Wouldn’t an extra hour or two feel great today? Think of what you might accomplish. You could make progress with an important project. Polish your presentation. Attend that networking event. Enjoy dinner with family or friends. Take that spinning class. Or sit on the sofa with your cat. Delegation helps you create time that you […]
Read More →Although no one listening is likely to be on the 2024 moon mission, we can all learn a lot from the astronauts NASA has chosen. In a recent Inc.com article Psychologist James Picano shared the three qualities — besides the technical skills and abilities — that made these women and men ideal for the job. They […]
Read More →If your meetings are rambling and unfocused, it may be time to learn or relearn what makes a meeting effective and meaningful. Start by identifying the meeting’s objective. Are you looking for updates, ideas, or decisions? Are you communicating changes or educating about plans? Often times meetings have more than one objective. In that case, clearly identify what […]
Read More →While personal styles among those who occupy the C-suite can vary dramatically, from the reserved and analytical to the warm, outgoing people person, exceptional leaders – those who get results in the short run and long-term – all share a special set of common characteristics. And, it’s not technical competence, nor the gift of exceptional intellect. […]
Read More →In a recent Harvard Business Review article, the Dalai Lama shared his thoughts on ways leaders can contribute to a happier world and workplace. He offered three ways leaders can BE to cut down on stress and anxiety, as well as build cultures of cooperation. Be mindful. Don’t let destructive emotions like anger and attachment cloud your ability to […]
Read More →Strong problem-solving skills are not only crucial in business, but also in life. Some people do it well instinctually, while others could use advice on where to start or how to improve. Success.com consulted members of the Young Entrepreneurs Council to see how they hone their problem-solving skills. Here are three of their suggestions. Reflect on your worst […]
Read More →According to Gallup, only 34% of US employees say they’re engaged. And when they are, they behave differently. Gallup sees these four patterns among employees who are engaged. They don’t use challenges and barriers as excuses for inaction or to hinder their ability to perform. They look for ways to operate at their best, focusing on their […]
Read More →Relationships between leaders and their followers are driven by how leaders communicate their expectations. Gallup recommends using a coaching style that creates engagement. To accomplish that, try asking process-oriented questions. Ask questions that give you perspective on each individual employee’s experience. For instance, if someone is struggling to complete a report, you might say, “This report has […]
Read More →When things go wrong, rather than focusing on identifying who made the mistake, focus on the situation and the solution. Put your energy and attention into what happened, how best to fix it, what process improvements, training, and checks and balances are needed to insure it doesn’t happen again. Resist finger-pointing or blaming. Don’t go on a […]
Read More →Steven Cohen, author of “Leading from Within,” says regular meditation maximizes leadership performance by strengthening your capacity in what he calls the four leadership pillars: Build Awareness. Through meditation, you learn how to observe your thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations, without judgment. Enhanced awareness will help you see situations more clearly, solve problems more readily. Make Connections with people […]
Read More →In addition to airing these reports on KYW Newsradio, they’re also posted as podcasts. As the year wraps up, I’d like to share the hottest Office Talk topics for 2019. The number one podcast was “When Is It Time to Stop Emailing and Call?” Email can be efficient, but sometimes it slows progress, creates confusion and overwhelm. […]
Read More →To wrap up the year, I’d like to share a list of the three most popular videos on my YouTube channel and what I believe they say about where our collective heads are right now. “How to Listen More and Talk Less” continues to be the most-watched video. It has topped the chart since 2017. Although […]
Read More →As a leader, you may often feel alone and isolated, especially when making critical decisions. But you don’t have to go it alone. Make it a practice to discuss concerns with colleagues inside and outside your organization. Position the conversation as an opportunity to connect with a peer and share. To get the most out of your time, […]
Read More →Think about something you’ve learned. For example, how to manage meetings, make effective presentations, write well, play tennis or golf. How to be a good listener, a great salesperson, teacher, parent or surfer. Whatever you know how to do today, you’ve learned it by degrees. I call it learning in layers. The first layer of […]
Read More →Having the right people in the right roles is critical for optimal business results. Today’s fast-moving business environment leaves no room for employee stagnation. High performing leaders actively assess their teams to ensure they’re positioned to maximize their contribution. Here are three easy questions to ask yourself as you assess your staff. Who delivers at or above expectation? What […]
Read More →Terina Allen’s Forbes.com article provides raw insight into what it takes to be a leader. She says good leaders manage themselves first. They act and hold themselves accountable for the shadow they cast. What I found most striking is her assertion that the best leaders appreciate the value of followership. If you lead, it’s because others have agreed […]
Read More →Harvard Business Review reported on a study conducted in India, wherein employees who were disappointed by their wage increase were given the chance to voice their concerns. They saw a marked difference in absenteeism and people quitting among the group that spoke out. This is important for two reasons. One, feeling heard is a basic human […]
Read More →According to Harvard Business Review contributor Jon Christiansen, there are more job openings than there are unemployed people. That fact, along with the high cost of losing talent, makes it critical to keep the good performers you have. Yet, Christiansen says there are several things employers commonly do that make people quit. Here are two. Inconsistent goals or […]
Read More →There are many reasons why an employee may feel job insecurity. Whatever the reason, it can impact productivity and the company’s bottom line. The solution may be in supportive managers. Research shows that job insecurity significantly decreases the odds of employee engagement. Gallup says the odds of engagement decrease by thirty-seven percent among employees who think their jobs […]
Read More →According to Gallup, the executive least likely to become CEO is your Human Resources Officer. It may be time to rethink this often-overlooked position. Here are three reasons why. They can increase human capital returns during a merger and acquisition. Harvard Business Review says failure to manage and motivate employees is why seventy to ninety percent of acquisitions […]
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