No matter where you are in your career, networking is an important skill set to cultivate and put to use. For your next event, make a plan and be purposeful. Greet the folks you know, of course. And, keep moving.   Set a goal to expand your network by meeting 4 to 5 new people […]

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    The presence of increasing numbers of women and millennials in the workplace has had a massive impact on the way leaders behave.  Authoritarianism, backed by fear and the boss having all the answers, was once a prime force. Today’s effective leaders operate differently.  They’re emotional intelligent.  They recognize that one of the most […]

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      Lift your head up and look around.  I bet there are new people in your workplace. If so, reach out, say hello, extend a warm welcome. Do something that demonstrates you’re aware of their presence.  You might be surprised by the big difference a small gesture can make to a person who is still […]

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    Emotional Intelligence – the ability to understand others and ourselves, is a powerful business tool, no matter your role or job level. When you’re self-aware, in control of your emotions, able to relate well to others, and motivated to achieve goals, your high EQ facilitates success in a number of ways, including: Increasing […]

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    Whether delivering a keynote, facilitating a learning experience or coaching clients, today, there’s a lot of buzz about Inclusion. People seem to feel more comfortable with the concept than they are with the term Diversity. I understand their thinking and respect their feelings. Yet, the not-so-subtle reality is Inclusion becomes a viable possibility […]

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  In the workplace, and in your personal life, when problematic situations occur, invite those affected to work with you on the solution. You don’t have to have all the answers. In fact, even if you know the answer, it’s better to involve others in co-creating solutions, especially if they have to live with the […]

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  Here are two strategies you can implement today to develop your direct reports. Invite a team member to join you for your next important meeting with customers, peers or senior management. Explain the purpose of the meeting, in advance. Prep the person for a role such as presenting a topic or documenting follow-up items. […]

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A CareerBuilders survey says 71% of employers value emotional intelligence, or EQ, over IQ.  Many employers believe people can be taught “hard,” or technical skills more readily than EQ, the required softer, human relations skills. I agree with their assessment.  For more than 30 years as a speaker, leadership development expert and executive coach, for […]

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    A CareerBuilders survey says 71% of employer’s value emotional intelligence, or EQ, over IQ.  Many employers believe people can be taught “hard,” or technical skillls more readily than EQ, the required softer, human relations skills. I agree with their assessment.  For more than 30 years as a speaker, leadership development expert and executive […]

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  If you’ve been thinking about hiring a coach for one of your reports, check your intentions. Do NOT hire a coach for an employee if you’re using the coach to avoid the tedious, frustrating task of motivating a resistant learner; giving candid feedback on sensitive subjects; or delivering a tough message about poor performance […]

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  For weeks, Kathy, John’s direct report, worked on the presentation for the new product launch. “At every regional meeting, she nailed it,” he said, proudly. Next week, I take it to senior management.” “Why are you taking it,” I asked? “Why not Kathy?” “Oh, they can be a tough group with their probes, challenges […]

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    Whether you’re the big boss, a middle manager, or an employee on the frontlines working to advance business goals, you can increase cooperation and support by being transparent about what you’re doing and why. Target the content of your WHAT and WHY story so it’s audience appropriate.  Solicit feedback from key stakeholders and […]

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    Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo, is quoted as saying, “I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of, ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.” […]

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    Are you rooted in an old story about who you are and what you’re capable of? Here’s an easy way to take stock and get up to speed with who you are, here and now:  Write Out Your Accomplishments. List all that you’ve experienced, learned, contributed and achieved since your last self-inventory. Put […]

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    To have a lasting impact as a leader, develop your people! Stop being so task-oriented, to-do-list driven, scheduled to the hilt. Your people need you! Make time to lead and grow your biggest asset. Meet one-on-one with your reports, regularly, to discuss the specifics of their role, major projects and their current performance. […]

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    We’ve all heard the expression, “In life, it’s not what happens to you that counts most, it’s how you respond.” Amy Morin, in her new book titled 13 Things Mentally Strong People Do says the mentally resilient have core beliefs that help them cope with challenges, thrive in the face of conflict and […]

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  Are you putting forth the quality of effort real success demands? Do you give your dreams and goals your best effort, every single day? Or, are you more in the habit of talking about success, while your constructive actions are insufficient and inconsistent? Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave who became an Abolitionist, famed orator, […]

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    Here are the 5 practices to integrate into the way you think and behave, when you want to enhance the level of trust on your team, feel more connected to the people you work with, day-to-day, convey expectations with clarity, confidence and compassion and be seen as a competent leader: First, recognize your […]

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  Differentiate yourself from the masses – that large group of average performers – and stand out like a star. First step: strengthen your emotional intelligence – a set of personal skills identified as key drivers of outstanding performance. Research says, at all job levels, Emotional Intelligence is twice as important as your technical and […]

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  Ever find yourself complaining about what’s wrong in your organization; saying to yourself and anyone who’ll listen, “Can’t they see this is a problem?  Why don’t they do something about it?”  Whether you know it or not, you’re disempowering yourself.  You’re sounding and acting helpless. Instead, adopt the point of view that says, “I’m […]

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