Interaction Associates original research on teams - what makes teams successful vs. ineffective - identified five attributes for high performing teams:

As I look forward to the coming year, and think about the individual leaders with whom I’ll be working; I'm thinking about a consistent theme that concerns me.  Many leaders, especially women leaders, are expressing weariness, fatigue, and a general feeling of being "used-up;" in other words, the

Grappling with a thorny, complex business issue? Who isn't, these days? Trouble is, leaders often are good at identifying strategic outcomes; what leaders aren’t as good at, is identifying how the strategic work gets done.

The question that headlines this piece is not exactly on a par with "What is the meaning of life?" but it’s important, nevertheless. For a business to succeed, it ought to be able to come up with a sensible answer that resonates with customers.

I was intrigued recently by a discussion of women’s representation at the 2014 Davos World Economic Forum (WEF), as reported by CNN. The annual international meeting began  imposing quotas for women delegates in 2006, yet the representation of women in 2014 was just 17 percent.

Some employees are more talented than others. That’s a fact of organizational life that few executives and talent managers would dispute.

Setting goals that are specific, measurable, and achievable is key to the functioning of a well-oiled, high-performing team. Clearly stated, outcome-based goals help team members get and stay motivated, and help organizations to achieve the changes they seek.

Interestingly, a recent study on leadership styles conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of Pershing, LLC, a major financial services consult

Without measures, organizations face a nearly impossible task in coordinating efforts or assessing progress. So, the question we face is not whether to measure, but rather what to measure and how.

Shaping company culture, before it shapes you: Fast Company magazine features insights from IA's Beth O'Neill around key practices and behaviors that build strong cultures in fast growing companies. Beth O’Neill writes about a very real challenge faced by leaders in rapid-growing compani

Shaping company culture, before it shapes you: Fast Company magazine features insights from IA's Beth O'Neill around key practices and behaviors that build strong cultures in fast growing companies. Beth O’Neill talks about a very real challenge faced by leaders in rapid-growing companies: Compan

Watch the recording, on-demand, below.

Making the transition from individual contributor to manager requires an identity shift - from the tactician to the strategist, from a focus on "me" to a focus on "us."  Not everyone’s up for the task.

The Conference Board's CEO Challenge 2014 is out, and, not surprisingly, there are several important takeaways for human capital professionals.

Interaction Associates sponsored a recent Simmons College conference, which served up fresh insights on the role of women leaders in innovation. The conference focused on leadership and innovation with women at the helm vs. "women’s leadership." This is a distinction I appreciate.

The demand for strategic thinking skills is growing as more organizations look for ways to help leaders navigate uncertainty and complexity. Said a different way: Managers often prefer certain routines and operate best from their base of expertise and established habits.

These new VPs and Directors had it all: brain power, the right credentials, stellar track records. The company was spending a fortune to screen and hire them, with the expectation that they would do great things.

I have witnessed over and over again positive changes brought about by good coaching. I think of coaching as a conversation wherein one person, the coach, instructs, counsels, and tutors another in how to improve his or her performance.

What are the challenges around advancing women in leadership roles in your organization? 

Role confusion on a team is like a computer virus: it can pop up when you least expect it…and you may not even notice it’s there until it’s already wreaked havoc on your team’s performance.  Let’s briefly explore what role confusion typically looks like and some practical ways to address it.

Fortune’s 500 list released last month revealed good news and bad news for women leaders.  The number of women CEOs in the Fortune 500 is at its highest yet — and has been on a steady incline in the last 16 y

Enjoy this new article in Fast Company magazine by Patty McManus featuring smart, practical strategies for leaders - and, specifically - leadership teams.

In an article in Fast Company magazine, Patty McManus lays out smart, practical strategies for leaders - and, specifically - leadership teams.

Giving and receiving feedback builds trust, removes interpersonal barriers, and guides everyone on the team toward improved performance.