Last week, Ross Business School professor, Dr. Wayne Baker, gave an excellent presentation about his new book, United America, at my monthly Leaders Connect Breakfast. Contrary to the prevailing view that America is divided by significant differences between various groups, Baker’s research provides surprising truth about American values and identity. United America shows that Americans are united by a set of ten values. “Americans may seem to be hopelessly divided, but United America shows that Americans are united by …
Many of my clients participate in one of my Leadership Roundtables. One of the topics I hear about most from them is how difficult it is for them to have conversations about their careers with their bosses. While they are eager to get feedback and recognition, they often feel awkward about seeking it directly. In response, I remind them about one of the basic laws of reciprocity: Ask first what you could do for another, before asking them to …
When I was teaching in the late 60’s at PS145 in Harlem, I started all of my classes by emphasizing the concepts of respect and being proud of your name. Each morning, kids would greet me with “Yo, Mr. Pasick.” I would ask them, what was the most important thing you can do today and they would respond in unison “Respect yourself, and respect others.” Next, I would go around the room and ask each of them to say …
Based on your feedback and discussions with students, I (along with my teaching assistant Dante Vasquez) have decided on a format for my UofM Ross Class for juniors and seniors on “Managing Professional Relationships”. Emotional intelligence will be the key focus of the curriculum. Why EQ? Research shows that EQ is the best predictor of success in the work place. According to Travis Bradley, author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, their research has found that “90% of top performers are …
Last week I asked people to give me advice about what to include in my course (“Managing Professional Relationships”) at the Ross School of Business at UofM. The course is designed for junior and senior undergrads who soon will be entering the workforce. I had many extremely interesting and helpful responses which I would like to share with you. This week, I am sharing some of the responses and will continue to share more over the next few weeks. I want …
In the Fall I will be taking on a new endeavor: teaching a course at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business for juniors and seniors on “Managing Professional Relationships.” As I prepare for the class, I think back to my own senior year in 1968 at the University of Michigan and wonder, “What advice do I wish I had received about managing professional relationships in my own career?” Furthermore, I wonder “what advice do I wish I …