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Derak Berreyesa
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I think it's a great title for you next book. I would love to see the different examples of "Shit Shows" you would include. That term has actually been in my vocabulary for a while now. The one I really like from this post is "Failure Sucks But Instructs". This is so true and put so eloquently.
Shit Show: The Phrase I Learned at Pixar
On Wednesday, I was lucky enough to be invited back to give a second Good Boss, Bad Boss talk at Pixar. I love Pixar. Not just because they are so cool, but because of the deep and relentless commitment to quality and humanity. If you have not heard it, I urge you to listen to this Fresh Air i...
Very funny and interesting post. A boss giving himself employee of the month is a pretty ridiculous concept. It would definitely not lead to very happy employees.
Clueless, Comical, and Cruel Bosses: The Huffington Post Slide Show
You may recall that, about a month ago, I asked readers for examples of clueless, comical, and cruel bosses. You did a wonderful job -- via comments and emails -- of sending in over 100 awful actions. I promised I would list my favorites -- the worst of the worst -- here. It took me long...
I think agree that dehumanizing is not always a bad thing when being a boss. But, it should only be during certain situations. Like when though/cut throat business decisions need to be made. I boss who is dehumanizing his employees 100% of the time is a terrible boss. This is a very interesting study though.
New Study: Feeling Powerful Leads People to Dehumanize Others
My last post about Boss Poop and the dozens of examples that people posted about Clueless and Comical Bosses (I will post a top 11 list later this week) provide cautionary tales that every person who wields power over others ought to pay attention to -- because that clueless boss could be you. ...
I agree that one of the main concerns any boss has is worrying if his employees like him or not. I think any professional in a power position who is not in fact an "asshole" has this concern. Teachers deal with this issue a lot as well. But, good teachers in the long run want their students to learn rather than like them. Just as a good boss wants the company to run smoothly and jobs to get done, rather than for his employees to like him.
Being a Good Boss is Pretty Damn Hard: Reflections on Publication Day
Today, September 7th, is the official publication day of Good Boss, Bad Boss. I've got an hour or so before I need to run to the airport, and find myself looking back on what I've learned from writing the book, talking to people since the book was finished some months back, and all the blogging...
A "Thank you" is such a powerful thing. From the time we are taught it as children, to using it in a professional environment as a manager. It is often underestimated and overlooked. As Roche commented, "Followup thank you emails are also a must." This is so true and necessary, the same way that thank you cards are so important. Someone knowing (not hoping) that they were appreciated is moralizing and feels good. It is positive reinforcement that makes them want to continue the actions they received thanks for. I have first hand experience with this as an employee who often received thanks from my boss. I found it very empowering, knowing that my actions were not only recognized, but that they were appreciated. I wasn't quite able to pinpoint that at the time, but looking back at it now I can see how very true this is.
It Isn't Just a Myth: A Little Thanks Goes a Long Way
The approach that I take to giving advice in Good Boss, Bad Boss and in everything else I write is to try to be as evidence-based as possible. But I also realize that the academic literature does not always map neatly onto the demands and needs of bosses and others in organizations. So I also ...
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Aug 29, 2010
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