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The Working Supervisor's Support Kit is a collection of information and tools to help working supervisors do a better job. It's based on what Wally's learned in over twenty years of supervisory skills training.

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Independent business blogs are blogs that aren't supported by an organization like a magazine, newspaper, company, or business school. Those people provide lots of great content, but they don't need any additional exposure. In this post, every week, I bring you posts of quality from excellent bloggers that don't get as much publicity.

This week, I'm pointing you to posts on profanity, delivering real help, stupid leadership tricks, older workers and attitude, and getting ready for the New Year.

From Mike Haberman: Profanity as a Leadership Tool?
"Let me be clear, I am no stranger to profanity. I have uttered my fair share of "curse" words in the past and will do so in the future. However, I make sure that when I do it is both situation and audience appropriate. Seldom is the workplace the appropriate place and seldom is an employee the proper target. There are several issues associated with profanity in the workplace."

Wally's Comment: Should you use profanity at work? I think it creates more problems than it provides solutions. Mike Haberman shares his take on the issue in this post inspired by the same Hell's Kitchen episode that triggered my "Russ and Nona and Leadership ."

From Mary Jo Asmus: Help Them to Think
"I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we can help others too much. It seems odd that this is so, because “helping” is something that is valued in our society. However, I’ve come to appreciate that when a leader becomes too helpful, his strength in being supportive of others can become a weakness."

Wally's Comment: This post starts out a lot like William Oncken's classic article, "Management Time: Who's Got the Monkey ," but then Mary Jo Asmus gives things her own twist and helps you think about whether helping always helps.

From Dan Rockwell: Top 20 Stupid Leader Tricks
"Wisdom is acquired when you learn from your mistakes. James Joyce wisely observes, “A man’s errors are his portals of discovery.” Never underestimate the potential and power of a good mistake. On the other hand, it’s less painful if you learn from another’s blunders."

Wally's Comment: The title pretty much says it all. Read and enjoy.

From Bret Simmons: Do Older Workers Have Bad Work Attitudes?
"Today 55 percent of the U.S. workforce is 40 or older. Because of negative stereotypes, several research studies have shown that older workers receive lower ratings in job applications, performance appraisals, and access to career development activities.  The most prevalent age stereotype is that older workers are less motivated and engaged than younger workers.  But is there any empirical support for the relationship between age and job attitudes?"

Wally's Comment: More research analysis from Bret Simmons. So what does the research say about the attitudes of older (40+?) workers.

From Tanveer Naseer: 10 Questions to Help Leaders Prepare for the New Year
"As we slowly approach the end of another year, there is once again a discernible feeling of anticipation for what the upcoming year will bring. In many ways, this is quite natural and expected since, like a present wrapped in shiny paper, the start of a new year often stirs a sense of optimism that better times and new opportunities for recovery, growth and development await us just around the corner."

Wally's Comment: You may have been too wrapped up in Christmas shopping and decorating to have noticed, but the New Year fast approaches. Do not worry, though, do not fret. Tanveer Naseer will help you get ready.

Special Note: Many of you have followed Becky Robinson's posts on Leadertalk over the last couple of years, just as I have. Well, Becky's moved on to new (and I think better) things and she has a new blog, Weaving Influence. Make sure you update your RSS feeds so you don't miss a post.

That's it for this week's selections from independent business blogs. If you liked this piece you may enjoy my regular post on "Leadership Reading to Start Your Week" which features five choice articles from the business schools, the business press and major consulting firms. The last issue had pointers to articles about banks and ethics, money and life, kindness at the office, social innovation networks, and making your growth plans fit.

Here, on Three Star Leadership, I post things that will help a boss at any level do better and live a better life. At Results vs Activities, I join other bloggers with posts on talent development. My blog at the Toolbox for HR is People and the Changing Workplace .

Find out more about my latest book, Ruthless Focus: How to use key core strategies to grow your business or just jump right over to Amazon and buy a few copies.

If you're a boss, you should check out my Working Supervisor's Support Kit.

And be sure to stop by at Weekly Leader where I'll try to get you thinking about The Challenge of the Week.

Wally's Working Supervisor's Support Kit is a collection of information and tools to help working supervisors do a better job. It's based on what Wally's learned in over twenty years of supervisory skills training. Click here to check it out.