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 […]
Read More →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. […]
Read More →Designated as Black History month, February is the time when we spotlight the rich and diverse history of Americans of African descent. You, your company, and other organizations you’re involved in, can learn about and honor contributions African Americans have made to our country, and the world. Here are several ideas to consider: · […]
Read More →Recently, I heard a Vietnamese proverb that says, “When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree.” The saying called my attention to the times and ways I don’t “think of the person who planted the tree.” It reminded me that everything I accomplish, and all the conveniences and freedoms I enjoy, […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →At one point or another, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “Be here now.” More and more, it’s becoming a popular expression in business circles. While sharing his 2015 goals with me, a coaching client mentioned that “Be here now,” was one of his 2015 commitments. He explained that he had already begun doing a […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence, identified six leadership styles. Each style can be effective if it’s used in the appropriate situation. Four of them are especially effective in enabling teams to work well together and make the best use of the diversity of styles and skills present. They include the visionary style which […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →As part of its Diversity and Inclusion program, does your organization celebrate the many social changes and achievements spurred by the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? If so, join in! If not, here are a few ideas to consider…many of which are utilized by some of the country’s largest […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →Leaders often face dilemmas – situations wherein there is no clear solution, no definitive right or wrong answer. It becomes easy to bounce between what can be defined as opposing alternatives. For example, do we set team or individual goals? Do we want stability or change? Do we give priority to task and […]
Read More →Many times, a simple shift, consistently implemented, can make a world of difference. So, instead of feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by the thought of resolutions and goals, this year, choose one simple change you care about and are willing to make. Search yourself and opt for something that’s important to you…maybe it’s to […]
Read More →Want to make 2015 your best year yet? Practice seeing the people and situations in your life with fresh eyes…eyes that view others as allies supporting your growth…eyes that see situations as opportunities to evolve and expand. Each obstacle, high hurdle, hurtful relationship, impossible situation, and daunting task calls you to let go of […]
Read More →From Thanksgiving until the New Year, appreciation, acknowledgement, gratitude, rededication, celebration, joy, peace and hope are prevalent in the awareness of many people. The meaning and energy of these kinds of words stimulate good feelings. Good feelings cause us to think more positive thoughts, and smile more. They even help us behave in […]
Read More →Speaking about his boss, the new company President, my client said, “This guy is amazing. Very quickly, he’s changed the way we operate. We now accomplish more in weeks and months than we used to in a year!” “How did he make that happen,” I asked? He thought for a moment, then, leaning forward and […]
Read More →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 →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 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 […]
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