management
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Best Practices Are Overrated
The longer I work in technology and leadership, the more suspicious I become of the phrase “best practices.” Don’t get me wrong. Standards are necessary. My suspicion comes from how the term has evolved. “Best practice” has become one of… Continue reading
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When Empathy Becomes Enabling
Empathy is widely regarded as one of the most critical leadership traits of our time. And, undoubtedly, that is fundamentally a good thing. We have moved away from the stoic, unfeeling management styles of the past toward a model that… Continue reading
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When Collaboration Becomes Poor Decision-Making
We all want to work in a collaborative culture. The idea itself sounds unquestionably good, doesn’t it? We picture teams where everyone feels heard. We imagine a seamless flow of ideas from diverse perspectives. We want alignment, buy-in, and the… Continue reading
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When “Culture Fit” is used as a convenient excuse, it’s bad for your team and your business
“Culture fit.” It’s a consideration in the hiring (and sometimes firing) process. It sounds thoughtful, smart, responsible, as it conjures images of a harmonious workplace where everyone gets along, values align perfectly, and friction is non-existent. In reality, “culture fit”… Continue reading
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The Message Your Decision Sends
Leadership decisions are rarely just about the decision itself. They are about the message that decision sends. Consider a few common scenarios. An employee asks to upgrade an already generous snack bar. Another suggests increasing the catered lunch budget. A… Continue reading
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