Surviving the Holidays with a Relative from a Different Political Party
It happens inevitably. We show up for a joyful holiday gathering with high expectations for family togetherness and giving thanks. Then someone brings up dreaded words, like “He should be in jail,” “Mass deportation,” or “Tax breaks for billionaires.” Here’s how we can keep the peace with family of a different political persuasion: Most importantly, […]
New Kid on the Block: A Guide for the “New Person” on Sports Teams, at School, and at Work
They say that the #1 fear we all have is public speaking. Close behind, #2, is the fear of walking into a room and not knowing anyone. Being the “new person” in any setting—whether it’s joining a sports team, starting at a new school, walking into a reception, or beginning a new job—can feel intimidating. […]
Handling Workplace Bullies and Jerks
I recently encountered a strange bullying situation, and it got me thinking about how best to deal with these jerks. I searched online for advice on “dealing with bullies,” and while there’s good information, much of it is generic. It often doesn’t account for the whirlwind of confusion and negative emotions we feel when we […]
Knowing When to Step Aside: Lessons in Leadership
I’m retiring at the end of 2024 after 29 years as a CEO in the electric utility industry. It’s been a great ride, and frankly, while I still have energy and expertise to offer, in my opinion, it should be more advisory. Coming to this decision wasn’t easy, and all I can say is I […]
Packing for a 2-week trip with a carry-on
I’m a terrible packer. Whenever I travel more than 2 nights, I get anxious about my need for clothing options. As a result, I use a large suitcase with about twice the clothes I actually use. I’ve only had to put up with my wife’s cajoling as she always packs a carry-on This became a […]
Staying Relevant in the Age of AI
As AI continues to transform industries, staying relevant in your job is more crucial than ever. The rapid pace of technological advancement requires professionals to adapt and grow continuously. Here are some key strategies to ensure you stay ahead in this dynamic environment: Embrace Lifelong Learning This is a no-brainer, or better said, an “expand […]
Effective Ways to Deal with a Sarcastic Jerk in the Workplace
Dealing with a sarcastic colleague is challenging. Their cutting remarks and condescending tone create a toxic atmosphere, affecting your morale and productivity. Basically, it throws you off, and moves you from all the good things about work to dealing with this poor behavior and the damage it creates. Sarcasm masks deeper issues such as insecurity […]
Change is Constant – Here’s How to Avoid Failure
I’ve been involved in a lot of change over my career, with successes and failures along the way. With the right foresight, there’s a great model to help leaders manage change toward a successful outcome. The Lippitt-Knoster Model for Managing Complex Change is a comprehensive framework designed to help organizations navigate the intricacies of implementing […]
Dealing with a Smelly Employee
Maintaining a professional and respectful workplace is essential for the well-being and productivity of the team in any workplace. Occasionally, a sensitive issue may arise that requires tactful handling by a manager. One difficult issue is dealing with an employee who has noticeable hygiene concerns – they smell – and it’s disrupting other employees so […]
Taking Advantage of Leadership Opportunities and Embracing a Circuitous Route to the Top
Robb Grantham is the steady hand steering the Rancho California Water District ship. On the Leadership Secrets Podcast, he shared his road to the top and how leaders need to embrace the journey. Here are highlights from our conversation: The Mentorship Tree: Robb’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship. He’s a firm […]