Leadership

How Do You Lead Change?
Jun
22

How Do You Lead Change?

A critical expression of leadership is the ability to produce change within an organization. Caretaker managers can keep things going on a steady path, but leaders are required if the organization is to pursue a new path or rise to a significantly higher level of performance.  A primary competency of leadership is the ability to […]

By jay@americanwatercollege.org | Certificate Programs . Continuing Education . Leadership . Management
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5 Traits to Look for When Hiring
Jun
14

5 Traits to Look for When Hiring

When trying to hire the best and the brightest, most managers look only at education and experience.  The problem is, past performance does not necessarily predict future success. And education doesn’t make a big difference in the long term. It may give a candidate a short head start, but unless a person is committed to […]

By jay@americanwatercollege.org | Leadership . Management . Uncategorized . Workforce Development
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How to Set SMART Goals
Jun
07

How to Set SMART Goals

I once heard about a billboard along the side of a busy freeway that read, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will do.”  Basil S. Walsh once wrote, “If you don’t know where you are going, how can you expect to get there?” Do you show up to work each day knowing […]

By jay@americanwatercollege.org | Continuing Education . Education . Leadership . Management . Uncategorized . Workforce Development
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Characteristics of Great Performance Management Routines
May
26

Characteristics of Great Performance Management Routines

The effectiveness of a manger’s performance management system will be determined by his routine.  By following a performance management routine, great managers develop a rhythm of meetings and conversations with employees wherein work is planned, expectations are set, performance is monitored, and employees are developed and rewarded. In their book First, Break All the Rules, […]

By jay@americanwatercollege.org | Leadership . Management . Uncategorized
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Fixing Your Fatal Flaws
May
05

Fixing Your Fatal Flaws

Last time we talked about building on your strengths as the best way to improve your ability to lead.  We said that you shouldn’t focus on shoring up your weaknesses, but rather to give more attention to developing and building on your strengths.  We concluded by warning you about some weaknesses that must be addressed […]

By jay@americanwatercollege.org | Leadership . Management
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Focusing on Strengths
Apr
26

Focusing on Strengths

Great Leaders Focus on Strengths Research conducted by Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman indicates there are five clusters of strengths that should be developed in order to be perceived as a great leader. In our Effective Utility Management workshops, our participants conduct a Strengths & Weaknesses Assessment and are encouraged to focus on developing their strengths […]

By jay@americanwatercollege.org | Leadership . Management . Uncategorized
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How to Establish New Habits
Apr
06

How to Establish New Habits

  Change your habits and you can change your life. This is a strong statement, but it’s true.  The Habit poem is a great reminder of this truth.  I’ve seen it in my own life and I’ve seen it in many of the individuals I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years.  Aristotle said “We […]

By jay@americanwatercollege.org | Leadership . Management . Uncategorized
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