In the workplace and at home, small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Everyday behaviors that acknowledge others and demonstrate respect for them can change the climate, even in situations where hostility, incivility and rudeness seem to be the norm. You can break vicious negative cycles with simple, everyday behaviors like the […]
Read More →Developing your reports, and mentoring others, is a big, critically important part of every manager’s job. Yet, some do work their reports could do. They solve problems others could handle with coaching. When an employee comes and describes a challenge he or she is having with a task, process or relationship, particularly if […]
Read More →“At work, do you have the opportunity to do what you do best, every day?” That was the question the Gallup organization asked people who participated in their research. In 2001, they found that only about 20% of people responded, “Yes,” to doing, on a daily basis, what they were good at and enjoyed. […]
Read More →As I discuss in my book, LIES That Limit, personal beliefs – what we think and say is possible and probable – shape and define our daily lives. If you want to limit your sense of optimism, hope, inner peace, drain your energy and zest for life, focus on your problems, see what’s wrong, talk […]
Read More →Recently I was sent a link to Erika Anderson’s Forbes article about the “Most Important Reason People Fail In A New Job.” Her answer, in a nutshell: they don’t fit in to the established culture. For some, culture may feel too touchy feely or intangible. But no matter where you work, culture exists. Prescribed […]
Read More →If you’re looking for ways to shape your company’s culture, invest in training – not just any training, but the kind of learning experiences that provides a consistent message that aligns with the direction of your business, and teaches the mindsets and skills that support the kinds of behaviors and outcomes required to […]
Read More →A regular reader of my weekly newsletter wrote and described what she called her slump. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had more than a few slumps over the course of my life. It’s that period of time where you feel flat, flaccid, and apathetic; your energy is low and motivation is missing. […]
Read More →Activist & Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver is credited with first saying “Your either part of the solution or your part of the problem.” Today, those words are often heard in association with employees and their role within a company. So, how do you know if you’re on the solution or problem side of the […]
Read More →We make thousands of decisions every day. There are infinite forces at work that cloud judgment, divert good intentions and give rise to internal conflict. Love of money, fame and fortune may be the obvious culprits, but well-meaning advice from trusted sources can also lead you astray. Most of the time we don’t even […]
Read More →Do you feel destabilized when change, conflict or unexpected opportunity show up in your world? When thrown off balance by the stuff of life, do you tend to reach for the comfort of the familiar? With a sense of urgency, do you attempt to short-circuit rising tension and ambiguity, alleviate fear, and “right” […]
Read More →Whether delivering a keynote address, facilitating a workshop, or coaching a leader, people often talk about what they have to lose if they pursue certain courses of action. Most often, the worries expressed are about the loss of a job, income, their sense of security or status. In such instances, I like to […]
Read More →Today, people talk openly about their desire to know and live their true purpose. The desire for deeper, more meaningful connection, to feel like you matter is prevalent. Often, the felt-need for change is pressing and urgent. We want life to be different, this day, this very minute! If you’re on a quest for purpose, […]
Read More →As a keynote speaker, workshop leader and executive coach, I meet people whose technical expertise is top notch. They have few rivals when it comes to their depth of industry knowledge and insight into future trends. Early on, their career progresses nicely…promotions and accolades, bonuses and rewards. After a time, they find themselves […]
Read More →Lift your head up and look around. I bet there are new people in your workplace. If so, reach out, say hello, extend a warm welcome. Do something that demonstrates you’re aware of their presence. You might be surprised by the big difference a small gesture can make to a person who is still […]
Read More →When you engage with others, particularly when raising an issue, be clear about the role you want them to play. Knowing what you want, and asking for it, enables others to do a better of job of helping you in just the way you want. For example, you could ask the person […]
Read More →In her book, The Essentials of Business Etiquette, Barbara Pachter provides readers with many valuable tools for success, including tips that will help you manage your smartphone use with intelligence. Pachter says: Speak your first and last name when answering your your phone. Make sure the volume of your speaking voice is […]
Read More →Emotional Intelligence – the ability to understand others and ourselves, is a powerful business tool, no matter your role or job level. When you’re self-aware, in control of your emotions, able to relate well to others, and motivated to achieve goals, your high EQ facilitates success in a number of ways, including: Increasing […]
Read More →A CareerBuilders survey says 71% of employers value emotional intelligence, or EQ, over IQ. Many employers believe people can be taught “hard,” or technical skillls more readily than EQ, the required softer, human relations skills. I agree with their assessment. For more than 30 years as a speaker, leadership development expert and executive coach, […]
Read More →If you want to help foster Inclusion in your world, get curious about yourself, and others. If you’re unaware of your diversity, begin a process of self-discovery. Get to know how your cultural conditioning shapes your mindset, values and the way you see others. Learn about your personal style – your personality and […]
Read More →When interacting across differences – cultural, personal or positional – don’t despair if you blunder. Don’t be hard on yourself. And, above all, don’t give up. Flubs and blunders are a natural consequence of the learning process. As appropriate, make amends and keep moving forward. No, I’m not suggesting that you tell the […]
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