Dean Newlund

I’ll admit it. I’m addicted to e-mail. I’m a people-pleasing Baby Boomer who wants to be on the ball and prove my worth by the speed of my response.

On average, I check e-mail 30-40 times an hour: It’s the first thing I do in the morning, the last thing I do at night, and the thing I do when the announcement is made it is now safe to use approved electronic devices on airplanes.

Welcome to the age of narcissism. We’re often more concerned for ourselves than members of our teams, our companies measure and reward individual instead of team results, a new generation of employees feel more entitled than their older peers, and to top it all off, our U.S. culture celebrates individual over group success.

Let’s face it, some amount of narcissism is beneficial and can create charismatic politicians, CEO’s touting compelling visions and individuals committed to… Show more

Welcome to the age of narcissism. We’re often more concerned for ourselves than members of our teams, our companies measure and reward individual instead of team results, a new generation of employees feel more entitled than their older peers, and to top it all off, our U.S. culture celebrates individual over group success.

Let’s face it, some amount of narcissism is beneficial and can create charismatic politicians, CEO’s touting compelling visions and individuals committed to self-awareness and fulfillment. But a single focus on “self” damages relationships, impedes innovation and squelches collaboration. Maslow would say that serving the “self” is a necessary rest stop on the road to serving others. Show less

The quality of how we make decisions, pursue opportunities, solve problems and develop new ideas is based on the quality of the questions we ask. I'm reminded of a senior research investigator describing the most important part of his work, "Dean, it's all in the quality of the question. The research, the breakthroughs, the drugs we produce to help patients is all based on the quality of our questions."

Think of your brain as a gatekeeper for change: Give it what it wants and it will help you evolve and grow into an effective leader. Don’t give it what it wants, and it might make you feel apathetic, dull, fearful of the unknown and suspicious of new ideas.

According to David Rock and Jeffrey Schwartz in “The Neuroscience of Leadership,” our brain rejects change when it’s overly tired or overly comfortable. Like overloading a circuit, the brain gets overwhelmed when given a lot of new… Show more

Think of your brain as a gatekeeper for change: Give it what it wants and it will help you evolve and grow into an effective leader. Don’t give it what it wants, and it might make you feel apathetic, dull, fearful of the unknown and suspicious of new ideas.

According to David Rock and Jeffrey Schwartz in “The Neuroscience of Leadership,” our brain rejects change when it’s overly tired or overly comfortable. Like overloading a circuit, the brain gets overwhelmed when given a lot of new information in a short amount of time. It’s advised, then, to take a break every 90 minutes from mentally taxing work. Show less

This summer my executive development company will celebrate it’s 23 year anniversary. As I reflect back I notice today’s leader has different challenges than he or she did in 1992.

We live in an ADD world. With literally billions of bits of information bombarding us every day the new currency is attention and the new survival mechanism is to ignore. If we paid full attention to all the emails, advertisements, billboards, texts, meeting requests, and other demands on our time we’d… Show more

This summer my executive development company will celebrate it’s 23 year anniversary. As I reflect back I notice today’s leader has different challenges than he or she did in 1992.

We live in an ADD world. With literally billions of bits of information bombarding us every day the new currency is attention and the new survival mechanism is to ignore. If we paid full attention to all the emails, advertisements, billboards, texts, meeting requests, and other demands on our time we’d probably go mad. In order to survive this cacophony of chaos we’ve become experts at the art of marginal listening by ignoring low priority items and tuning-out a world clamoring for our attention. Today leaders are challenged with the task of engaging their employees while the rest of the world is like a 5th grader, raising its hand for attention: Pick me. Pick me! Before the internet we left work at 5 or 6 and were able to engage with our families, instead of hopping back on e-mail after the kids are in bed ...
Show less

This summer, my executive development company will celebrate its 23-year anniversary. As I reflect back, I notice today's leader has different challenges than he or she did in 1992.

We live in an ADD world. With literally billions of bits of information bombarding us every day, the new currency is attention and the new survival mechanism is to ignore. If we paid full attention to all the e-mails, advertisements, billboards, texts, meeting requests and other demands on our time, we'd… Show more

This summer, my executive development company will celebrate its 23-year anniversary. As I reflect back, I notice today's leader has different challenges than he or she did in 1992.

We live in an ADD world. With literally billions of bits of information bombarding us every day, the new currency is attention and the new survival mechanism is to ignore. If we paid full attention to all the e-mails, advertisements, billboards, texts, meeting requests and other demands on our time, we'd probably go mad. To survive this cacophony of chaos, we've become experts at the art of marginal listening by ignoring low-priority items and tuning out a world clamoring for our attention. Show less

The first question I was asked during my first day of college was "what's your major?" I thought the purpose of college was to explore ideas not limit options. I was given a college advisor who got the unenviable assignment of dealing with us misfits he labeled "undecided." The pressure to specialize extends into business as well. We get trained and hired to be electricians, teachers, nurses and restaurant managers. Being a specialist gets the job. But growing a career requires a diverse set of… Show more

The first question I was asked during my first day of college was "what's your major?" I thought the purpose of college was to explore ideas not limit options. I was given a college advisor who got the unenviable assignment of dealing with us misfits he labeled "undecided." The pressure to specialize extends into business as well. We get trained and hired to be electricians, teachers, nurses and restaurant managers. Being a specialist gets the job. But growing a career requires a diverse set of skills and attitudes. Show less

Would $30 billion in cost savings or added productivity make a difference to our lagging economy? It certainly would.

Consider this: Our nation could probably save that much simply by eliminating poorly run and unnecessary meetings.

Each day 11 million meetings take place in the United States, or 2.6 billion in a year. Based on an average salary of $30 per hour, the U.S. spends $80 billion on meetings each year.(In reality, the amount spent on meetings is much higher because most… Show more

Would $30 billion in cost savings or added productivity make a difference to our lagging economy? It certainly would.

Consider this: Our nation could probably save that much simply by eliminating poorly run and unnecessary meetings.

Each day 11 million meetings take place in the United States, or 2.6 billion in a year. Based on an average salary of $30 per hour, the U.S. spends $80 billion on meetings each year.(In reality, the amount spent on meetings is much higher because most meetings involve more than two people.) Some research says that 37.5 percent of all meetings are considered "poorly run or unnecessary," which would equal $30 billion a year of unproductive or poorly run meetings. Show less

Innovation is the cornerstone for surviving and thriving in today’s world of V.U.C.A, Volitivity, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity; or what I describe in a white paper of the same name, The New Normal 2.0. To not be aware of nor respond to the seismic changes in our economy, demographics, buying patterns and workforce demands is a receipe for disaster. We all know of companies that failed because they didn’t respond to these market changes. Others, like Apple and Google brought fresh life… Show more

Innovation is the cornerstone for surviving and thriving in today’s world of V.U.C.A, Volitivity, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity; or what I describe in a white paper of the same name, The New Normal 2.0. To not be aware of nor respond to the seismic changes in our economy, demographics, buying patterns and workforce demands is a receipe for disaster. We all know of companies that failed because they didn’t respond to these market changes. Others, like Apple and Google brought fresh life into their industries because they made innovation a part of their business strategy and values like tolerance, collaboration and flexibility found their way into business practices. Show less

Remember Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action is there is an equal and opposite reaction? I’ve coined a similar law for business teams: For every symptom there is a hidden root cause. Symptons are easy to see while root cause is often hidden. Why should we care? We make decisions on what we can see. If we can’t see root cause, then we’re making decisions on symptoms, and those decisions can pull us way off track.

Friendships, marriages, families, teams, departments, divisions, companies and even countries grow and die one conversation at a time. And because the lifeblood of any social ecosystem, whether face to face, over e-mail, through Skype or texting is communication, one of our most challenging and rewarding roles is to master to the art of communication. Each of us has different communiation preferences, which we cling to as stress increases. Today’s agile leader is aware of these preferences and… Show more

Friendships, marriages, families, teams, departments, divisions, companies and even countries grow and die one conversation at a time. And because the lifeblood of any social ecosystem, whether face to face, over e-mail, through Skype or texting is communication, one of our most challenging and rewarding roles is to master to the art of communication. Each of us has different communiation preferences, which we cling to as stress increases. Today’s agile leader is aware of these preferences and will adjust their style when the situation calls for it. Show less

Excerpt:

The quality of how we make decisions, pursue opportunities, solve problems and develop new ideas is based on the quality of the questions we ask. I’m reminded of a senior research investigator describing the most important part of his work, “Dean, it’s all in the quality of the question. The research, the breakthroughs, the drugs we produce to help patients is all based on the quality of our questions.”

’ll admit it. I’m addicted to e-mail. I’m a people pleasing baby boomer that wants to be on the ball and prove my worth by the speed of my response. On average I check e-mail 30-40 times an hour: It’s the first things I do in the morning, the last things I do at night and the thing I do when the announcement is made it is now safe to use approved electronic devices on airplanes.

Not everyone wants to be or should be a leader. But for those who have the desire, ability and mind-set for leadership, the question isn’t just how does one get to be a leader, but how does one succeed once one is a leader?
Part of what makes these questions difficult is the misperception about the path to leadership and what its like when you arrive. Being good at your job isn’t enough for a promotion. You have to act like a leader before you are one. And, once you have the corner office… Show more

Not everyone wants to be or should be a leader. But for those who have the desire, ability and mind-set for leadership, the question isn’t just how does one get to be a leader, but how does one succeed once one is a leader?
Part of what makes these questions difficult is the misperception about the path to leadership and what its like when you arrive. Being good at your job isn’t enough for a promotion. You have to act like a leader before you are one. And, once you have the corner office, valuable information about problems and concerns about the company and what it does can be a lot harder to get. If leaders are to make sound decisions, they must find ways to keep information flowing up.
Show less

Advice for new managers includes taking broad view, keeping in touch.

The world woke up to a new reality in summer 2008, when the Great Recession took a downward turn that destroyed millions of U.S. jobs and shook the global economy. Companies hunkered down as a new normal settled over the business landscape. Gone were the days of rapid growth, easy credit and subprime mortgage schemes that helps turn housing into private ATMs.

For reasons that include fear for our own well being, companies that measure and reward individual instead of team results, a new generation of employees who feel more entitled than their older peers, and a US culture that reveres individual success, it appears we’ve entered the age of narcissism.

Most of us understand how to use online tools to build and expand our digital networks, but few know how to gather information and wield influence.  Davenport and Iyer say we need three things to build an effective online network; reputation, specialization and network position.

There are times in history when conditions come together to create a large shift in economic, social and technological landscapes: The end of the Civil and second World Wars; the equal rights movement in the ’60’s the birth of the .com boom of the late ‘90s; and more recently the shift in the US political base come to mind. Although not always seen, what happens outside the walls of a business affects what goes on inside. To survive and thrive during these great times of change, leaders and… Show more

There are times in history when conditions come together to create a large shift in economic, social and technological landscapes: The end of the Civil and second World Wars; the equal rights movement in the ’60’s the birth of the .com boom of the late ‘90s; and more recently the shift in the US political base come to mind. Although not always seen, what happens outside the walls of a business affects what goes on inside. To survive and thrive during these great times of change, leaders and their companies need to have their eyes and ears wide open to the trends affecting their businesses. Show less

Even with all the assessments, scorecards and performance reviews there appears to be a growing chasm between performance and perception. Why just yesterday a coaching client of mine - we’ll call him Tom - scratched his head when saying, “I thought my work would speak for itself. Now it appears, that in addition to my other roles, I need to be my own PR agency.”

Even with all the assessments, scorecards and performance reviews there appears to be a growing chasm between performance and perception. Why just yesterday a coaching client of mine - we’ll call him Tom - scratched his head when saying, “I thought my work would speak for itself. Now it appears, that in addition to my other roles, I need to be my own PR agency.”

He’s right. Since most of us will change jobs 11 times in our lifetime, the employee has become, what Daniel Pink calls in… Show more

Even with all the assessments, scorecards and performance reviews there appears to be a growing chasm between performance and perception. Why just yesterday a coaching client of mine - we’ll call him Tom - scratched his head when saying, “I thought my work would speak for itself. Now it appears, that in addition to my other roles, I need to be my own PR agency.”

He’s right. Since most of us will change jobs 11 times in our lifetime, the employee has become, what Daniel Pink calls in his book by the same title, a member of the Free Agent Nation. In such a world the employee / employer relationship is based less on loyalty and more on projects that begin and end; much like how temporary workers and small businesses operate with their clients. Add to that, virtual meetings, email-addiction and the increasing speed of work, you get a growing distance between the value people create and the perceptions others have of that work.
Show less

After passing customs I walk into the main part of the Tianjin, China, airport and enter a world of people speaking words I can’t understand. By not knowing Mandarin, I’m dependent on others and ignorant of much of what is going on around me.

In business, the main language is finance. Those who speak and understand it are more able to contribute and make decisions than those who don’t. Learnto speak finance and you immediately become more employable and promotable.

In an average week I may interact with 10-20 clients in my role as an executive coach and strategic facilitator, and it seems that everyone has been experiencing the same thing; increasing levels of stress. One person I talked to last week admitted being addicted to stress; and then followed by saying “what am I suppose to do when I have nothing to do?”

Is it possible the Me Generation – a term coined by writer Tom Wolf describing the self-involved qualities of Baby Boomers – is being replaced by a generation focused on service? Perhaps. However, there’re still pressures to keep the age of narcissism alive and well: A sluggish economy creates fear for our well-being. Companies still measure and reward individual instead of team results. Some would say younger workers feel more entitled than their older peers. And our national identity is… Show more

Is it possible the Me Generation – a term coined by writer Tom Wolf describing the self-involved qualities of Baby Boomers – is being replaced by a generation focused on service? Perhaps. However, there’re still pressures to keep the age of narcissism alive and well: A sluggish economy creates fear for our well-being. Companies still measure and reward individual instead of team results. Some would say younger workers feel more entitled than their older peers. And our national identity is rooted in individual achievement. Show less

Would 96 billion in cost savings or added productivity make a difference to our lagging economy? I think so. To get that huge number wouldn’t require a government bailout or an act of congress. It would be much simpler. Consider a study by Bowling Green State University: Each day 11 million meetings take place in the U.S., 2.6 billion a year. 37.5% of those meetings are considered “poorly run or unnecessary”. Factor in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s estimate of the average hourly wage of… Show more

Would 96 billion in cost savings or added productivity make a difference to our lagging economy? I think so. To get that huge number wouldn’t require a government bailout or an act of congress. It would be much simpler. Consider a study by Bowling Green State University: Each day 11 million meetings take place in the U.S., 2.6 billion a year. 37.5% of those meetings are considered “poorly run or unnecessary”. Factor in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s estimate of the average hourly wage of $30, you get 96 billion a year spent on unnecessary or unproductive meetings a year. Show less

Many I talk to feel American business is loosing its completive edge because employees tiptoe around issues and management discourages healthy debate. In an effort to avoid the negative consequences of conflict and to be overly sensitive to others’ feelings we’ve become a nation a risk-avoiders, less a country of bold-innovators.

Writer John Medina says in “Brain Rules” that our typical office environment discourages higher brain functions. Sitting for hours in confined spaces under unnatural light dulls our mental processes and reduces our tolerance levels, creativity and ability to communicate effectively, he says. One study suggested employees’ IQ levels decrease after attending a poorly run meeting in cramped, windowless rooms, painted white or grey.

26 years ago the Challenger shuttle exploded on takeoff and 9 years ago the Columbia shuttle exploded on landing. As tragic as they were, what lessons can these accidents teach us that we can apply in business?

The economy is slowly coming back. But we still face high unemployment, foreclosures and our 401(k)s are still ailing. So in this New Year we’re tentative in our optimism against a backdrop of fear.Yet, when it comes to making positive change, does fear motivate us or slow us down?

Before I sat down to write this column I had just finished a coaching session with a newly promoted mid-level manager. Julie started our conversation with “It’s true, it is lonely at the top. With my promotion I enjoy the opportunity to make a greater impact, but now my actions are scrutinized, former peers are now direct reports and I can’t admit I don’t have all the answers. “

The holidays are great. But let’s face it. They can be a time of increased stress caused by a lot of poor communication. Being inflexible to different communication styles is a big reason. Why not use the next 60 days to elevate the quality of each conversation?

“Gen X and Gen Y employees don’t have a solid work ethic.” “Baby Boomers are slow to change.” “The younger generation is one of entitlement.” “The older generation values money over a quality work environment.” You’ve heard these comments. You may have even made them yourself. And they illustrate how Baby Boomers and younger workers often have trouble working well together.

A business fable. Image you’re a mountain climber. Your goal is to scale the world’s top three peaks. Each will require great effort and sacrifice. However, you determine you only have enough energy to climb one. So you choose the most popular mountain. You make it to the top and experience the thrill of success. However, a deep regret sets in when you see the other two mountains you chose not to climb. The Peak you scaled is called “Profit.” The other two: “People” and “Planet.”

Where do you go to get quality work done? If you're like the people Jason Fried interviewed for his book “Rework” your answer might be a coffee shop or a special room in the house, or while traveling on a train or a plane. You wouldn't mention work being a good place to get quality work done. Why? Too many ineffective meetings and managers interrupting your work to make sure you're working. Business leaders are caught between management's goal for high productivity and employees sending up the… Show more

Where do you go to get quality work done? If you're like the people Jason Fried interviewed for his book “Rework” your answer might be a coffee shop or a special room in the house, or while traveling on a train or a plane. You wouldn't mention work being a good place to get quality work done. Why? Too many ineffective meetings and managers interrupting your work to make sure you're working. Business leaders are caught between management's goal for high productivity and employees sending up the white flag because of burnout. Show less

After passing customs I walk into the main part of the Tianjin, China airport and enter a world of people speaking words I can’t understand and signs I can’t read. I must rely completely on my interpreters to help me make basic decisions. (Asking for advise on where to site-see, ordering a meal, finding a taxi, etc.) By not knowing Chinese I’m dependent on others and ignorant of much of what is going on around me.
In business the main language is finance. Those that speak and… Show more

After passing customs I walk into the main part of the Tianjin, China airport and enter a world of people speaking words I can’t understand and signs I can’t read. I must rely completely on my interpreters to help me make basic decisions. (Asking for advise on where to site-see, ordering a meal, finding a taxi, etc.) By not knowing Chinese I’m dependent on others and ignorant of much of what is going on around me.
In business the main language is finance. Those that speak and understand it are more able to contribute and make decisions than those that don’t. Learn to speak finance and you immediately become more employable and promotable. Show less

I admit it. I'm addicted to e-mail. I'm a people pleasing baby boomer that wants to be on the ball and prove my worth by the speed of my response.

On average I check e-mail 30 to 40 times an hour. It's the first thing I do in the morning, the last thing I do at night and the thing I do when the announcement is made it is now safe to use approved electronic devices on airplanes.

It's the summer of 2009. The recession is in full swing. Employees are working long hours with few resources, minimal training and sometimes reduced pay. Then, a study is released by DDI, a talent-management firm, saying that more than half of U.S. employees plan on looking for another job once the economy improves.

Fast-forward 18 months: Unemployment is down, GDP is up, the Dow Jones finally surpasses the 12,000 mark and companies are hiring.