The Monthly Memo.

Fired? Retired? Sick of your current job? Looking at a new opportunity? I’ve written about this topic before and I have some new thoughts for anyone beginning the new year with a new chapter in their life. This time can be challenging because you have (at least) two...

If 2020 has been a year of adjustments and change, anyone who is in a leadership position can have this on their minds: What happens when a leader is good at their job in the “normal” world, but struggles with our new reality? Leading in the virtual world takes a...

Have you ever found yourself sitting in an airplane on a busy tarmac (remember those?) and everyone on the plane is wondering what’s happening? You’ve been parked, motionless, for five, ten, then fifteen minutes. Slowly you can hear the murmur grow louder and louder....

The very words you are reading right now represent a “Writer’s Block Exercise.” Just minutes before putting my hands over the keyboard I didn’t know what I would write about for this edition of the Monthly Memo. But, I sat down and thought, where could I possibly go...

A subset of my work these days deals with the delicate area of political discussions in a toasty hot election year. The question comes up, “How can we provide direction to our employees while also respecting their rights of free speech? We can’t afford to be seen as a...

One of the healthiest outcomes from the increased discussion about race in this country has been the number of white people who have spoken up. Count me in that group. After years of thinking of myself as “aware” I found I wasn’t nearly aware enough. If you are a...

My hope is you are managing the uncertainties of these days as well as possible – and rest assured, no one is doing it perfectly! During this time I’ve had a chance to observe all kinds of video meetings and want to offer some overlooked elements you can share with...

First, thinking of you and hoping you are safe. Second, been on any Zoom calls lately? Or any of the other platforms that are now our new office conference rooms? Yea, me too. Because a lot more of these meetings are taking place, here are seven things to keep in mind...

First, I hope you are safe - and think this might be helpful. Walking a fine line, you want to reach out to colleagues and clients, but you don’t want to seem opportunistic or inappropriate. Perhaps you have a specific way to be helpful, but how do you let them know?...

The scenario is on the minds of leaders at companies large and small going into Election 2020. “What do we do about employees combining our brand with their opinions during the most divisive election season this country has seen in decades?” Organizations envision...

There are three important moving parts in any communication experience – and keeping each in mind will serve you well every single day. Seeing and understanding the three parts helps you balance your message and heighten the impact of that message – otherwise, and...

If there was a surefire way to stay out of trouble, would you take it? Of course you would. So why do we see the same stumbles again and again in public life? I was reminded of these oft-repeated mistakes during a recent episode involving a senior leader with the...

After writing 167 different Monthly Memos it can be hard to come up with a new idea – which proved to be the inspiration for this very one! We all face it at one time or another. A new idea or approach is needed and you end up as the “Committee of One” to handle that...

The most fun in writing the Monthly Memo is seeing something happen in the marketplace and then being it able to share it.Such is the case with this Memo, based on the conversations I’ve witnessed over the last few weeks and then thinking about what it means for the...

People who do what I do for a living often have shorthand expressions when people stand up and speak. Just like a baseball coach might say a batter is “too aggressive” because they swing at lots of bad pitches, there is a way of slotting people into a speaker...

Firings. Layoffs. Downsizing. Outsourcing. Limited buyouts. Through my official duties and unofficial experience (and a personal episode) I’ve had opportunities to learn a lot about how best to handle bad career news. Besides providing counsel for high-profile execs,...

What makes writing work? My journalism professors would tell you it comes down to using five words where someone else might use twenty. Just as importantly it is, of course, about picking each word carefully, no matter the number you use. It is said Ernest Hemingway...

Here’s the scene: you’ve been wanting to meet with someone and the day finally arrives. The meeting goes well, and then what? How do you best follow-up and make sure it keeps the spirit of all of the good things that took place during your visit, reminding the person...

Every experienced leader – and some inexperienced leaders – have found themselves in a tough position. They are the messenger when they don’t believe in the message. Can you feel yourself breaking into a sweat just thinking about the possibilities? It can happen at...

Have you ever explained something to a colleague and they totally get it – then the next person gives you a blank stare? What just happened? And why doesn’t everyone see this is so obvious! As a communicator and a leader, you’ll forever be adjusting to the different...

Everyone has one from time to time. The chat with an underperforming employee. Addressing a conflict that seems ready to boil over. Sorting out a client relationship which is going sour. No matter the specifics, here are some keys to make that tough talk go more...

The answer to the above question can be found in any excellent performance you have ever witnessed. My wife and I recently saw “Hamilton.” The answer was right there for all to see. Have you watched an outstanding athlete at the top of their game? Your answer can be...

John McCain was a funny, smart, maddening, driven, awkward and caring person all wrapped in a short, gray haired package. From the 1980’s until 2006 I covered him as a news reporter, then stayed in touch as I transitioned into the business world. While a lot has been...

Is there a place where politeness and professionalism give way to old fashioned annoyance? With the best of intentions, we can mistakenly drag out our communication for too long and have people scratching their heads. What does that look like and might you be guilty...