In keeping with the theme of teamwork this month, I chose to go back to the bookshelf for a book I’ve read several times and find something new each time I read it.  “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni speaks to many of the challenges leaders face with creating a true high performing team.  In his book he identifies these five team dysfunctions told through the eyes of a new CEO of a fictitious company: Absence of Trust Fear of Conflict Lack of Commitment Avoidance of Accountability Inattention to ResultsThe fable format allows the reader to identify with some of the challenges he identifies in the story.  While I liked the discussion around all five, my favorite is the discussion around the Avoidance of Accountability.  I believe the true measure of a team is their ability to hold themselves mutually accountable and, in my experience, is a rare...

I recently had the privilege of facilitating a workshop on using persuasion in the sales process to a group of fellow business coaches.  In many respects the idea of persuasion fits with this month’s book that highlights a variety of different and effective ways to persuade a decision maker, whether it be in the sales process or not.  “Well Said!” by Darlene Price includes many ideas on how to present, speak and otherwise carry yourself more effectively to convey your ideas. My favorite part of the book is the discussion around the concept of establishing your credibility.  The author speaks to the three Factors of Perception as keys to establishing true credibility with an audience or listener.  The Factors of Perception are: Visual Factor – How does the audience or listener see you in the manner in which you dress, the room, and your body language? Vocal/Verbal Factor – How does...

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It was my distinct pleasure recently to meet one of the authors of this month’s book.  I was immediately taken by his business card in that his title is listed as Chief Culture Officer.  In fact, Tom Walter is one of the senior leaders of Tasty Catering and one of the co-authors of “It’s My Company Too!” along with Kenneth Thompson, Ramon Benedetto and Molly Meyer.The title comes from a story from Tasty Catering where a supervisor was berating an employee for a mistake they were making with multiple orders.  Another supervisor stepped in and reminded the first supervisor of “#2” which meant the second value of the organization was respect for people.  The CEO witnessed this and later thanked the second supervisor in private for what he did.  When offered a cash reward for exemplifying the values of the organization, the supervisor handed the money back and said “It’s my...

In the March 2013 leadership blog, we talk about relevance and the importance of staying relevant in a constantly changing business environment.  In keeping with that theme, this month’s book review offers some additional ideas on how to do just that.  Adaptability by Max McKeown offers a blueprint through a set of 17 Rules for successfully adapting in an age of uncertainty.  Of the 17 Rules, my favorite three are sequentially Rules, 5, 6 and 7 listed below. Rule 5 – Stability is a Dangerous Illusion – when stability is the end game, human nature is to seek solutions that achieve a level of stability, which may be, in and of itself, unachievable. Rule 6 – Stupid Survives until Smart Succeeds – be open to new paradigms and paths to success, but not just for the sake of newness and not at the expense of progress. Rule 7 – Learning Fast...