Len is a visionary. That’s one of his strengths –one that he sometimes feels is more burden than asset. Why? Because to the members of his organization, his ever-evolving aspirations feel like, “Here we go again! He’s on to something else! He’s never satisfied! Before we really get going with his last great idea, he’s […]
Read More →Are your goals for the year ahead on your mind? I’m thinking about mine. For the most part, we’re accustomed to writing SMART goals: Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Relevant. Time-bound. This year, experiment with by adding another take on your process. Create a ‘Want’ and a ‘Don’t Want’ list for each goal. Here’s how: At the […]
Read More →What are your thoughts about the idea of being self-made? Recently, I saw a man wearing a t-shirt with the caption, “SELF-MADE!” It was written in CAPS and seemed to scream at me, emphasizing the point. It got my attention, perhaps because earlier that day a client and I talked about how interdependent we really […]
Read More →When it comes to decision-making, do you procrastinate? Do you weigh the pros and cons, over and over, again? Do you hesitate in an approach-avoidance dance? You’re not alone. Many people fear making the wrong decision so they make no decision at all. If any of this sounds like you, consider this: as long as […]
Read More →What’s your office environment like these days? Many companies are moving to the new open space concept. Doing so represents a change – and in many cases, a significant one. If your work environment is shifting to the open plan, with fewer to no walls and private offices, utilize change management techniques as you lead […]
Read More →Research suggests offices with open floor plans can be satisfying for extraverts who enjoy convenient access to colleagues and find the environment stimulating, while introverts tend to feel less satisfied. Extravert or introvert, here are a several tips that may help you feel more comfortable and be more productive. First, know your personality and acknowledge […]
Read More →Environment is important to us, even if we’re not fully cognizant of the role in plays in the way we feel and behave. Research suggests it affects creativity, efficiency, productivity and satisfaction. Today’s work environments are morphing into spaces that are open, few to no walls or private offices. For some people, this is great. […]
Read More →What did you learn last year? About yourself? Leadership? Team work? Relationships? Your company? Your colleagues. The world around you? Reflect on the various experiences you had – those you consciously choose and those that just showed up and presented themselves for you to deal with. What did you learn from them? In what ways […]
Read More →When it comes to behavior change, did you know that asking questions could be more influential than making statements? Did you know that posing questions in a way that invites a “Yes” or “No” response can more effectively encourage the desired behavior than a declarative statement? The results of a 40-year research study conducted by […]
Read More →Before the year ends, take some private time with your journal – electronic or old-school paper and pencil – and make note of everything 2015 brought to you. Make special note of what was good. Much of the good you may have planned for and expected. Some of the good may have been unanticipated surprises. […]
Read More →Happy Holidays! I hope you’re enjoying this season that begins at Thanksgiving stretches straight through to the New Year. Festive sights and sounds and positive energy are all around. Even in the workplace, there is an air of joy as colleagues gather for luncheons and parties. In meetings over the last few weeks, I’ve […]
Read More →It’s the end of quarter AND the end of the year. If you’re feeling under pressure to get it all done, you’re not alone. Most of us are walking around with the physical or e-version of long lists. We want to wrap up loose ends, clear the slate, and prepare for a fresh start in […]
Read More →This year, the social climate feels a little different to me. I’m aware of the tension in relationships across groups – political, religious, racial, etc. There seems to be more sensitivity and more potential than usual for disagreements to erupt. So, as you move through your procession of holiday gatherings, add an extra measure of […]
Read More →Using the Implicit Assumption Tests, IATs, as well as, visualization and the loving kindness meditation, a Buddhist practice known to engender feelings of happiness and kindness towards oneself and others, researchers have made an interesting discovery. They’ve found that just seven minutes of the loving-kindness meditation, with the meditator focused on a person of a […]
Read More →In professional and social settings, being able to recognize a person’s face, recall their name and pronounce it correctly, is an asset. Some people use their formal name over the commonly associated nickname – like Bill for William or Peggy for Margaret. Listen to how others introduce themselves – the name they use and how […]
Read More →Regularly, I travel to my clients in New York City. Most often, I drive. While I would prefer to take the bus or train, their schedules seldom coincide with mine. Luckily, I like to drive. It’s quiet, meditative time for me. It gives me an opportunity time to slip out of the routine thinking of […]
Read More →Attending networking events is a great way to meet new people who can help you with your goals or career ambitions. But if you’re someone who finds such events difficult and uncomfortable, consider this option. Volunteer for a non-profit organization. Join a board or a committee. Or become a regular participant with a leadership role […]
Read More →In her book “Strategize To Win,” Carla Harris writes about performance currency and relationship currency. Performance currency comes from doing your job well, building a strong track record through stellar performance and delivering on time and above expectation. Performance currency is most important to build when you’re starting out. Early on in your career, it […]
Read More →Recently, I called on a number of technical experts for assistance. I found more disappointment than satisfaction. People seemed to be reading scripts, absent real understanding of their products and processes. If you’re looking to stand out in your workplace, insure that each customer you come in contact with leaves feeling good about the interaction […]
Read More →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, […]
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