Between Maggie Thatcher in The Iron Lady and Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep has played some pretty tough bosses in her movies. So when I got the umpteenth request from professional women - readers, clients and friends - to explain the phenomenon of lady bully bosses (i.e.,...
Corporate Culture
Innovative Leadership 101: Develop a Perspective Protocol
Sometimes we have to accept the reality that innovation can’t always be planned, but when we find a pattern to help us increase the likelihood of spontaneity – why not try to learn it and bake it into the corporate culture? In their new book “Great by Choice,” Jim Collins and Morten Hansen have...
Five Steps to Start A Mentoring Circle
Did you know that according to this 2011 Linked In survey of 1,000 women professionals, while 80% said having a mentor was important, only 20% actually had a mentor? In my work as an executive coach and speaker, I notice how easy it is for many women to second-guess ourselves. We tend to focus...
6 Tips for Staying Positive When You’re in a Career Transition
Looking for a job when you don't have one is one of the hardest things we do as responsible adults. Career transition is hard work and the biggest challenge is staying positive. Kathryn gives us some great strategies for keeping our chin up and focused until we find that perfect fit. - InPower...
My Wish List for Senior Executives
What key skill should every senior executive (and anyone aspiring to be one someday) master? The art of listening. John helps us understand why this is so important. How can you improve your listening skills this week? (We all can!) - InPower Editors Several people asked me recently what the most...
Business Leaders – What Don’t Your Employees Tell You?
Bosses, Do you know what’s really going on in your organizations? According to the Speak Truth to Power Survey I fielded last month, no. You’re often not hearing what your people really think. According to my unscientific-but-interesting poll, almost half your potential workforce (48%) indicated...
4 Things Women Need To Know About Mentors
Having a well-placed, successful mentor can be the difference between success and failure on the leadership track – but it is definitely more an art than a science for the mentor and the mentee. I recently started hosting a radio show interviewing CEOs of small-to-mid-sized companies. One question...
Creating a Happier Company Culture
By: John Rampton Your attitude determines the atmosphere of your workspace. Every business has its unique culture: the culture defines the core values of the company and creates a set of unofficial guidelines for employees to follow. It also helps determine which discretionary behavior is...
Do Meetings Waste Time You Could Otherwise Be Productive?
How much more would you get accomplished if it weren't for meetings? Sometimes it feels like the answer is "a lot" and yet our need to work cohesively with our teammates means meetings are a must. Here's a simple look at how to get the most out of the meetings you attend - and especially those you...
The Power of Authentic Emotion
I often hear women say that they can’t show emotion at work or they’ll get ‘killed.’ Historically, it has been risky – even career-ending – for women leaders to show emotion, especially in male-dominated cultures. Somehow it makes them seem less credible, less tough, less … you name it. So for...