Category Archives: Leadership

What Really Intelligent People Need To Perform At Their Best

Posted on September 17, 2017 by Alain Hunkins

Jane has been recently promoted to Senior Manager at a technology firm. When I met Jane, she told me her most pressing problem: I have some really smart people on my team.  While that seems great, they’re really challenging to … Continue reading →

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Is There A Downside To Being Too Nice As a Manager?

Posted on August 6, 2017 by Alain Hunkins

This post was published this past week by the American Management Association. You can click on the link below to read it.  Thanks! Team Leadership: Is There a Downside to Being “Nice” as a Manager?

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How Toothpaste Will Make You a Better Leader

Posted on July 2, 2017 by Alain Hunkins

Not long ago, toothpaste had an identity problem. If you remember, all tubes looked like this: They took up a lot of prime shelf space in the medicine cabinet. They’d only lay flat, unless you put it in a cup. … Continue reading →

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How Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah Winfrey and Theo Epstein Share The Secret To Exceptional Communication

Posted on May 28, 2017 by Alain Hunkins

The end of May is graduation season in North America. That comes with the time-honored traditions of awarding honorary degrees, and having those honorees give commencement day speeches. If you’re interested in ratcheting up your communication skills, it’s also a … Continue reading →

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Can You Really Hold Others Accountable?

Posted on May 21, 2017 by Alain Hunkins

This past Tuesday, I was on a conference call with Mindy, an HR Director for a financial services company.  I asked her what her company’s biggest leadership issues are.  Mindy said, “Our leaders don’t hold their people accountable.” Mindy’s company … Continue reading →

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The Crucial Difference Between Leading Big and Leading Small

Posted on May 7, 2017 by Alain Hunkins

Dave is a smart guy– when it comes to most things. A Managing Director at a professional services firm, Dave knows his clients, industry, and the business inside and out.  He’s also passionate about wanting to grow the consulting skills … Continue reading →

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The Painful Price to Pay for Constant Urgency

Posted on April 30, 2017 by Alain Hunkins

When you’re asked, “How’s your week going?”, is your gut response to say: Crazy Busy? If so, you’re not alone. Crazy Busy – constant urgency – has become the new normal. Only there’s one problem.  If everything is urgent, then … Continue reading →

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The Hidden Cost That Busy-ness Puts on Business

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Alain Hunkins

Simon has a problem. Simon’s been in the insurance business for 25 years.  A senior leader at his company, he’s knowledgeable, caring, and well-liked by his direct reports and colleagues. Simon’s organization is rolling out their own corporate university, and … Continue reading →

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The Biggest Mistake New Leaders Make

Posted on April 9, 2017 by Alain Hunkins

Sarah is the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Last week, she flew across the country to spend an hour meeting with eighteen of her high potential leaders.  They were all gathered together at a week-long leadership development program together. … Continue reading →

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3 Reasons Leaders Should Never Fix Their People

Posted on April 2, 2017 by Alain Hunkins

Daniel leads a team of twenty research scientist/leaders. In preparing to work with the team at their annual leadership conference, I spoke to Joanne, one of Daniel’s direct reports.  Joanne brought me up to speed with the team, their group dynamics, … Continue reading →

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