The Difference Between Mentors and Sponsors Mentors and sponsors, although different, are closely aligned. A mentor is someone who advises you on job performance and career goals. A sponsor connects you to actual job opportunities. One person can be both mentor and sponsor. Here are 3 important questions to ask yourself if you’re looking to […]

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If you enjoy reading fictional books, you’re getting more out of it than pure pleasure. According to Fast Company, it also helps you improve job performance. Here’s how. It enhances your reasoning skills by cultivating the ability to work beyond logic and explore how fuzzy values play out in social contexts. It helps you understand […]

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But You Don’t Have to Be A Nasty Woman To Get What You Want Researchers in Tel Aviv and the Netherlands conducted a recent study that confirmed that nice women earn less than their assertive female counterparts. They interviewed a random group of 375 men and women at a Dutch electronics company and concluded that women who clearly express […]

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What Are You Good At and With What Do You Need Help? Tom Rath and Barry Conchie, authors of “Strengths-Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow,” argue that the most successful teams possess a wide range of strengths, and allow employees to use what they excel at, rather than dictate how they contribute. Where […]

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Managing People Doesn’t Always Come Naturally It’s not uncommon for someone who is very successful in one job to be promoted to a leadership position in which they struggle, even fail. Success in one role does not guarantee success in another. Admittedly, some may succeed no matter where they’re placed. But, for many, failure can […]

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How to Lead When You’re Not The Boss (Part 1) Even though you’re not the boss, you might be asked to lead a team of your peers on a project. Forbes contributor Lisa Rabasca Roepe offers tips on taking charge without alienating your co-workers. Start by getting everyone on the same page. Don’t assume that […]

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What The Truly Confident Do – Part 1 Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-author of “Emotional Intelligence 2.0,” says genuinely confident people earn more and are promoted more quickly. Part of their success is their ability to inspire themselves, as well as others. Bradberry says the truly confident get their happiness from within, summoning pleasure and satisfaction […]

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The Importance of Feeling Heard Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs teaches us that a sense of belonging is central. Given that basic human need, it’s not surprising that those who feel threatened by social and economic changes, like an outsider, no longer central, spoke out in this year’s Presidential election. In every aspect of our lives, […]

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Summer Reading Suggestion for Personal Growth Summer is a great time to work on personal growth and your summer reading list is one of the best places to start. Here are a few suggestions. StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath is a follow up to Gallup’s wildly successful online tool that helped millions discover their top […]

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Why Executive or Leadership Presence Is Important I’m often asked to speak on the topic of Executive Presence. It is something that may seem superficial to some, but for existing and rising leaders, being able to command respect is part of the success equation. Here’s why executive presence is so important. We make split-second judgments […]

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I’m pleased to announce a wonderful addition to the Spirit of Purpose self-improvement tools. Spirit of Purpose TV will inspire, motivate and transform the way you approach challenges and achieve your goals. We will continue to share written Spirit of Purpose content in my blog, but I will also provide these quick video messages to aide in your successful quest […]

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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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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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The late, great Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  The answer to whether it matters whether you make your employees feel good, is YES.  Even Forbes.com agrees.  In their article “11 Simple Ways […]

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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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When New York Times Editor Jill Abramson was fired, she was in the process of working with a career consultant who was helping her address some of the “management style” problems that reportedly did her in. Understanding how you’re perceived by others at work is invaluable knowledge that can be put to use to enhance your […]

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Following through with a desired change in behavior can be a challenge.  Sometimes, its as simple as forgetting what you said you would do.  For example, I recently decided to drastically reduce my intake of processed sugar because I feel SOOOO good when I don’t eat it. But, here’s the rub:  I’m not always conscious […]

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