During the Q&A, a participant said, “I’m always running late, and I don’t know why. I try to be on time, but it seems like I never am.” Then, she asked, “Why is that?” BIG question…profound question.

The answer appears to be obvious: plan better. Agreed?! Valid perspective; one that probably applies to many of us. But, this answer only scratches the surface. There’s more to uncover.

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What do you do when bad news lands at your door?  When you face failure, deal with disappointment, or receive less than flattering feedback?  Do you feel hurt?  Paralyzed with fear?  Do you turn away, recoil from the situation? Do you deny the issue and your part in it?  Does your mood become sullen and […]

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I enjoy ads and commercials. The good ones stick with me. I’m impacted by their images, sounds and words. The best ones have a dramatic tagline or slogan – a succinct, repeatable core message about the product or service that conveys the essence of what the company wants you to believe and remember. They’re designed […]

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Keen observers of self and others have a competitive edge. But, too often, our willingness to pay attention is dialed down too low. Much that we should see, and could capitalize on, passes us by. We’re blinded by the habit of inattention. We’re no longer fully present, noticing what’s going on within us and around […]

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More and more, it seems I’m hearing people talk about relationships that are vexing to impossible.  Whether workplace or personal, the relationship is described as being beyond repair.  Tensions are present – sometimes steady and stable, but sometimes escalating.  According to the storyteller, there is nothing that can be done to rectify the situation. When […]

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Michelle Obama’s speech to the 2015 graduating class at Tuskegee University made waves.  Some media only aired the portions of the speech that highlighted the prejudices she has experienced as the first African American First Lady.  It may have appeared that her comments were a show of solidarity with those protesting on behalf of the Freddie […]

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Colin Powell once said, “The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve.”  But, the opposite is also true.  If you spend time with people who are moving in a positive direction, you will, too.  It’s really that simple.  Scientific data shows that we automatically mirror the things we see and […]

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We tend to use the labels manager and leader interchangeably.  Yet, each points to a specific role and set of competencies.  Based on the work of John Kotter, here’s a quick way to discern with which space – manager or leader – you identify most? Managers feel fulfilled accomplishing finite, specific tasks.  Their focus tends […]

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Unwittingly, we often sell ourselves short.  We underestimate our ability to overcome challenges and achieve the extra-ordinary.   My book, LIES That Limit, explores this very real aspect of human nature through the lens of the Labels, Illusions, Excuses and Stories – the LIES we carry in our heads.  These LIES were likely put there by […]

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If you’re looking for ways to be more productive, here are several tips from a Fast Company article titled, “The Art of Doing Everything.” Don’t waste time on unnecessary decisions, like what to eat for breakfast or lunch.  Eat the same thing everyday.  Also, for men and women, consider simplifying your work wardrobe.  For example, […]

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Abraham Maslow’s approach to psychology was unique.  He was the man responsible for identifying our “Hierarchy of Needs,” which describes how human beings prioritize getting their needs met.  His diagram placed the most pressing “psychological” or basic needs at the bottom of the pyramid. Breathing, food, water, sex and sleep are among the basic needs […]

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When unwanted results show up, and they always do, where do you put your energy and attention?  On the problem or the solution? If you’re like the majority of people, in your personal and professional life, the things you don’t want end up captivating you.  You think about them.  Talk about them.  Wrestle with them.  […]

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Is there someone in your workplace who you feel is exactly your opposite?  Perhaps, a bit of a thorn in your side?  You don’t understand her thought process or agree with how he operates.  He’s annoying.  She’s difficult to deal with. News flash:  this person may be just the thorn in your side you need.  […]

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Dr. Maya Angelou lived a noteworthy life.  There is no question that her teachings and way of being positively affected the lives of many people around the world. In one of her quotes that I treasure, she said:  “One isn’t’ necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential.  Without courage, we cannot practice […]

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Recently, I had the honor of speaking on a topic that intrigued and inspired me.  The topic was about how African Americans in Atlantic City’s early history created a strong, affluent and successful community in spite of pervasive racism and negative stereotypes.  My talk was among many activities supporting The African American Heritage Museum of […]

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