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 →Celebrating the holidays at work is becoming increasingly complex. Here are a few simple seasonal suggestions that may help you demonstrate respect for different cultures, avoid the appearance of favoritism and keep gift-giving appropriate for the relationship. Give cards that say “Happy Holidays” or “Happy New Year!” minus the obvious Christmas imagery. Those […]
Read More →On a recent trip to my bank, I encountered an employee who had more excuses for not helping me than solutions to my problem. She simply apologized, over and over and over again. It became clear that she wasn’t open to identifying a solution for a valued customer. She didn’t offer to call […]
Read More →A recent survey said 47.2% of people in the US are unhappy. After I read that, I decided to conduct an informal survey at a gathering of over 400 successful professionals. What I learned surprised me. Turns out, at least among that group of meeting attendees, 47.2% is optimistic! Only 20% of the […]
Read More →Are you an optimist, a pessimist or a cynic? If you don’t know the answer to the question, ask anyone around you. They know the answer. The optimist sees the glass as half full. The pessimist sees the glass as half empty. The cynic? It’s hard to say, but one thing is for […]
Read More →This is the season for office parties. I hope you’re planning to attend yours. Here are a couple to tips to help you get through the event , your reputation and career unscathed. No embarrassing or unprofessional poses. Yes…that’s an old one that conjures up images of butts on Xerox machines. But this […]
Read More →Ken Blanchard says there are four key elements leaders should keep in mind when building or restoring trust. Demonstrate that you’re ABLE to get the job done and produce results while providing people with necessary resources and information. Show up as consistent, BELIEVABLE, honest, fair, equitable and transparent in your dealings with people. […]
Read More →Initially a reluctant client, Michael began our scheduled meeting in an unexpected way. He said he wanted to talk about the difference our work has made for him. Michael had become a convert. He said, “Over the last six months, you’ve been a part of every critical event, every defining moment, in my […]
Read More →For nearly all of us, there are times when the pressure inside builds to overflowing. Brimming with angst of varying natures, we feel we’ll explode with the next drop of unwanted stress. It’s at that moment you need to a constructive way to open up and let out some steam. My clients tell […]
Read More →Ever wake up in a foul mood, feeling blah, grumpy, frustrated. You feel off your game, off balance, just not quite your usual self. Such feelings can and do grab hold of the best of us. Here are a few techniques to try when you need to shake off the nastys: For one […]
Read More →In the workplace, and in our personal lives, we tend to come to conclusions and develop opinions quickly. We get attached to our conception of the matter at hand, believing we have the answer. Our reaction to others’ ideas can convey, “I’m right, you’re wrong.” We can benefit from being less vested in […]
Read More →When leaders accept a new role, or move to a new company, they enter with the intention of having measurable impact; to deliver on the promise their unique portfolio of experiences, skills and potential holds. As a coach, I’m often in the position of encouraging them to take the long view: First, get […]
Read More →During a dinner conversation, a friend talked about how much she hates the Atlantic City Expressway. She said she never takes it; she hates it. The intensity of her disdain – verbal and nonverbal – for the AC Expressway was palpable. It sat at the table like an undesirable guest determined to ruin […]
Read More →To exude personal power and executive presence, insure that your spoken and unspoken messages are congruent. Nonverbal behavior is powerful, so be aware of the story your body tells! Here’s how: First, breath deeply, in a relaxed manner. You’ll feel and look calm and in control. Practice your posture in the mirror. Stand […]
Read More →Did you know that many of the limitations in your life are self-imposed? I call them LIES. LIES are false ideas that limit freedom. And, L-I-E-S is an acronym for the Labels, Illusions, Excuses and Stories we allow to define our lives, professionally and personally. You know you’ve bumped into LIES in your life when: […]
Read More →If you’re feeling unfocused, future direction is unclear, goals and priorities are misaligned, teammates and colleagues are competing in unconstructive ways, everyone is NOT on the same page, the time may be right for a retreat. A retreat process a rare and valuable opportunity to step out of the pace of daily pressure, […]
Read More →Looking for a way to bring order to your next team meeting? Work with the group to establish mutually agreed upon behavioral norms. Here are several examples to prime the pump: Participate fully; be present and engaged. Communicate honestly and candidly; put it all on the table. Speak one at a time; […]
Read More →In the workplace and at home, we often worry about how things are going to turn out. Playing golf I’m often reminded of how difficult it is, despite expert planning and execution, to consistently control outcomes. For example, on hole #10, I hit a beautiful drive. On #11, I perform the same ritual, […]
Read More →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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