Dr. Ms. Management:

Some time ago, I told my manager that I was interested in the things that motivate people. His response: "You sound like you are interested in politics." I disagreed, saying that there was a big difference between the two, although I didn't have much time to argue the point. His comment left me feeling vaguely ill-at-ease, but I wasn't sure why.

Reflecting back on this mini-discussion, I see a big difference between 'politics' and 'leadership'. But I'm not sure that I can articulate it very well. Do you have any thoughts on the differences between the two? Do you agree with my position that 'leadership' can and should be much more positive and much less destructive than mere 'politics'?

-- Leaderless in Seattle ⇒ Read more

According to Zogby International, there's a strong correlation between your willingness to apologize and your potential income level.

In a survey sponsored by The Pearl Outlet, Zogby found a significant link:

Americans earning over $100,000 a year are almost twice as likely to apologize after an argument with their other half as those earning under $25,000... ...the more you apologize, the more you earn. ⇒ Read more

Cool Careers For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)) author: Marty, PhD Nemko asin: 0470117745

They're watching you. All of the time.

Every move you make. Every sentence, every word you utter. Your emails, your instant messages.

Every expression on your face. Every smile. Every frown, every furrowed brow.

Every action you take. ⇒ Read more

I've noticed a trend in software engineering over the last few decades: the ascendency of a class I call the 'flashocracy' - leadership by quick answers and hyper-confidence, sometimes of style over substance.

Author Robert Persig, in the classic Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values, identified a similar trend in modern urban culture decades ago - he called it the "hyped-up, fuck-you, supermodern, ego style of life". ⇒ Read more