Imagine one of your team members, a strong performer in the past, is struggling. Her father is undergoing cancer treatment and she is the primary caregiver. Over the last six months, her performance has dipped significantly. Other members are stepping in, however it is creating additional pressure and affecting the overall team performance. Unfortunately, you … Continue reading Empathy or Accountability
Tag: leadership
Are we respecting workplace boundaries?
Are we respecting workplace boundaries? When I was in my 20s and 30s, I commonly heard phrases like, "You are just like my daughter," or "You remind me of my sister," from managers or senior colleagues. These comments were meant to be an expression of care for my wellbeing and development. They were rarely questioned. … Continue reading Are we respecting workplace boundaries?
What do you spread – doom or cheer?
I remember my early days as customer support engineer. A product that we had launched with a lot of fanfare, positioned as one of the best in the market, had some inherent technical problems. We sold it in large numbers; all the new products were failing in the customer sites. No one could identify the … Continue reading What do you spread – doom or cheer?
What is authenticity
Authentic people stand out for who they are. It’s a joy to connect with them, be at work or in personal life. “Be authentic” is an advice oft given to leaders to help enhance their effectiveness.What exactly is authenticity? Is it something that can be only felt or experienced?Or are there elements of concreteness to … Continue reading What is authenticity
The Roots of Hesitation
I remember receiving feedback few years ago: “You are always willing help others. But if you are to succeed in the long run, you need to learn to seek support.” The feedback took me by surprise, I had never really given it a serious thought. Also, as I reflected on the frequency / areas for … Continue reading The Roots of Hesitation
Time is Not Money
Couple of weeks back, I ran a poll on LinkedIn: "Time is Money" – YES or NO. 97% respondents agreed that Time is Money. Only 3% said that time is not money. I agree with the minority, here’s why: Money can be protected or grown through right investments. Whereas time can neither be saved nor … Continue reading Time is Not Money
The masks we wear
Few weeks back, I interviewed a candidate. I asked him to narrate a situation where he faced a major failure. He shared an experience, but in a way that only accentuated his strengths. His response reminded me of the interviewing skills training that I went through in my early career: “make sure your weaknesses also … Continue reading The masks we wear
Consequences of Underdog Mindset
We know the story by heart. Running fast along the path, the hare laughs at the tortoise slowly laboring along. Humiliated, the tortoise challenges the hare to join a race. Slowly and steadily, the tortoise reaches the finishing line, even as the hare clumsily runs after a short nap, which unfortunately had turned into a … Continue reading Consequences of Underdog Mindset
Sankofa – spring into future stepping on past
Few days back, I was reading articles on culture. I came across this phrase ‘Sankofa’. It is a Ghanaian expression; it refers to a mythical bird whose feet are firmly planted forward while its head is turned backwards carrying a precious egg in her beak. It represents the old African adage, “always remember the past … Continue reading Sankofa – spring into future stepping on past
Lopsided Expectations
Pick up any journal or business magazine or paper today; we will find at least few pieces on the expectations from managers. They clamour, “In times of quiet quitting, great resignations, a manager must Energize and inspire Continuously develop, show career options Assign roles that will motivate employees to contribute Be empathetic, care for … Continue reading Lopsided Expectations
Perspectives 