For a long time, there was an unwritten agreement between employers and employees. You showed up. You worked hard. You did your job well. You supported the organization, and in return, you expected the organization to support you. Nobody necessarily handed you a document explaining the arrangement. It was simply understood. Stay with the company. Do good work. Take on more responsibility. In return, there would be opportunity, reasonable security, increasing compensation, and perhaps … [Read more...]
Effective. Efficient. Elevate.
Every August, I participate in an annual charity 5K. It is always a hot event, but this year the combination of high humidity and hundreds of runners made it feel like running in a sauna. After crossing the finish line, I wasn’t looking for someone to reset me. I was looking for a cool drink of water so I could become refreshed. Throughout August, we have considered what happens when leaders deliberately step away from the daily pace long enough to relax, gain perspective, and return with … [Read more...]
When an Optional Retreat Isn’t Really Optional
The email arrives in early August. The company is organizing a retreat. There will be planning sessions, team-building activities, dinners, and time to connect outside the office. Attendance is described as optional, although the message makes it clear that senior leadership is excited and hopes everyone will participate. For some employees, the dates are not a problem. They may even be looking forward to the trip. For others, the timing creates an immediate conflict. One family has been … [Read more...]
The Perspective You Won’t Find At Your Desk
Formula One racing teams don’t wait until a tire fails before bringing a car into the pits. The stop is planned. The crew is ready. The goal isn’t to fix a problem. It’s to prevent one. The fastest cars on the track deliberately pause so they can perform at the highest level when they return. The same principle exists almost everywhere we look. Toyota doesn’t wait for machinery to break before performing maintenance. Farmers understand that fields sometimes need a season of renewal … [Read more...]
When Was the Last Time You Really Disconnected?
A few years ago, one of my sons, Neil, and I went hiking in Grand Teton National Park. It was spring, although we had been warned that some of the trails at higher elevations still had snow and ice. We were only going out for the day, so we packed light day packs. Of course, we each brought our cell phones. Even when you're packing light, somehow the phone makes the cut. It adds a little weight, has to be strategically positioned away from liquids, and needs to be secure while still being … [Read more...]