“What Great Bosses Know”: Practical advice for managers & leaders from Jill Geisler.

Words - Ideas

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

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

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Friday, Mar. 15, 2013

WhatGreatBossesKnow

How veteran leaders can adopt a ‘new manager mindset’

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

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Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013

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

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

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Monday, Dec. 31, 2012

Don’t wait to thank someone great

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

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Friday, Dec. 21, 2012

officedoor

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

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

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Thursday, Dec. 06, 2012

handshake

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

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

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Monday, Oct. 15, 2012

topsecret

10 secrets your Great Boss never told you

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

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Thursday, Aug. 09, 2012

superherosuit

The 10 powers of leadership and why they matter

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

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Monday, July 16, 2012

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

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

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Monday, July 09, 2012

The 4 D’s that can derail a difficult conversation

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

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