Did you know that you’re hard wired for teamwork? Connection with others, and a sense of belonging, are important to self-esteem and wellbeing. Recent findings in neurobiology support these claims. In her research-based writings and talks, Brene Brown helps us come to grips with the ways in which we all, want and need […]

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    You impact the experience of inclusion in your workplace. So, don’t wait for a training program, a new company policy or for an expert to share best practices. With the positive intention of fostering constructive connection, take the initiative to reach out to others. Take simple steps like showing a new person around […]

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      Here are a few ideas for boosting workplace morale. Each is deceptively simple, but very effective: For one-on-one conversations, or group meetings, turn off your cell phone. Put it away. Respond to messages and texts later. When someone enters your workspace, turn and face her. Give the quality of eye contact that […]

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    In a stimulating TED Talk, Eddie Obeng describes what he calls, “smart failure for a fast-changing world.”  He presents several ideas, which impact every business, and about which it’s good to be reminded. He says, yesterday’s correct answers are not today’s…no solution lasts forever; many of our good ideas and plans are obsolete […]

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      If you’re a person who supports the growth and development of others, pay close attention to the words of wisdom you share with them. Most probably it’s exactly what you need hear and heed. For example, be as courageous as you encourage others to be.  Take bold action to achieve your goals. […]

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Think back over the last few minutes. What kinds of thoughts have crossed your mind or lingered there? Are they uplifting, encouraging, and helpful? Or are they filled with worry, criticism or judgmentalness? Self-talk, your ongoing, internal dialogue is a powerful tool you can use to advantage. Here’s how: Decide to become aware of the […]

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Here is a checklist of 13 behaviors, developed by Stephen Covey, you can learn and apply that will help you generate greater trust and create better results. Talk straight. Tell the truth. Let people know where you stand. Demonstrate concern. Show you care. Treat others respectfully. Create transparency. Be open and authentic, no hidden agendas. […]

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The level of trust in your organization impacts the bottom line.  When trust is low, so is morale.  Disengaged employees quit working, but keep showing up at the office.  Turnover among the most capable and competent workers increases.  Productivity decreases.  Redundancy, held in place by bureaucratic silos, saps vitality and strengthens the potential for toxic […]

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    A recently promoted coaching client was surprised to find that her new group of all highly skilled professionals didn’t operate as a team.  Her approach to strengthening teamwork was simple and effective. 1.  During weekly meetings, she had the team identify and discuss the linkage between their various, individual work-streams, as well as broader […]

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      Here is a checklist of 13 behaviors, developed by Stephen Covey, you can learn and apply that will help you generate greater trust and create better results. Talk straight. Tell the truth. Let people know where you stand. Demonstrate concern. Show you care. Treat others respectfully. Create transparency. Be open and authentic, […]

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Is there someone in your workplace whose behavior and career you’re watching? Do you interact with them in ways that make your professional interest evident? Human beings need to feel seen and cared about. If you’ve not explicitly acknowledged your interest in the person’s growth, do so. Reach out and help by coaching, mentoring, or […]

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If you tend to play it safe, not acting until perfection is certain and the probability of failure zero, Dr. Marilyn Tam may rock your world. The author of How to Use What You’ve Got to Get What You Want, Dr. Tam offers valuable career advice, including one surprising idea.  She encourages BIG mistakes because, to […]

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  If you’re looking to advance your career, more than likely, you’ll need experience as a manager of people and projects.  Let your boss, mentor and sponsor know of your interest in developing these skills.  Ask them to tap you for opportunities, and, if necessary, when opportunities pop up, nominate yourself to take the lead. For […]

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          If you’re looking for ways to be more productive, here are several tips from a Fast Company article titled, “The Art of Doing Everything.” Don’t waste time on unnecessary decisions, like what to eat for breakfast or lunch.  Eat the same thing everyday.  Also, for men and women, consider simplifying […]

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            Growing up, did you hear the adage, “You’ve got work hard to get ahead?”  Today, we know hard work is important; and we know it isn’t enough to create and sustain success.  In fact, hard work can trap you, causing you to keep your nose so close to the […]

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            The skills and behaviors we refer to as “soft” are the hard core of what drives success.  The Carnegie Institute of Technology reports that 85% of success in business comes from your ability to communicate, negotiate and lead.  Only 15% is attributable to technical knowledge. Soft skills, also referred […]

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          Is there a person on your team you KNOW you can rely on to get things done promptly and correctly?  When you delegate to her, without question, you’re certain the task will be handled.  No need to give it a second thought, just wait for the perfect end product to […]

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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? In the realm of your personal and professional life, if you’re like the majority of people, the thing you don’t want captivates you. You think about it.  […]

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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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When you’re Top, the person responsible for making a project, team, division or company function effectively – you face the complexity of seeing the individual parts that make up the whole, as well as seeing the whole, and communicating that picture in a clear and compelling way. While others may tend to be in siloed in focus and […]

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