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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      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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  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 […]

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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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    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 […]

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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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    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 […]

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    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 […]

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  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 […]

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    I bet you still have parties, dinners, drinks and drop-bys on your holiday social calendar.  Whether it’s a company-sponsored event, a colleague-hosted gathering, or a party with family and friends, put your best foot forward.  Steer clear of “too many” and “too much:”…too many bad jokes, too much heated political debate, too many […]

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    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 […]

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    Do you sometimes find yourself in a high stakes situation, and every thought that comes to mind is about exactly the outcome you DO NOT want?  For example, preparing for an important presentation, you begin imaging the audience asking questions you can’t answer.  Or you’re planning to ask for a raise you know you deserve, […]

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    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 […]

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    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 […]

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    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. […]

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    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 […]

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    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 […]

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    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 […]

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