Stepping up. Asking for additional responsibility. Pitching yourself for a promotion. Questioning the status quo. Offering ideas and solutions. Do you do these things in your organization, or do you hesitate? In my work with managers, and aspiring managers, I find that people often talk themselves out these important acts of leadership.
When the topic came up in a recent workshop -- introduced by one of those reluctant risk-takers, it led me to produce a list of ten common barriers we build for ourselves. Of course, if we build them, we're the ones who can take them down, as well.
For a look at the ten barriers and what to do about them,
this link will take you to my column and podcast on Poynter.org.
February 16, 2013
"Jill Geisler", "work happy: what great bosses know", leadership, management, success
"WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW" is a book that had its roots in a podcast. That podcast, "
What Great Bosses Know," is available on iTunes U, which is the learning center on iTunes. All sorts of colleges, universities and academics post courses and collections there.
Apparently lots of people have found "What Great Bosses Know," according to the weekly download reports for 2012 that come to us from ITunes.
Because it's usually among the top ten podcast collections, I knew it had a following. But the final tally for 2102 was remarkable. Are you ready for the total? Drum roll, please:
3,187,324!
Yes, that's three million, one hundred eighty-seven thousand, three hundred and twenty-four. It amazes me, too. But it's a tribute to the interest worldwide in becoming a better leader and manager. Many people who've purchased "WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW" discovered it through the podcasts.
The production isn't sophisticated. My studio is wherever my laptop and I happen to be. This photo is from my home office, but I've recorded in many locations, including on the road when I'm away teaching or consulting.
The podcasts are brief, practical and conversational. People tell me they listen to them while driving to work and even while exercising. Perhaps the real secret to their popularity, though, is that they are FREE!
If you'd like to be among the 2013 downloaders, just click on this link and it will take you to iTunes U and the "What Great Bosses Know" podcasts. And of course, if you like what you learn by listening, just think what "WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW" -- with its greater depth -- could do for you!
January 3, 2013
"Jill Geisler", "What great bosses know", "work happy", iTunes, iTunes U, leadership, management, poynter
It's the time of the year that we look back on what we've accomplished and look ahead to setting goals for the future. With that in mind, I developed a column for Poynter.org to help you. I've been asked by so many people to help them focus on which of many leadership skills they should focus on in these times of change and challenge. And since change will now be a constant part of our lives, this list should be helpful (perhaps with some tweaks) a year from now, when it's once again time to take account of our achievements.
Here's hoping you'll have a great year ahead -- and that these ten skills will play a role in your leadership success. To read the column, just
click on this link.
December 6, 2012
"Jill Geisler", "What great bosses know", "work happy", 2013, leadership, skills
My latest column on Poynter.org blows the cover on something many people don't know: Their bosses keep secrets from them. In fact, great bosses keep very specific secrets from employees. They do it not to be mysterious or misleading. They do it to help people. So, what are those secrets?
I made a list of ten of them for my latest "What Great Bosses Know" column on Poynter.org. I wrote it in recognition of a holiday I didn't even know existed: National Boss Day -- which the calendar (and greeting card companies) say is October 16.
Here's a link to the column. Perhaps, after reading it, you'll take a moment to thank a great boss, on October 16 -- or any day of the year.
October 15, 2012
"Jill Geisler", "What great bosses know", "work happy", leadership, management, poynter, secret
Gwen Moran, a columnist for Entrepreneur.com, recently contacted me to talk about "WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW" and the lessons it holds for improving workplaces. From that interview, she developed a useful list of tips for managers who want to improve quality and productivity, by making the workplace better for employees. I like the way she synthesized some of the many pages of advice from the book into three key ingredients to a happy workplace:
- A supervisor who cares
- Sincere and specific praise and feedback
- A supportive and fair workplace culture
Here's
a link to Moran's full column, "Three Secrets to Happy Employees" and my advice for developing those key ingredients. Of course, to really know how to make it happen, I think you just have to read the book. Keep leading, friends.
October 5, 2012
"What great bosses know", "work happy", book, entrepreneur.com, geisler, Gwen moran, leadership, poynter, work
Listeners across Canada tuned in to the the CBC's popular show, "Cross Country Checkup" to hear host Suhana Meharchand and I discuss best and worst bosses. I provided advice to people with challenging bosses and discussed how today's managers can become much more effective. One key we discussed is the matter of trust -- and how great bosses build that trust with employees. When that exists, staffers are more open to trying new things, feel more motivated and don't want to let the boss down.
If you'd like to listen to the program,
here's a link that will take you to the CBC site, where you can tune in now or download the show for future listening.
I know there must have been quite an audience the day of the broadcast, because "WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW" jumped into the Top 100 books on Amazon's Canada site, amazon.ca, shortly after the program! It also hit the top of the business/motivational management chart. Thanks, neighbors!
September 4, 2012
"cross country checkup", "Jill Geisler", "work happy", cbc, leadership, management
Are you an arrogant boss? What if you work for one? That was the core of the conversation on the Labor Day edition of the "Regina Brett Show" on WKSU, the Ohio NPR station. I appeared on the program with Professor Stanley Silverman of the University of Akron, who has recently published research on the problems caused by arrogant bosses. I was asked about a good number of aspects of "WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW" -- including the "Evil Twin" problem many bosses face. We also discussed the "20 Questions about Your Boss" exercise in the book that helps people do a better job of managing their bosses, both the great ones and those who, unfortunately, rank high on Dr. Silverman's arrogance scale.
Here is a link to the program's web page, where you can hear or download the program.
September 1, 2012
"Jill Geisler", "Regina Brett Show", "What great bosses know", "work happy", book, leadership, management, poynter, WKSU
Repeat after me. "I am a power hungry leader." Those words sound more like a confession than an aspiration, don't they? But I'll argue that true leaders are indeed power hungry and they should be, provided it's for the right reasons. That's a message I make clear time and again in "WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW' and the message I shared in a recent commencement address I delivered. I listed ten distinct powers I wanted the graduates to have and to share.
I turned that commencement address into a column and podcast for Poynter.org.
Here's a link so you can read all ten -- and even one bonus power, too!
August 9, 2012
"Jill Geisler", "What great bosses know", "work happy", Duquesne, leadership, power, poynter
The Milwaukee Press Club boasts that it is the oldest continuously operating press club in North America. It was born in Milwaukee way back in 1885. And no, I wasn't a charter member! But through my years in journalism, I attended many Press Club events. I write about one of them in "WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW", the story of whisking a great employee and his bride from their wedding reception to a Press Club awards banquet via limousine, just so he could accept the numerous awards he had earned. The happy couple were the hit of the night as they walked down the awards aisle in tux and gown. Moments later we had them back at their wedding celebration.
On Tuesday, August 8 at 5:30pm, I'll be at the Press Club's Newsroom Pub on Wells Street, for a book talk and signing. Click
here for details. Later this year I have the great honor of being involved in another Press Club event --
induction into the Club's Hall of Fame. Quite a fun year!
http://www.milwaukeepressclub.org/events/details/a-chat-with-jill-geisler
August 7, 2012
"Jill Geisler", "work happy", book, leadership, management, milwaukee, press club
Saturday, August 4, I had the honor of delivering the commencement address to the 2012 graduates of the Duquesne University School of Leadership and Professional Advancement. Graduates assembled in the University's Palumbo Center to receive graduate and undergraduate degrees in a variety of leadership study areas of concentration. Many were working professionals who combined their studies with full time jobs, including a good number from the military. The University live streamed the event for those who could not attend in person.
My hosts from the School of Leadership were living proof of the values they teach. Smart, collegial, proactive and fun. They made the weekend extraordinary. Here are a few pictures from the weekend, beginning with the book signing and talk on Friday night at the campus Barnes and Noble.
The Friday night crowd included alums, faculty and members of the graduating class.
When I sign books, I like to personalize the message, even if I'm meeting a person for the first time. A few questions and there's always a story or a connection to note.
Dean Dorothy Bassett of the School of Leadership and Professional Advancement welcomes the crowd and introduces the speaker.
I shared thoughts from one of my favorite columns, "Ten Things Great Bosses Know" with the group.
Saturday, it was time for commencement ceremonies.
The proud graduates.
My commencement speech was titled "More Power to You." I plan to turn it into a column and podcast soon, so stay tuned!
August 6, 2012
"Barnes and Noble" Facebook, "Jill Geisler", "What great bosses know", "work happy", Duquesne, leadership, management, poynter
Stepping up. Asking for additional responsibility. Pitching yourself for a promotion. Questioning the status quo. Offering ideas and solutions. Do you do these things in your organization, or do you hesitate? In my work with managers, and aspiring managers, I find that people often talk themselves out these important acts of leadership.
When the topic came up in a recent workshop -- introduced by one of those reluctant risk-takers, it led me to produce a list of ten common barriers we build for ourselves. Of course, if we build them, we're the ones who can take them down, as well.
For a look at the ten barriers and what to do about them, this link will take you to my column and podcast on Poynter.org.
