Poynter. » What Great Bosses Know

Don’t be an ‘idea killer’: 10 tips for cultivating creativity

Jill Geisler — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:01:01 +0000

Some of our best ideas come when we’re taking a break from concentration. At least, that’s what recent research says. Since the concept for this column coalesced while I was sweating my way through a Zumba class, I’m prepared to … Read more

How veteran leaders can adopt a ‘new manager mindset’

Jill Geisler — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:42:42 +0000

As I led a workshop this week for a group of experienced editors, I began with a wish for them: “May you think like a new manager.”

The concept was fresh in my mind, having spent the previous week leading … Read more

10 ways we limit our success & how to overcome those artificial barriers

Jill Geisler — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:26:18 +0000

I believe there’s a bounty of buried treasure in organizations: ideas, solutions and talent that lie untapped. Among the reasons: management fails to recognize the potential in employees or even discourages their aspirations.

But let’s not pick on bosses today. … Read more

Don’t wait to thank someone great

Jill Geisler — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 19:13:40 +0000

At this time in 2011, I was eagerly awaiting the New Year. My dream of publishing a book for managers would be realized in June. In that book, amid the advice and research, would be stories from my personal experience. … Read more

Take the ‘Threshold Test’ as you cross into the new year at work

Jill Geisler — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:47:30 +0000

As we cross the threshold from off-duty to on-the-clock when entering our workplaces, we ask ourselves, “How much do I matter here? Is my work respected? Am I growing and learning? Do my ideas make a difference?”

I call those … Read more

10 key skills today’s leaders need to succeed in 2013

Jill Geisler — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:53:17 +0000

What sets the most successful managers apart from others? You might be an expert in your field, even the smartest person in the room — but that’s no guarantee of success. You need an array of skills that are particularly … Read more

10 secrets your Great Boss never told you

Jill Geisler — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:03:03 +0000

I have to confess. Were it not for a desk calendar that highlights various holidays, I’d never know that Tuesday, October 16 is “Boss’s Day” in the United States. It’s an occasion that’s never been on my radar.

I also … Read more

The 10 powers of leadership and why they matter

Jill Geisler — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:09:40 +0000

Jill Geisler delivered the commencement address to this year’s graduates of Duquesne University’s School of Leadership and Professional Advancement, where she received her master’s degree in 2004. This is an adapted version of her speech.

Because I sat where you … Read more

8 ways the Penn State leadership meltdown could happen in your organization

Jill Geisler — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:03:51 +0000

The Freeh Report is a chilling indictment of the leadership at Penn State. People at the top build, sustain or change organizational culture, and clearly, Penn State’s needed a radical change. It took a tragedy to make people believe it.… Read more

The 4 D’s that can derail a difficult conversation

Jill Geisler — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:03:35 +0000

It ranks among the least appealing but most important management duties: conducting tough talks with employees. Bosses are required to hold people accountable, let them know what’s expected of them, and keep them informed — even when the news isn’t … Read more