Disruptions, Incentives, and Inertia

Incentives can be a powerful tool to motivate and guide teams toward success. But, it’s crucial to recognize that the force of incentives is akin to a double-edged sword—capable of propelling us toward greatness or leading us astray. As the leader of The Disruption Project at Vanderbilt University, I have the unique opportunity to study…

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Just Don’t Do It!

Everybody does it at one time or another. You know what I mean. It is a behavior that distracts you or bothers others. It is often a trivial activity of little value or, even worse, negatively impacts your productivity. Here are a few examples: Perhaps you sit in a meeting with your head down, texting…

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Build Real Trust on Your Virtual Team

In the era of remote work, the challenge of building trust within virtual teams has become more prominent than ever. Trust, the cornerstone of any successful team, requires more than good intentions, especially when team members are miles apart. It’s about turning the virtual space into a breeding ground for deep, meaningful relationships fostered by…

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Given the Choice, Would People Choose to Follow You?

Regardless of the type of work you do, and who is (or isn’t) on your team, the job of being a leader starts with you. This is why you should invest time to evaluate how well you are doing at the job of leading yourself and leading others. And, of equal importance, evaluate why you…

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A Leader’s Checklist to Empower Your Team in 2024

Quick Thought: It’s time to move beyond the old mantra of ‘doing more with less’ and focus instead on empowering your team in 2024. As we embark on 2024, embracing a new perspective on leadership is essential. Every member of your team possesses unique talents, skills, and passions – think of them as individual powerhouses…

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Beware of the Close But Different Trap

In Washington, DC, last week, I presented to over 400 leaders—a rewarding session. However, I want to share with you, not about the event but the subtle changes on this visit to a city I once frequented. Having owned a business with a DC office until 2012, I was a regular here, once even racking…

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The Simple Secret to Supercharging Motivation

Imagine a few buckets of seawater holding enough nuclear energy to power the entire planet for a day—if only we could unlock it. Similarly, the people in your organization are packed with untapped talent, intelligence, and creativity that could amaze you. Just think: what could your team achieve if you harnessed this power? In the…

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4 Reasons to Hire a K9 Co-Worker

Meet Magnus – not only my co-worker but also my loyal canine friend. Eight years ago, we welcomed Magnus from a local shelter into our lives. He’s been a delightful addition, making our home office experience more enjoyable. Many remote workers have discovered the benefits of having a furry friend around, and some traditional workplaces…

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