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Articles by Todd Dewett
Get employees to feel like doing a great job
“I’m often approached with questions about motivation, morale, and engagement. Choose whichever label you’d like, the question is the same: how do we get employees to feel like doing a great job?” - Dr. Todd Dewett Being a great leader doesn’t cost a fraction of what most people think. I’m often approached with questions about motivation, morale, and engagement. Choose whichever label you’d like, the question is the same: how do we get employees to feel like doing a great job?
Hello Hammer, Meet Nail
“This is merely a friendly reminder. Don’t follow in the footsteps of these “ready, fire, aim” decision-makers. They have the best of intentions, but often inadvertently make things worse.” - Dr. Todd Dewett It’s one of the most common workplace mistakes: applying the wrong solution to a situation simply because you went with your “go to” move. Hammer, meet nail. This conundrum is typically driven by haste and a lack of appreciation for situational variance. Unfortunately, one size does not fit all.
Civility vs. Candor - It's not an either/or Equation
“You cannot choose civility over candor. Civility is vital, but without candor it is useless.” - Dr. Todd Dewett Here is a harsh truth I see in many teams.
Chasing Purpose in Leadership | HR Examiner
“Purpose is about things beyond you – both things to be achieved and people to be developed. However, we have to recognize that life can be hard, right? We can’t always be our best selves.” - Dr. Todd Dewett We all aspire to be our best selves, to lead with purpose. That refers to something bigger than the team, bigger than a mere goal. It’s that long-term higher calling – the vision you’re chasing.
Leaders: Get Real And Show Your Ink
Only when they see you as human and real will they be open to you as a genuine leader, and not merely a person occupying a position above them. “Show your ink.” Dr. Todd Dewett Competence and IQ are overrated. Being real is more powerful. Your IQ and competence might be stellar, but they can be easily wasted if you are not as human and approachable as you are smart and hard working.
Trust at work by Dr. Todd Dewett | HR Examiner
“Regardless of how some set of circumstances has created a particular level of trust, trust can be increased.” - Dr. Todd Dewett How to Increase Trust According to a significant amount of research, we are facing a huge trust crisis at work. There are many reasons: economic shifts causing layoffs, the persistent use of non-employee labor to save money, increases in automation, bad bosses, you name it! The average employee reality has certainly changed. Employees work longer.
Sacred Cows Make Great Barbeque (an excerpt from Dr. Dewett's forthcoming book, Live Hard)Sacred Cows Make Great Barbeque Dr. Todd Dewett | HR Examiner
“To achieve a dream and find real success almost always requires some form of innovation. Innovation, in turn, almost always requires you to deal with a sacred cow or two – whether making personal change or leading an organization. What are you waiting for?” - Dr. Todd Dewett Innovation can happen when a select few individuals in an organization step up and try new things.
How to Be an Adaptable Employee during Change and Uncertainty
Overview Transcripts View Offline Course details The world is changing fast. That's why, as an employee, the most valuable skill you can cultivate is adaptability, so you're ready for anything. In this course, Dorie Clark shares concrete tips and strategies to become more adaptable—and embrace adaptability as an ongoing part of your life. Learn how to cultivate an adaptable mindset and build the right skills, including communication and open-mindedness.
Sleep Is Your Superpower
Overview Transcripts View Offline Course details Sleep is mandatory. You can’t outsource it and you can’t negotiate it—and it has a powerful impact on everything you do while you’re awake. So why not build habits to optimize your sleep and live your best life? Learn how to make sleep a priority and take steps to achieve sleep wellness. The Sleep Ambassador®, Nancy Rothstein, shares tips for optimizing sleep and performing at your best in work and life.
Overcoming Cognitive Bias
Course details The best decisions are made when you fully understand your bias. In this course, listeners can learn about cognitive bias and how it hurts our ability to think rationally and make effective decisions. Dr. Michael Shermer, a prominent professor and bestselling author, shares ten common bias people often fall victim to. Explore confirmation bias, attribution bias, and authority bias, among many others. Once your bias is understood, better decisions can be made.
Sacred Cows Make Great Barbeque
The idea is so fascinating it became the inspiration behind one of my most popular original quotes, “Sacred cows make great barbeque.” The point is that a whole lot of what we hold sacred isn’t really sacred, it’s just the way we’ve always done things – and making needed change just might taste great. – Dr. Todd Dewett (an excerpt from Dr. Dewett’s forthcoming book, Live Hard) Innovation can happen when a select few individuals in an organization step up and try new things.
Rethinking the Golden Rule at Work
“Let’s begin with a new and improved rule. For leaders, the rule is to treat others kindly with appropriate fairness.” - Dr. Todd Dewett Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Right? It’s considered by many a universal truth across different religions and philosophies, but I’m not sure it always makes sense. In fact, the more I think about it, the less it makes sense.
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Question Unquestionable Organizational Truths
“Striving for excellence is difficult. Give you and your organization the edge by taking the time to reexamine the fundamental beliefs that surround you every day.” - Dr. Todd Dewett Question Your Unquestionable Truths When Striving for Organizational Excellence Many things we do at work are assumed to be sacrosanct – simple, unquestionable truths.
Coaching: An Abundance Of Great Intentions But Too Few Great Results
“In the case of coaching, we have an abundance of great intentions but too few great results.” - Dr. Todd Dewett Sometimes I feel like we’re lost in an ocean of coaches at work. It’s a movement that needed to happen, but like all movements or paradigms, there are unintended consequences. In the case of coaching, we have an abundance of great intentions but too few great results. I like the fact that we now have lots of credentialed coaches.
The Problem with Corporate Values
Corporate values are not always what they seem. Insincere proclamations and ignored platitudes in values statements can become a powerful negative influence when they are practiced and defended with conviction. Dr. Todd Dewett explains. Slowly but surely over the last few decades corporations have begun to value a variety of pro-employee and pro-community ideas. This includes the rise of diversity initiatives, flexible benefits, casual dress codes, and an ever more creative list of employee perks.
Rethinking the Golden Rule
“Let’s begin with a new and improved rule. For leaders, the rule is to treat others kindly with appropriate fairness.” - Dr. Todd Dewett Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Right? It’s considered by many a universal truth across different religions and philosophies, but I’m not sure it always makes sense. In fact, the more I think about it, the less it makes sense.
Management Foundations
Course details Managing people is hard. Managers juggle a wide range of tasks and deadlines and must know how to effectively coach and develop employees. They are responsible for delivering valuable outcomes for the company and for its people. Learn how to become a more successful, confident, and productive manger. This course teaches the basics of becoming a manager your direct reports admire and respect and one your boss can rely on.
Ambition and Passion
“In a professional context, passion and ambition are different constructs, though quite related. They are both almost always present within successful people. The question concerns how much of each is productive. What’s the ratio?” - Dr. Todd Dewett In a professional context, passion and ambition are different constructs, though quite related. They are both almost always present within successful people. The question concerns how much of each is productive. What’s the ratio?
Making the Case for Candor
“Candor sounds simple in theory but is apparently ridiculously difficult in practice. No need to beat around the bush. No excessive indulgence in shaping words so they won’t offend. No innuendo. Just straight talk. The very best teams appreciate civility, but they love candor.” – Dr. Todd Dewett The Case for Candor The topic of communication is fascinating. There is no shortage of advice out there dedicated to helping you become a better communicator.
Less is More with Performance Management
“Think of excessive performance management vehicles as bureaucracy you need to reduce. Less really is more.” – Dr. Todd Dewett The parade of thoughtful performance-enhancing tools and structures never seems to end. We set goals for ourselves and have them set for us by others. We collect data for metrics supporting our performance. We attend formal and informal meetings to discuss our performance. We engage in 360 assessments. We are coached. We are mentored. We are sent to training.
Straight Talk About Coaching
“Sometimes I feel like we’re lost in an ocean of coaches at work. It’s a movement that needed to happen, but like all movements or paradigms, there are unintended consequences.” Dr. Todd Dewett Sometimes I feel like we’re lost in an ocean of coaches at work. It’s a movement that needed to happen, but like all movements or paradigms, there are unintended consequences. In the case of coaching, we have an abundance of great intentions but too few great results.
The Six Levels of Deviance
“Maybe deviance is not for you. Maybe you weren’t born with that gene. Tough – you have to embrace it anyway, at least once in a while.” – Dr. Todd Dewett Success is about hard work, expertise, and positive relationships – right? Yes, mostly, but there is one other component they don’t teach you about in business school. Most professional coaches unfortunately neglect this topic as well. Systems are often quite difficult to navigate. They can be political and they can be heavily bureaucratic.
Office Press Conference
“The office press conference is not dedicated to only one issue, it’s run by the employees, and it’s always productive.” – Dr. Todd Dewett Good leaders are busy, busy people, but they still have to find time to get out in the trenches and touch base with the team. You have to keep them in the loop, seek to be helpful, and answer their questions as needed. Unfortunately, you can’t be everywhere you’re needed all the time. Solution? The office press conference.
The Problem with Values
Often ignored words and platitudes in values statements can become a powerful force when they are practiced and defended with conviction. So, how does that work? Dr. Todd Dewett has a plan. Slowly but surely over the last few decades corporations have begun to value a variety of pro-employee and pro-community ideas. This includes the rise of diversity initiatives, flexible benefits, casual dress codes, and an ever more creative list of employee perks.
Don't Ignore The Obvious
“Striving for excellence is difficult. Give you and your organization the edge by taking the time to reexamine the fundamental beliefs that surround you every day.” – Dr. Todd Dewett Many things we do at work are assumed to be sacrosanct – simple, unquestionable truths. In reality, many best practices (things we should do) are the opposite of the commonly accepted wisdom (things we are actually doing)! Sometimes this is true because established practices have so much inertia.
Judging
“In the end, judging is essential, just like breathing. Judge! All the time, but do it effectively. Just remember, it can be a simple way to reinforce uninformed selfish black and white views. Or, it can be a tool for harnessing your intelligence to allow you to understand life more fully.” – Dr. Todd Dewett Most observers suggest that judging others is wrong. However, to judge is to make a type of decision. What is more central to a successful life than sound decision-making?
Leadership and Authenticity
Authenticity often being a buzz word that re-emerges over time. In part because humans crave a human connection and that we discuss how that applies in professional interactions. Professionals who remember that they are a person and not just a professional also tend to build a stronger rapport with those they influence. When authenticity is owned by the larger group it becomes the norm.
Leadership and Authenticity
Authenticity often being a buzz word that re-emerges over time. In part because humans crave a human connection and that we discuss how that applies in professional interactions. Professionals who remember that they are a person and not just a professional also tend to build a stronger rapport with those they influence. When authenticity is owned by the larger group it becomes the norm.
Next Level Honesty
“Next level honesty is grappling with a reality that we often initially resist due to our fear of tension or conflict.” –Dr. Todd Dewett by Dr. Todd Dewett *** Most individuals do not reach their potential. One key explanation is lack of self-awareness. So much time is spent trying to teach professionals how to obtain self-awareness. Interestingly, what is missing from the discussion is what to do after obtaining increased self-awareness.
Six Levels of Deviance
“Maybe deviance is not for you. Maybe you weren’t born with that gene. Tough – you have to embrace it anyway, at least once in a while.” – Dr. Todd Dewett Success is about hard work, expertise, and positive relationships – right? Yes, mostly, but there is one other component they don’t teach you about in business school. Most professional coaches unfortunately neglect this topic as well. Systems are often quite difficult to navigate. They can be political and they can be heavily bureaucratic.
It’s Free, You’re Welcome
Being a great leader doesn’t cost a fraction of what most people think. I’m often approached with questions about motivation, morale, and engagement. Choose whichever label you’d like, the question is the same: how do we get employees to feel like doing a great job? Most practicing leaders over rely on antiquated and questionable approaches centered on compensation or some other form of awarding money or other tangible things.
Having Difficult Conversations
- In all of life, personal and professional, conflict is inevitable. You've got to deliver bad news, apologize for a mistake, ask someone to make a change or even end an important relationship or partnership. These moments all require conversations and these conversations are difficult. So how do you go about handling these conversations? It's been my life's work to explore and answer these questions.
Sometimes You're Just an Idiot
I don’t care who you are, sometimes you’re just an idiot. We are all imperfect. You, me, everybody. Sometimes it is easy to forget this truth. That’s why I like it when, once in a blue moon, I do something that makes me consciously aware that, for at least a few moments, I’m an idiot. When this happens I am reminded of the need for feedback to fuel my continued growth as a professional and a human. I remember the need for humility.
Increased Trust
According to a significant amount of research, we are facing a huge trust crisis at work. There are many reasons: economic shifts causing layoffs, the persistent use of non-employee labor to save money, increases in automation, bad bosses, you name it! The average employee reality has certainly changed. Employees work longer. Bosses take on a slippery slope of ever widening responsibilities. Organizations are forced to try to do more with less. As a result, people slip into safety mode.
Candor vs. Civility
Here is a harsh truth I see in many teams. Otherwise competent professionals can’t bring themselves to discuss the most basic realities that define their teams: members who behave rudely, members who produce poor quality work, members who are not completely honest about issues, sacred cows that have existed in the group for years . . .. This is unfortunate since getting past these barriers is required for real performance improvement. You cannot choose civility over candor.
Todd Dewett on avoiding a common new boss mistake
New bosses sometimes make a critical error when they are first promoted. They fall into one of two camps: those who rattle the cage in order to instill a little fear in others, and those who gush with kindness in an attempt to be well-liked. Create fear or be friends? Neither. They are both unproductive approaches. Don't make this mistake. The first approach is simply inexcusable. It is true that in the short-term fear often achieves behavioral compliance.
The Case for Candor
The topic of communication is fascinating. There is no shortage of advice out there dedicated to helping you become a better communicator. Certainly, we need help! I don’t think anyone would argue that point. There are many issues to consider: the art of listening, the beauty of brevity, embracing empathy – the list is long. However, only one issue can occupy the top spot and I’d like to make the case for embracing candor.
Becoming a Thought Leader
Watch preview Course Info Duration: 1h 16m 43s Skill Level: Intermediate Released: May 8, 2018 Viewers: 93,451 Learn the most in-demand business, tech and creative skills from industry experts. Overview Transcripts Exercise Files View Offline Course details Do you hope to build lasting change and a legacy that matters? Then maybe it's time for you to become a thought leader. Thought leaders are recognized for their ideas and their contributions to the world.
Author Todd Dewett on how to deal with 'trophy culture' in the workplace
By Todd Dewett – Guest Contributor Mar 21, 2018, 8:10am CDT The real-world equivalent of the zombie apocalypse is our unintentional creation of millions of trophy kids. Those happy little humans who mindlessly believe fun is the only goal, competition is ugly, and losing is – wait, never mind, losing has been all but erased from their lives. These adorable creatures fully expect to receive a trophy following any sporting activity regardless of actual performance.
Ending meetings with action
- I was once working with a client who complained that it seemed like every meeting they had they just walked away and didn't really do anything about it. Does this seem like a common problem to you? I believe it is. It's so often that we have these meetings and then no action comes out of them. This can leave us feeling like it was just a wasted amount of time for us to get together. Now the value of a meeting comes from what we do as a result of them.
Judge! | HR Examiner
Most observers suggest that judging others is wrong. However, to judge is to make a type of decision. What is more central to a successful life than sound decision-making? Some even say judging is a sin. That’s just silly. We need a more nuanced view. Is judging good or bad? This question is the real problem. That’s like asking if words are bad. It of course depends on how they are used. In reality, a judgment is just a conclusion, a view, an opinion, a belief.
Todd Dewett on creating a rock star business team for 2018
It's time once again to think about how to improve your team this year. There are a million ways you might get them revved up, but don't get lost in the possibilities. Focus on these three activities and your team will take a nice leap forward - and they will thank you. First, make the choice to get focused on the team, not simply a few prima donnas or high performers. You have been lied to for years; the war is not for talent. It's for chemistry.
DEWETT'S RULES - PART 2
I’m often asked for tips or advice. In response, several years ago I penned Dewett’s Rules as part of The Little Black Book of Leadership. If I could tell you nothing else, I would tell you to: be fair, stay positive, and reduce ambiguity. Useful stuff. Three was an arbitrary pick that simply sounded better than seven or ten. However, new little bits of truth have recently begun to stick in my brain.
Passion and Ambition
In a professional context, passion and ambition are different constructs, though quite related. They are both almost always present within successful people. The question concerns how much of each is productive. What’s the ratio? Let’s think about each for a moment. Passion is about purpose. Generally, it has a strong positive connotation. It’s about moving past a mental attraction to a topic into emotional and behavioral engagement.
Anger Management
- There are two kinds of people, those who have anger and those who don't admit they have anger. Anger is part of the human experience yet most of us struggle to make peace with our experience of anger. We deny it, we avoid it, we feel shame because of it or we become completely overwhelmed by anger. Hi, my name is Marlene Chism and I'm an executive educator, a consultant and author. My passion is to help people improve their communication and relationships both personally and professionally.
Anger Management - Welcome
Course Info Duration: 1h 9s Skill Level: Beginner Released: August 6, 2017 Viewers: 12,930 Learn the most in-demand business, tech and creative skills from industry experts. Overview Transcripts Exercise Files View Offline Course details Anger is a part of the human experience. If not managed properly, anger can be destructive. But anger can also be used for your benefit once you learn to identify, manage, and channel it.
Master In-Demand Professional Soft Skills
What does every hiring manager look for in an employee? Set yourself apart from the pack by getting the essential soft skills--abilities that help people interact effectively with others--that employers value most, from communication fundamentals and being a team player to advancing your critical thinking skills. Build a solid process for achieving your goals and bouncing back from challenging situations. Learn to communicate, listen, and work well with team members and peers.
DEWETT’S RULES - PART 2
I’m often asked for tips or advice. In response, several years ago I penned Dewett’s Rules as part of The Little Black Book of Leadership. If I could tell you nothing else, I would tell you to: be fair, stay positive, and reduce ambiguity. Useful stuff. Three was an arbitrary pick that simply sounded better than seven or ten. However, new little bits of truth have recently begun to stick in my brain.
Managing Your Time
Preview Course details In this short course, author Todd Dewett, PhD, shares four time-management tips that help everyone from busy executives to new employees get more out of their work day. Learn how to think differently about time management, embrace the 80% rule, find your "Einstein" window, protect that window, and broadcast your availability to ensure others know when you'll be available.
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