collaboration – Nathan Magnuson

One Critical Component to Leading Change

I had two separate experiences with leading change recently that demonstrate one critical aspect that is often the difference between success and failure. Let me share the two scenarios – see if you can guess what it is. Of course, I’ll share it as well. Scenario #1: Recently I was…

How to Host a Productive Generational Conversation

July 4, 2016 Human Resources Organizational Effectiveness

A decade ago, American organizations were largely unaware of the predicament they faced. The initial wave of Baby Boomers (many of whom occupied senior leadership roles) was set to begin a mass retirement. Many organizations were completely unprepared. Then something curious happened. The recession hit and many would-be retirees stuck around. In one…

When Taking Too Much Initiative Hurts You

March 21, 2016 Organizational Effectiveness Personal Effectiveness

One of my all-time favorite leadership values is being proactive. It’s Stephen Covey’s first habit. Taking initiative (and accepting responsibility) is the characteristic that makes all the others possible. But can it be taken too far? Unfortunately, I’ve learned it can be – mostly because of the challenges I’ve noticed or inadvertently created for…

How to Influence When You’re Not in Charge

September 7, 2015 Influence Organizational Effectiveness Personal Effectiveness

How do you lead when you’re not the boss? It’s hard enough to lead when you are in charge. What are the other options? If you’ve wondered this, I’ve got good news for you. It’s a lot easier than it sounds. And you can get started today. Here’s a game…

How to Tell Who the Real Leader Is

October 20, 2014 Character Courage decision-making Influence Inspiration Leadership Organizational Effectiveness Personal Effectiveness

I’ll admit I’ve made a lot of mistakes over the years when it comes to identifying leadership ability in others. Some I’ve thought would be great weren’t – and others I didn’t give much consideration turned out to be amazing. It’d be a lot easier if there was a scientific method…

Catch People Doing Something Right

March 17, 2014 Culture Influence Inspiration Personal Effectiveness

Several years ago I needed to perform a complicated banking transaction on a certain day but wasn’t going to be able to arrive during lobby hours. Having worked as a bank teller back in the day, I knew it would probably prove an impossible request. But to my surprise the…

6 Ways to Change Your Learning Culture

July 8, 2013 Culture Human Resources Learning Organizational Effectiveness Strategic Thinking

When you were growing up, you probably spent hours sitting in a classroom listening to teachers deliver lecture after lecture in school. Now, as an adult employee, the thought of sitting through company training seems boring, unproductive, pointless and wasteful compared to actual work you could be doing. And if…

The Main Reasons Strategic Planning Fails

March 25, 2013 Human Resources Leadership Organizational Effectiveness planning

When I was a college student, my New Venture Studies class had the opportunity to advise a local resident starting his own coffee shop. As an aspiring entrepreneur, I was excited to be involved – that is, until I realized the capital came from an inheritance. I was further perturbed…

Everyday Sales Leadership: Stop, Collaborate and Listen

March 20, 2013 Guest Post Sales

Today’s post was written by a former colleague of mine, Jess Titchener – an adrenalin-driven management consultant living, working and serving in London. You can follow Jess on Twitter as well as on her new faith-based blog at thistrainisboundforglory.com. To be featured on this site, click here. As I reflect…

How to Establish Yourself as a Leadership Expert, Part 2

November 5, 2012 Humility Influence Leadership Learning Personal Effectiveness

In my last post, I shared several reasons why you don’t have to wait until later to be a leadership expert. You can begin right here, right now, no matter who you are. If you’ve bought that idea, then let me share several practical ways you use your leadership expertise…