Leading is tough any time, but leading in a time of uncertainty makes it that much harder. Every business leader I talk with is struggling to plan for the coming weeks, with little chance to look ahead months or years. One key to getting a handle on these tumultuous times is making individual connections, and there are three leadership skills that can help.

Age and the workplace is a topic that never goes away. Using age as a criterion to put people in leadership roles can lead to problems. Why? Because much of what we believe about age isn’t true and comes with no scientific support.

I approached a recent book recommendation with skepticism, but “Of Boys and Men,” by Richard Reeves, was a pleasant surprise. I was disturbed, however, to realize just how many men are floundering in their education, work life and family life. I’m also troubled by how many women react to this information with disbelief and/or hostility. We need positive changes for all.

Employees are getting fired for seemingly small infractions, but why? Some corporations are cracking down in ways that might be aimed at cutting workers they think are less productive, but firing people for taking some office supplies or printing a personal document on the work printer can cause more problems than it solves.

Ever wonder what CEOs are thinking about? I do, and so does executive search firm Spencer Stuart, which recently published results from a survey of more than 2,000 CEOs and board directors. Questions focused on how these leaders navigate uncertainty, and the answers give us a peek inside the executive brain.

When it comes to teaching and learning, what works in a classroom also is relevant for how business leaders should develop their people. Good employee development is essential to a company's success and to the people who work there.

Many leadership development tools are useful, and as a business coach, I’ve tried most of them over the course of my career. However, I have also seen many of these tools for leadership development create unintended negative consequences.

Older people deserve our respect, yet they face ageism in many forms. Some people assume older leaders are incompetent, irrelevant and should just become invisible. There comes a time, however, when age negatively affects some abilities, and change is required. True leadership includes knowing when to quit.

When it comes to company and corporate culture, there are three key dimensions to consider if you want to survive and thrive, especially as a leader.