by Christi Barrett | Judgment, Strategic
Problem finders have gotten a bad rap. Maybe we assume that someone who points out problems is paranoid, looking to get others in trouble or just a pain in the butt. When is unearthing difficulties not only a good thing, but necessary? When the problem is potentially...
by Christi Barrett | Communication
The manager’s presentation has begun, and you’re anxious to hear what he has to say. The sales results for most markets are disappointing. There may be a number of reasons for this. Our biggest competitor launched a new model last quarter. Analyzing the...
by Christi Barrett | Flexibility, Leadership
Do you like surprises? Only the good ones, right? Plenty of leaders hate the unexpected, unless it involves windfall profits. (One was recently overheard joking, “I like surprises. I just want to know about them in advance.”) Many leaders have a “no...
by Christi Barrett | Leadership, Motivation
Grow up. Do your job. Don’t expect to hear about it when things go well. I pay you to do a good job. These words may sound a bit harsh. But they reflect the attitudes of some leaders who wonder why they have to nurture (coddle) their people. After all,...
by Christi Barrett | Change, Emotional Intelligence
Your boss is a tyrant. The team is dysfunctional. Other departments are uncooperative. Customers are rude and demanding. Any of this sound familiar? It is true that life can be hard, and sometimes it isn’t possible to escape your bad situation right away. (Feel...
