What makes a difference in the moment-to-moment quality of your life, at work and at home? Having a sense of purpose. An inspiring mission or sense of calling. As human beings, we need something to believe in, something that feels like a higher calling. Something that adds meaning to our existence. To be more engaged, […]
Read More →Buddha said, “Those who have failed to work toward the truth have missed the purpose of living.” This reminds me to look beyond the story of my limited, personal truth about situations and people. Whether in the workplace or in our private lives, we have to look beyond our limited understanding to see truth. For […]
Read More →Think about something you’ve learned. For example, how to manage meetings, make effective presentations, write well, play tennis or golf. How to be a good listener, a great salesperson, teacher, parent or surfer. Whatever you know how to do today, you’ve learned it by degrees. I call it learning in layers. The first layer of […]
Read More →Perfectionism hinders the success and peace of mind of many people. If you’re a perfectionist, here are several points to consider. They may enable you to free yourself from the controlling grip of this menace. First, realize that perfection is an Illusion. It’s one of the LIES That Limit. As humans, we make mistakes. Perfection […]
Read More →What do you do when bad news lands at your door? When you face failure, deal with disappointment, receive less than flattering feedback? Do you feel hurt? Paralyzed with fear? Do you turn away, recoil from the situation, deny the issue and your part in it? Does your mood become sullen and sour, or […]
Read More →Resistance is data. Don’t make it a problem. Don’t push against it, get angry, or wonder, “What’s wrong with them?” When I say resistance, I’m referencing those moments when you feel others are working in opposition to you. They’re saying, “No,” for no apparent reason, countering your good ideas, being confrontational and unhelpful, fighting against […]
Read More →The group, all senior leaders, was discussing the new business vision and strategy. Soon, the conversation took a deep dive into the details concerning how certain initiatives would be designed and executed. As their facilitator, I called their attention to what they were doing and asked if this was the level of conversation […]
Read More →The CEO was clear on the objectives of the leadership team’s summit. My job was to design the meeting and facilitate the group’s work. I asked him what he thought would be the most important contribution I could make, as their facilitator. His reply: “Keep us focused on the strategic. We tend to get into […]
Read More →To sell your ideas to others, and even over resistance, use these tips: First, be clear about what you’re selling and it’s value to all stakeholders. To clarify your message so nail it every time you discuss the idea, write out your talking points. Make your core message short, succinct and easy for others to […]
Read More →I enjoy ads and commercials. The good ones stick with me. I’m impacted by their images, sounds and words. The best ones have a dramatic tagline or slogan – a succinct, repeatable core message about the product or service that conveys the essence of what the company wants you to believe and remember. They’re designed […]
Read More →Keen observers of self and others have a competitive edge. But, too often, our willingness to pay attention is dialed down too low. Much that we should see, and could capitalize on, passes us by. We’re blinded by the habit of inattention. We’re no longer fully present, noticing what’s going on within us and around […]
Read More →While facilitating a workshop, the participants, all senior leaders, began talking about how hard it is to get their people to buy-in to important changes. They described their workforce as resistant to change. I asked them to think about themselves and recall the day they received word of their promotion…to remember all they thought and […]
Read More →With summer essentially behind us, and fourth quarter well underway, now is a good time to review your 2015 goals. Begin by noting progress to date, and then determine what’s required to achieve success by year-end. Be brutally honest with yourself as you conduct your review. Assess your current degree of commitment to achieving the […]
Read More →Jeffery Davis of trackingwonder.com suggests that after a period of intense focus on a task, its helpful to change your rhythm by doing something different; interject something pleasurable and off task. He recommends taking a 5 to 20 minute relaxing, fun-filled break to clear your mind. Consider going for a walk, listening to music, dancing, […]
Read More →Crying can be an indicator of pain, a call for attention, comfort or support, an expression of intense emotion. Crying can also be a way of relieving pressure, letting go of held emotions. Traditionally, crying in the workplace has been taboo, largely due to the long-held belief that tears make you appear weak, vulnerable, emotional, […]
Read More →Where are you right now? Are you driving while your mind is back in your last conversation or thinking about the one you plan to have later? Are you typing an email while your attention is focused on the conversation in the next cubicle? Are you working on a report while imagining how heavy traffic […]
Read More →If you lead a company, a department or team, a career or a family, you need a strategic thought partner…someone who can help you dream possibilities, weigh opportunities, think through options, and confidently confront challenges. You need someone who sees you objectively, can help you identify ways to leverage your strengths and work on […]
Read More →One of my coaching clients complained about the quality of participation in his staff meetings. “What’s the meeting’s purpose,” I asked. “To update everyone on changes and other items that affect all the groups, and to problem solve,” he replied. “What’s the role of team members in the meeting,” I asked. He lifted his […]
Read More →BRGs, or Business Resource Groups, are also called affinity groups, Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, and business network groups. If your company sponsors them, be an active participant…or start one. Here are just some of the benefits of being a member of BRGs: You get to interact with people who have a sense of shared […]
Read More →The earliest kind of BRGs, Business Resource Groups, were professional organizations like the American Bankers Association, the American Medical Association, the American Chemical Society, and so on. Members had shared cultural characteristics and experiences. They came together seeking support, to talk about their careers and lives – their ambitions and challenges – to keep […]
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