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 →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 →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 […]
Read More →Business Resource Groups, or BRGs, add a valuable dimension to every organization’s diversity and inclusion initiative. These voluntary, company-sponsored, employee-led groups, supported by top leadership, are a great way for employees to get to know one another and be a source of support to those who share a common demographic and/or are interested in […]
Read More →You know how critically important credibility and trustworthiness are in relationships. Interaction by interaction, your credibility and trustworthiness are established in the minds of others. In the micro-movements and subtle energy of day-to-day exchanges, your reputation is built and reinforced. People hear what we say, but more importantly, they notice what we do. If […]
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 →We signal our thoughts and feelings to those around us, even when we don’t intend to. Inadvertently, the truth creeps out. So, if you’re unhappy at work, it’s unlikely that you can keep it a secret. Rather than allowing discontent to fester and intensify, respectfully, take steps to right the situation. For example, […]
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 →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 […]
Read More →In a forbes.com article, Victor Lipman, reports on the results of a survey titled, The 7 Key Trends Impacting Today’s Workplace. The survey, conducted by TINYpulse, asked the question: “What motivates you to excel and go the extra mile at your organization?” You might think the answer would be mega money, or a promotion. […]
Read More →Here are two strategies you can implement today to develop your direct reports. Invite a team member to join you for your next important meeting with customers, peers or senior management. Explain the purpose of the meeting, in advance. Prep the person for a role such as presenting a topic or documenting follow-up items. […]
Read More →A CareerBuilders survey says 71% of employer’s 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 […]
Read More →Research suggests investing in experiences generates enduring enjoyment, while the pleasure of tangible goods – a new watch, bigger television, or this season’s hottest trends, tends to be short-lived. Michael Norton, of the Harvard Business School agrees and has written a book on the subject called, Happy Money: The Science of Spending Smarter. […]
Read More →Researchers at Northwestern University hypothesize that highly generative adults, those who are committed to their own growth and that of future generations, tell stories of redemption about their lives. Redemption stories are the form used in fairy tales and enthralling literature. Generally, while moving through life merrily, the heroine or hero encounters unexpected hardships […]
Read More →If you’ve been thinking about hiring a coach for one of your reports, check your intentions. Do NOT hire a coach for an employee if you’re using the coach to avoid the tedious, frustrating task of motivating a resistant learner; giving candid feedback on sensitive subjects; or delivering a tough message about poor performance […]
Read More →For weeks, Kathy, John’s direct report, worked on the presentation for the new product launch. “At every regional meeting, she nailed it,” he said, proudly. Next week, I take it to senior management.” “Why are you taking it,” I asked? “Why not Kathy?” “Oh, they can be a tough group with their probes, challenges […]
Read More →Arianna Huffington says, “We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.” If you’re feeling stuck, stagnant, resentful or bored, examine your mind and heart. Uncover the places where fear of […]
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