Stumped by a business problem? Perhaps it’s complex and gnarly; it’s complications compounded by competing interests of stakeholders? Before you go at it again, take a break and get happy. No seriously; I mean it. Stop tackling the task. Instead, think about something that makes you feel really good. It may be the time when you received an […]
Read More →A certified user of Benchmarks, a 360 instrument developed by the Center for Creative Leadership, I find it an effective tool for helping leaders understand how they’re experienced and perceived along 16 competencies, rated by a range of stakeholders. Another important section of the report describes five problems that can stall your career. […]
Read More →I enjoy this time of year. And, it’s seems many others do, as well. It’s a season of fun-filled gatherings and sharing good wishes. During this time of year, kindness, warm smiles and generosity are legitimized in all dimensions of life. Perhaps you and your co-workers are making plans for a luncheon at […]
Read More →After a recent keynote on Work-Life Balance, two attendees approached me. They said, “Our leaders say work-life balance is important. They even encourage us to use our vacation, not work weekends and holidays, and flex as we need to. But, the people they call out for recognition and special rewards are those who […]
Read More →As one who has committed her professional pursuits to helping others become more self-aware – more attuned to the degree to which their intentions and impact align, hear me out: if you’re a boss who tends to be moody, it’s hard for your reports and colleagues to relax and feel safe in your […]
Read More →As we planned the all-hands meeting, at my encouragement, the leadership team decided to invite the CEO to come and make opening remarks. The room was filled with department members from the ranks of management, staff and the union. The President’s message was simple: be mindful of how you show up, every day. His message […]
Read More →As invitations to work-related parties start to roll in, remember these important survival tips. In the wise words of Warren Buffet, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” So, whether you’re going to your own company’s party, your significant […]
Read More →Celebrating the holidays at work is becoming increasingly complex. Here are a few simple seasonal suggestions that may help you demonstrate respect for different cultures, avoid the appearance of favoritism and keep gift-giving appropriate for the relationship. Give cards that say “Happy Holidays” or “Happy New Year!” minus the obvious Christmas imagery. Those […]
Read More →Whether you’re going to your own company’s holiday party, your significant other’s, or something thrown by a client or colleague, remember these important survival tips: 1) Dress appropriately. The parts of you that shouldn’t be shown at work also shouldn’t be shown at the company parties, even if the party is on Saturday night. […]
Read More →On a recent trip to my bank, I encountered an employee who had more excuses for not helping me than solutions to my problem. She simply apologized, over and over and over again. It became clear that she wasn’t open to identifying a solution for a valued customer. She didn’t offer to call […]
Read More →A recent survey said 47.2% of people in the US are unhappy. After I read that, I decided to conduct an informal survey at a gathering of over 400 successful professionals. What I learned surprised me. Turns out, at least among that group of meeting attendees, 47.2% is optimistic! Only 20% of the […]
Read More →Are you an optimist, a pessimist or a cynic? If you don’t know the answer to the question, ask anyone around you. They know the answer. The optimist sees the glass as half full. The pessimist sees the glass as half empty. The cynic? It’s hard to say, but one thing is for […]
Read More →This is the season for office parties. I hope you’re planning to attend yours. Here are a couple to tips to help you get through the event , your reputation and career unscathed. No embarrassing or unprofessional poses. Yes…that’s an old one that conjures up images of butts on Xerox machines. But this […]
Read More →Trust in the workplace increases morale, productivity and lowers expensive staff turnover. It also provides fertile ground for much sought-after innovation. If you’re a manager or an aspiring leader, it’s important to know what it takes to build trust. And with today’s turbulent business environment restoring trust after increasingly common things like layoffs, pay cuts, drastic […]
Read More →Ken Blanchard says there are four key elements leaders should keep in mind when building or restoring trust. Demonstrate that you’re ABLE to get the job done and produce results while providing people with necessary resources and information. Show up as consistent, BELIEVABLE, honest, fair, equitable and transparent in your dealings with people. […]
Read More →Initially a reluctant client, Michael began our scheduled meeting in an unexpected way. He said he wanted to talk about the difference our work has made for him. Michael had become a convert. He said, “Over the last six months, you’ve been a part of every critical event, every defining moment, in my […]
Read More →In today’s pressure cooker world, having tools that will help you decompress, or shake off those occasional foul, grumpy feelings will make recovering quick and easy. Just like pro athletes and other super stars, having a bad day can’t stop you in your tracks. Your show must go on. For nearly all of us, there […]
Read More →For nearly all of us, there are times when the pressure inside builds to overflowing. Brimming with angst of varying natures, we feel we’ll explode with the next drop of unwanted stress. It’s at that moment you need to a constructive way to open up and let out some steam. My clients tell […]
Read More →Every moment of every day, your company’s culture makes itself evident – to those who live and work in and to visitors. Recently, I was facilitating a large group meeting. Several members of the workforce arrived before management. They milled around for a while, found seats and got comfortable, chatted briefly, scanned their […]
Read More →Ever wake up in a foul mood, feeling blah, grumpy, frustrated. You feel off your game, off balance, just not quite your usual self. Such feelings can and do grab hold of the best of us. Here are a few techniques to try when you need to shake off the nastys: For one […]
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