Posts by Doug Sterbenz
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Two years into my first professional job as an engineer, I was promoted to Production Supervisor. The technical aspects of the job appealed to me, but I was not in tune with the leadership elements. I really blew it! The current COVID-19 situation reminds me of this early leadership lesson: Sid was the most senior…
Read MoreHow to Be Present with COVID-19 Reality
Leaders must be present for those they lead – physically, mentally and emotionally. But, how can we be truly present for those we lead given all the restrictions during this COVID-19 Pandemic? Speakers and leadership coaches are inundating leaders with tons of leadership advice during this time. I don’t believe that we can digest all…
Read MorePerformance Evaluations are Like Flat Tires
Leaders are required to evaluate their employees’ performance, and usually the formal time for that is near the beginning of a new year. Most leaders don’t like to do performance evaluations. We all have our reasons, and those reasons seem to justify putting it off for another day. Maybe you think you are too busy…
Read MoreLeadership Lessons from the Superbowl Bound Chiefs
Finally! The Kansas City Chiefs are back in the Superbowl. Those Chiefs fans have been watching and waiting for 50 years. I’ve been watching with them for many of those years. I love watching football. However, I really love what football can teach us leaders about being Present. By now you have heard Doug…
Read MoreNo Congratulations for My Mentor
My mentor retired, but I did not send him a congratulations card. His name is Ed Platt and he was a giant in the industry for 50 years. He left a huge footprint—not only because of his monumental personal achievements, but because of those leaders he created and those he greatly influenced. Many leaders–including myself–rode…
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