Eric Jacobson On Management And Leadership

“As we age, the instinct to matter crystallizes into the fundamental need to be seen, heard, valued, and needed,” says Zach Mercurio Ph.D., author of the new book, The Power Of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create A Culture Of Significance . “The need to matter never goes away. And if our need to matter is satisfied, we flourish.”   Mercurio explains that mattering is created through small, repeated interactions that ensure people feel noticed, affirmed, and needed.   These three ingredients form these three leadership practices :   Noticing:   the practice of seeing and hearing others.   Affirming:   the practice of showing people how their unique gifts make a difference.   Needing:   the practice of showing people how they're relied on and indispensable.     Part One of Mercurio’s book illuminates the what and why of mattering and offers you a self-assessment to measure your mattering skill level.   Part Two explores ...

In their book,  Millennials Who Manage , authors  Chip Espinoza  and  Joel Schwarzbart , quote Donna Hicks's explanation about how  dignity is different from respect : Dignity is different from respect in that it is not based on how people perform, what they can do for us, or their likability. Dignity is a feeling of inherent value and worth. Therefore, Espinoza and Schwarzbart recommend that leaders treat those they are leading with dignity and follow Hick's  10 Essential Elements of Dignity : Acceptance of Identity  - Approach people as being neither inferior nor superior to you. Assume that others have integrity. Inclusion  - Make others feel that they belong, whatever the relationship. Safety  - Put people at ease at two levels: physically, so they feel safe from bodily harm, and psychologically, so they feel safe from being humiliated. Acknowledgment  - Give people your full attention by listening, hearing, validating, and respondi...

In Re-Humanize: How to Build Human-Centric Organizations in the Age of Algorithms , author Phanish Puranam  explores how we can design organizations that harmonize digital efficiency with human-centric values, ensuring that both productivity and meaningful work coexist.  Drawing from a rich well of research and real-world insights, the book’s three sections include:  Section One : Basic assumptions about what is changing in organizations and what will not.  Section Two : How digital algorithms can change each aspect of how we organize, in both undesirable and desirable ways.  Section Three : A vision of how we can rethink the process of organization design to explicitly balance human and goal centricity.  As you read the book, you will learn more about:  The paradox of digitalization: how it can both enhance and erode human-centricity. Strategies for a digital division of labor that respects human dignity. The potential for digital tools to...

  Steve Lucas’ new book, Digital Impact: The Human Element of AI-Driven Transformation , maps out how to integrate your company’s systems and data so you can build a permanent competitive advantage.  Lucas explains that the rapid rise of artificial intelligence has created unparalleled opportunities for organizations to innovate, grow, and make a difference. Yet, many companies are stuck, unable to achieve their full potential because of two pervasive issues: digital fragmentation and data complexity.  Fortunately, using real-world customer stories as examples and writing in non-technical language that will appeal to every reader,  he shows businesses how to solve the ubiquitous problems of digital fragmentation and data complexity, “We stand at a crossroads where technology isn’t just evolving – it’s rewriting the rules,” shares Lucas. “This book is your guide to mastering that change.”   Inspiring stories explored in this book include: How a chocolate ...

  “Corporate leaders are increasingly expected to issue statements on a range of complex and often controversial political and social issues as they arise,” explains author Matthew Kohut . “As a result, chief executives run the risk of falling into the ‘talking trap,’ and thus needing to comment on every issue du jour. However, those whose only strategy is to avoid risk by saying nothing do so at their own peril.”   Fortunately, Kohut’s new book, Speaking Out: The New Rules of Business Leadership Communication , details a new framework for understanding how to manage corporate communications challenges with a shared emphasis on actions and words.   The book explores why and how executives speak out, and it looks at the practices many have employed to meet the moment. More specifically, you’ll read c ase studies of leaders who have spoken out and backed their words with action, and those case studies are contrasted with those of others who have had mixed records on ac...

Nearly everyone I know has shared a story about a difficult person they’ve encountered in their workplace. Experiencing difficult individuals in the workplace is common. So common that author   Amy Gallo   identifies   eight archetypes , each representing a common type of “difficult” person likely found in most workplaces.  “We might lie awake at night worrying, withdraw from work, or react in ways we later regret—rolling our eyes in a meeting, snapping at colleagues, or staying silent when we should speak up,” says Gallo.   "Too often we grin and bear it as if we have no choice. Or throw up our hands because one-size-fits-all solutions haven't worked. But you can only endure so much thoughtless, irrational, or malicious behavior—there's your sanity to consider, and your career,” adds Gallo.   Fortunately, Gallo shares in her new book,  Getting Along , practical insights, tools, and techniques for how to get along with each type of difficult co-worker ...

In  Fierce Resilience , author  Edward Beltran , CEO of Fierce Inc., presents a groundbreaking approach to reducing workplace stress and building resilience through conversation.  As technology, isolation, and productivity pressures increasingly contribute to workplace stress, Beltran offers a science-based model that identifies and neutralizes individual stress triggers.   By leveraging the power of conversations, individuals discover: their unique stressors. how to master skills to neutralize stressors. ways to build unwavering resilience that elevates their emotional well-being.  “This book is aimed at people who are part of any type and size of workplace: in-person, hybrid, or virtual,” says Beltran. “I share personal anecdotes, case studies, exercises, practical guidance, and actionable strategies.”   · In the book, Beltran  redefines resilience as the courage to self-assess and act . It is about being brave enough to face stress head-on, understa...

“Effective communication is the lifeblood of every healthy relationship,” explain The Communication Code authors Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram , whether that relationship is at work or at home. And effective communication is essential for successful leadership.   Fortunately, the authors' book provides a proven series of easy-to-implement skills, techniques and powerful strategies via what they call the  Communication Code  that anyone can use to make their communication, relationships deeper and more productive.   “Using five simple code words, you can verbally reach people with what they are expecting from you,” explain the authors.   Those  five code words  are:   Care  – being concerned for someone and desiring to do something for their good. Celebration  – to acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity. Clarification  – to make (a statement or situation) less confusing a...

Here’s another must-read book to add to your list as you transition from manager to leader. It’s  The Leap to Leader , by  Adam Bryant . As the creator of the iconic “Corner Office” column in the  New York Times , Bryant has spoken with more than a thousand leaders over the years about the challenges and nuances of leadership. Many of his discussions are included in his interview series on LinkedIn.  “The goal of this book is to provide an intensely practical guide to making that transition by sharing insights, stories, and approaches from hundreds of leaders to build the skills you will need to make the leap to leader,” explains Bryant.   He adds that the book is useful to everyone who is interested in leadership, regardless of where they are in their career.   The book covers:   The central paradox of leaders: selfless vs. self-centered. How to perfect the do-to-say ratio. Ways to navigate office politics. Tactics to making better decisions. The cruc...

“Experiential Intelligence provides a new lens from which to view what makes you, you—and what makes your team and organization unique,” says  Soren Kaplan , author of the book,  Experiential Intelligence . Kaplan explains that over 100 years ago, we established IQ (Intelligence Quotient) to predict success. Then we explored Emotional Intelligence (EQ), the theory of multiple intelligences, and mindsets that broaden the definition of smarts.   “Today,  Experiential Intelligence  ( XQ ) expands our understanding of what's needed to thrive in a disruptive world. While you can't change the past, your unique experiences and stories contain hidden strengths and untapped potential for the future,” explains Kaplan.   Experiential Intelligence is the combination of mindsets, abilities, and know-how  gained from your unique life experiences that empowers you to achieve your goals. It allows you to get in touch with the accumulated wisdom and talents you have ga...