, ideas, resources, etc.) is considerable, managers too often fail to make use of it. Regardless of this all-too-common tendency among managers, developing a strategic approach to networking is a challenge that has to be met in a successful career. You are only five handshakesRead more…

Why do some people withstand pressure better than others? Because they have acquired the skills that allow them to limit its negative effects. Working on yourself and practicing make it possible to confront even the worst squalls with greater serenity. Why do some people deal with pressure better than others? According to Clutch author PaulRead more…