Posts in Career
An Unwanted Gift? Feedback at Work

Giving timely, constructive feedback can feel like a burden - an uncomfortable conversation we’d rather avoid. As leaders, early on we realize that giving feedback can be just as uncomfortable as being on the other side of the table, if not more so. But, without those conversations, performance and morale suffer, and we set people up to fail.

Ellie Hearne one why feedback matters - even if giving it feels like a burden.

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The Primary Trait of Successful Leaders? Take a Guess

“What’s the number-one trait successful leaders share?”

I ask this question at the start of some of our leadership workshops - in companies as varied in size, industry, age, and stage as you could imagine.

The answers are always interesting. Beyond the surface-interpretation of “these traits are what makes a good leader,” the responses also speak to each person’s values and to the organization’s culture.

Pencil or Ink founder Ellie Hearne on the trait leaders should cultivate.

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The Workplace Challenge We've All Encountered

It’s great that you graduated top of your class and can write code - but can you give a peer feedback about what they just said in your team meeting? Feedback that will make a lasting and positive difference?

For many leaders, that’s a hard “No.”

Pencil or Ink founder Ellie Hearne on how companies are setting leaders up to fail - what can be done about it.

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