Motivation, Power and Self Interest

Carmine Coyote has written a provocative post which explores the fundamental dishonesty of motivation.
But I think Carmine has given motivation a bum rap!
What has been called ‘motivation’ is really ‘manipulation’.  Manipulation to get people to do something that the manager wants them to do.
Now I don’t think any manager can ‘motivate’ anyone beyond the short [...]

Its All About the Relationships, Stupid!

One of the basic assumptions behind my work in the Progressive Managers’ Network is that excellent performance depends on excellent relationships.  Relationships that are characterised by:

engagement
honesty
2-way communication
creativity and innovation from everyone
development and progress

And still the most common objection that I face in my training?  “Mike I haven’t got time to spend building relationships.  I just [...]

Holding Difficult Conversations at Work

Much of my work is about providing managers with safe and effective ways to have conversations that they would instinctively prefer to avoid.  Conversations about behaviours and approaches that don’t contribute towards excellent performance.
If they do choose to address the issue most managers have to force themselves to say things, to use words and phrases [...]

Aziz Ansari

Some gentle jolts around diversity, stereotypes, celebrity, Kanye West and social marketing/Web 2.0.
And a lot of laughs!
Another video – and you will need sound for this one.

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Are You a Jackass or a Progressive?

There is a widespread belief that the best way to manage a donkey is through a combination of stick and carrot.
As long as the right ‘extrinsic motivation’ is applied at the right time, at the right end, there is a chance that the donkey will do what we want it to.

Unless of course the donkey [...]

Change is Good

I have just come across a really good online video, thanks to Phil Gerbyshack, called Change is Good.  It seems to sum up so many of the principles that I try to teach people how to practice in my PMN workshops.  (There are still someplaces left on Giving and Getting Great Feedback on 20th May [...]

What if Work Was Social Again?

http://vimeo.com/3504198