At work and everywhere you go this holiday season spread good cheer. The world needs your positive energy and good feeling vibes. In fact, YOU benefit greatly, psychologically and biologically, when you’re in a positive, cheerful frame of mind. So, think good thoughts.   Wear a heart-felt smile. And, practice patience, particularly when others have lost […]

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In the workplace, and in every part of life, creating and sustaining spaces and places where people, with their differences and similarities, come together peacefully and work together harmoniously, is a real challenge. In your search for solutions, consider meditation. In fact, a specific Buddhist meditation called loving-kindness has had some amazing effects when it […]

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Thanksgiving is a one of my favorite holidays! It calls my attention to the bounty of blessings I enjoy every day…and don’t always acknowledge. Whatever our circumstances, no matter how privileged or challenging life may be, too often, we give too much energy and attention to what’s wrong, what’s lacking, what’s worrisome. In so doing, […]

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    I see it often – leadership teams at odds with each other, despite in-the-meeting agreements. Consciously or unconsciously, it seems that once back in their realm, silo walls go up, willingness and ability to work in cross-functional partnership goes down. To facilitate more effective teamwork I structure opportunities for members to get to […]

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  In every aspect of our lives, relationships are critically important. Healthy relationships are clean, free of assumptions about who she is, what his intentions really are, why she said what she did, why he behaves as he does. If you want to strengthen a relationship, deepen communication by checking out assumptions, instead of acting […]

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  Are you putting forth the quality of effort real success demands? Do you give your dreams and goals your best effort, every single day? Or, are you more in the habit of talking about success, while your constructive actions are insufficient and inconsistent? Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave who became an Abolitionist, famed orator, […]

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  Designated as Black History month, February is the time when we spotlight the rich and diverse history of Americans of African descent. You, your company, and other organizations you’re involved in, can learn about and honor contributions African Americans have made to our country, and the world.  Here are several ideas to consider: · […]

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Being a middle manager has its challenges.  You have to work effectively with those above you and those below you.  And, when you’re at your best you know you serve yourself and the organizations well when you come together with your peers to share information, learn from one another and solve problems. If you’re a […]

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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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    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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    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 […]

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    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 […]

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    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 […]

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    Every moment of every day, your company’s culture makes itself evident – to those who live and work in and to visitors. Recently, I was facilitating a large group meeting. Several members of the workforce arrived before management. They milled around for a while, found seats and got comfortable, chatted briefly, scanned their […]

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    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 […]

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    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 […]

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    When my clients, individuals and organizations, want to improve in any area, I often take them through exercises designed to open their eyes to the ways in which they’re already doing what they say is needed. With that awareness, the focus shifts from “all the ways we’re falling short of the mark” to […]

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    Summer vacation is just about over. For many children and adults, this time of year gives us a special opportunity to build on past successes and start anew in areas where change and improvement are needed. Here’s a strategy that can support your growth, and that of the youngsters in your life:  acknowledge […]

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  Change is a challenging process.  1.  You can’t stop it – it’s inevitable. 2.  When change is afoot, the status quo is no longer relevant – it just doesn’t work.  3. New ways of thinking, feeling and behaving are required. Here are a several tips to help you navigate and lead others through the […]

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