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”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Keeping Millennials Happy In The Workplace
By 2025, Millennials will represent 75% of the working population. How are you planning to keep them engaged and with your organization? Or, are you resigned to the fact that they will move on if they can find a job that pays more than you can afford? That’s the subject of today’s LEADERSHIP PLUS.
You Don’t Need A Full-time Grant Writer to Get Money From Foundations
On this edition of LEADERSHIP PLUS, some tips for nonprofits on how they can succeed with grant writing despite having a small staff.
Productivity Tips
Dave Edwards was interviewed about how he stays productive for a segment on “GTD Connect”, the website which helps individuals be more productive using David Allen’s Getting Things Done methodology.
Your First Day at a New Job
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.
How Your Board Can Assist With Fundraising
Today on LEADERSHIP PLUS, Even board members who are not comfortable with fundraising can still do their part to help out a nonprofit organization.
How To Start A New Job As The Boss
Making a good first impression as a new boss is extremely important. Here are some tips that will help you get started on you new job when you are the boss.
Leading Your Way Out Of The Pandemic
Since the arrival of the Coronavirus we are learning new ways of leading our organizations. We still aren’t out of the woods yet. I want to share some thoughts to think about.
Is It Time To Look For A New Job?
Are you planning to look for a new job but are concerned about your chances during these difficult economic times? Are you stuck in a job or career that no longer inspires you? It’s time to take a step forward. Since I launched my executive coaching and consulting service, a significant portion of my conversations haveContinue reading “Is It Time To Look For A New Job?”
I’m Truly Honored
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”
All Good Things Must Come To An End
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”
The Typical Public Media Manager is a “General” Manager Out of Necessity
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.
Are You Ready For Another Crisis?
Sooner or later, every company and organization must deal with a crisis of their own making. How you can prepare for that eventuality?
Take Your Vacation Time
Because of Covid, this Independence Day holiday…and the summer…may feel different. But it is still important to unplug and take some time off.
Don’t Let Fear Stop You
Sometimes I worry about making important decisions where the correct choice is unclear. I’m an over-thinker. Here’s a personal story about how fear impacted me.
Increasing Your Productivity By Writing Things Down
“Every idea you have and everything you need to do should be written down.”
Keeping Millennials Happy Working For Your Organization
What percentage of your workers were born between 1980 and 1995? By 2025, Millennials will represent 75% of the working population. How are you planning to keep them engaged and with your organization? Or, are you resigned to the fact that they will move on if they can find a job that pays more thanContinue reading “Keeping Millennials Happy Working For Your Organization”
How To Take And Organize Your “Smart Notes”
As a “recovering” journalist I’ve always been a note taker. Prior to discovering Evernote, my notes were largely jammed into file folders that were unsearchable and largely unmanageable. In “How To Take Smart Notes”, Sonke Ahrens walks us through a comprehensive organizational system that works on paper as well as digitally.
Only The Paranoid Survive
“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.”
Leading Like A Boss
“Becoming a leader takes time and practice. It takes focus. It starts with a realization of the behaviors you need to embrace.”
How Safe Are Your Reporters?
We see reports of reporters being shouted at and attacked. Should we be thinking about the safety of our journalists? One University has embarked on a training program.
Fundraising During A Pandemic
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”
Leadership In Times Of 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.
How a 3×5″ Card Helps Me Get Things Done
How a little 3″ x 5″ card holds me accountable like a long list of tasks never would.
How Your Board Can Assist With Fundraising
Even board members who are not comfortable with fundraising can still do their part.
Practical Advice for Self Improvement (A Book Review)
“We blame others for things that happened in the past, making our case look as plausible and sympathetic as possible.”
What If There Is No One To Delegate To?
It is easy to say that managers should delegate projects to other staff members. But what if there is no one else available?
Your First Day On The 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.
Tips For Being On Time
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.
Even Tiger Woods Had A Coach
Since I launched this new venture, I’ve had several conversations with individuals who want to be better managers, but other than learning from their own mistakes, they are unclear about where or how to start.
Why Bother With Performance Evaluations?
No organization should conduct performance reviews if they have no meaningful outcome.
Leaders Learn To Listen
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.
Thanks for the Kind Words
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 Faster and Better Decisions
Making smart decisions can be difficult but quality internal discussions and strategic planning can help.
Motivating the Unmotivated
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.
Managing In Times Of Trauma
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.
Managing Up, Down and Sideways
Effective leaders learn to manage up, down and sideways.
Why I Won’t Ever “Retire”
I decided that what I wanted to use the knowledge I gained by making my own mistakes to help the next generation of leaders in public media – and in other non-profits – prepare for the tasks they face