By Kevin Eikenberry Conflict avoidance, as a general statement isn’t a good idea. Left unchecked and unaddressed, conflict tends to grow, not recede. But the question here is about you, as a leader, and whether conflict avoidance is a good idea. The answer is, it depends. If someone on the team is coming to you, telling you about what someone else is doing wrong -and … [Read more...]
What is the Best Way to Build My Leadership Skills?
By Kevin Eikenberry What is the best way to build my leadership skills? It is a question I hear often. It is an understandable question that comes from a great intention. And I hate the question. I don’t hate the intention behind it – in fact I love it. But the question itself? Not so much. Let me explain. This question is like so many other questions that I frame as the … [Read more...]
When Does Leading Get Easier?
By Kevin Eikenberry Leadership is hard work. You may have heard or read me say it – and chances are you have experienced it – the transition to being a leader is likely the hardest transition of your professional life. To do it well requires dedication, discipline, attention, and a lot of skill. Then, the natural question is – when does it get easier? I’ll … [Read more...]
After the Congratulations Stop
By Kevin Eikenberry You’ve gotten the promotion – perhaps the one you have dreamed of for a long time. You have moved from individual contributor to leader. While some might be jealous, mostly you have been congratulated on your new role. But after the congratulations fade the reality sets in – you have a new job, and you aren’t exactly sure where to start. If you are asking … [Read more...]
Wise words: Jessye Norman on Finding Balance
I’ve been thinking about work/life balance a lot lately, so when I ran across that quote from American opera singer Jessye Norman, I knew I wanted to share it with you:Finding balance can be difficult for anyone, but it’s harder when you’re responsible for many people. If you manage a team of five, you can easily be pulled in seven different directions: five for those … [Read more...]