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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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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  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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Are your current business goals big, more challenging than ever? Do they feel unrealistic, impractical, unattainable? What if the goal is not the issue, but you are…you and your limiting beliefs? I call them LIES – the Labels, Illusions, Excuses and Stories…self-talk that stops you from thinking creatively and keeps you stuck in fear-based, unproductive […]

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Do you labor under the Illusion that IQ drives effectiveness?  For most roles, IQ and technical skills are important entry-level requirements.  But, once you rise to the level of managing and leading, Emotional Intelligence, or EQ, is what sets you apart. No doubt, IQ may predict whether you’re capable of handling the cognitive challenges associated […]

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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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Do you labor under the Illusion that IQ drives effectiveness? For most roles, IQ and technical skills are important threshold capabilities – entry-level requirements. Once you rise to the levels of managing and leading, Emotional Intelligence is what sets you apart. No doubt, IQ may predict whether you’re capable of handling the cognitive challenges associated […]

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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. It’s important to remember that YOU are the organization, too. […]

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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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  During a recent workshop, a participant confessed his lack of empathy, a core dimension of emotional intelligence.  He said, “I don’t have any and I don’t know how to even begin to think about feeling the way others do.”  Given the laughter and head nodding, he was not alone. To his surprise, I told […]

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Being a middle manager has its challenges.  You have to work effectively with those above you and those below you.  And, when you’re at your best you know you serve yourself and the organizations well when you come together with your peers to share information, learn from one another and solve problems. If you’re a […]

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  I’m Teressa Moore Griffin and this is Office Talk. Whether you’re ultimately responsible for the success of a family, business project, team, division or an entire organization, you’re in Top space. When you’re the person charged with solving all the big, important problems, and you don’t involve others in significant ways, you’re limiting brainpower […]

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    If you’re a current member of the workforce, whether you’re the CEO, a middle manager, administrative assistant, or the security guard, continual learning and growth are key to your success. Today, all workers and and their jobs are impacted by rapid changes in technology, as well as market forces that are often unpredictable […]

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  You can boost employee trust, loyalty and engagement through the use of one simple strategy:  put emphasis on developing your people.  Here are two ways to do just that. 1.  Regularly provide behavior-based feedback, as evidence of your interest in supporting each person’s success.  Remember the 5 to 1 ratio – offer 5 appreciative […]

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To be successful in 2015, embracing change and inspiring innovation are more important than ever before. To put your team on the right path, begin with a focus on the positive. Celebrate accomplishments they feel good about. Here’s an activity that can help you get started and orient your next staff meeting in a positive […]

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      Like any classic, Bernard Bass’s book, Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations, remains relevant 30 years post-publication. He said leaders who transform their environment, and the people around them: -Demonstrates integrity and fairness. -Sets clear goals that require stretch. -Has high expectations of herself and others. -Encourages others to perform well – to […]

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  Are you feeling stuck, stale and unsatisfied in your job? First, examine your thinking to see if an attitude adjustment is needed. After all, a job is like any relationship. If you do the same thing, in the same way for too long, boredom sets in. Before your performance slips and people start to […]

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  Here’s an activity that can get your next staff meeting off to a positive start. Ask participants to share one thing that’s working well, and aligns with your 2015 strategic focus. Allow them the latitude to mention something they’ve done, personally; share an accomplishment by the team or a specific team member; talk about […]

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    Does other people’s resistance to new ideas or important process changes frustrate you? Don’t dig your heels in and debate. Instead of resisting their resistance, consider their “NO,” whether stated or demonstrated through their behavior, as a call for conversation – an opportunity to more fully understand all aspects of their perspective. Ask […]

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