Category Archives: Uncategorized

We all need to have crucial conversations with our boss….our direct reports….co-workers and our family. Today, Dave shares some of his takeaways from the book, ““Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High”

It is a well known fact that ‘leaders are readers.” Periodically, I like to share some books you might consider reading if you are interested in improving your leadership skills. Mind Over Clutter – Nicola Lewis Does a messy desk always mean a messy mind?  If you find that you are not as organized asContinue reading “Dave’s Leadership Library”

On this edition of LEADERSHIP PLUS, some tips for nonprofits on how they can succeed with grant writing despite having a small staff.

On today’s LEADERSHIP PLUS we look at what you might expect during your first day on a new job. Where do you start? Your first day on the job will be hectic. How do you begin setting a good impression? Here are some ideas.

Tom Langmyer, is one of those most respected and talented managers in the broadcast business. He caught me pleasantly off guard recently with a post on his Facebook page. Langmyer is CEO of Great Lakes Media Corporation and was previously Vice President and General Manager for WGN in Chicago, KMOX in St. Louis, WTMJ andContinue reading “I’m Truly Honored”

Dear Public Broadcasting Colleagues, We are fortunate to work in an amazing industry. I thought about that as I sat and watched journalists win awards at the last Wisconsin Broadcasters Association awards banquet. Despite all of the concerns that local radio is dead or dying, some very creative work was being honored. It came fromContinue reading “All Good Things Must Come To An End”

At most public media stations, the staff is small and the manager must be able to do almost everything. But when the staff grows in size, the manager needs to become an effective coach.

“The more successful you are, the more people want a chunk of your business and then another chunk and then another until there is nothing left.”

We are going through an incredible period of disruption. But we will get through it. Yet, we will all need to adapt. We’ve started by “social distancing” and having our employees work from home. But more changes will need to be made. For example, every nonprofit and public media organization is going have to dealContinue reading “Fundraising During A Pandemic”

The chances are good that you and your team have developed the basic plans for how your organization moves forward should cases be diagnosed in your community or even in your workplace. Now it is time for you to show your leadership.

It is easy to say that managers should delegate projects to other staff members. But what if there is no one else available?

I’m meticulous about not missing meetings. Someone once told me that ‘your calendar is a proxy for your priorities.’ If I commit to meeting you, I will be there.

By listening, you will learn about things that you couldn’t know. Front line workers have a unique perspective. Plus, by engaging your staff in an open discussion, you will get more buy-in on the outcome of the discussion.

In the first few weeks since I launched this blog and my consulting business, I’ve received many kind words. It is deeply appreciated.

Making smart decisions can be difficult but quality internal discussions and strategic planning can help.

Do you have an employee who seems to lack focus, takes a lot of time off, or regularly disappears from their desk? Have they become distant from their peers or make comments that are not appropriate for the office? Effective leaders cannot ignore such behavior.

When tragedy strikes your organization, your MBA won’t help you unless you rely on your instincts as a leader as well as a compassionate human being.