Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo, is quoted as saying, “I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of, ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.” […]

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    Are you rooted in an old story about who you are and what you’re capable of? Here’s an easy way to take stock and get up to speed with who you are, here and now:  Write Out Your Accomplishments. List all that you’ve experienced, learned, contributed and achieved since your last self-inventory. Put […]

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    To have a lasting impact as a leader, develop your people! Stop being so task-oriented, to-do-list driven, scheduled to the hilt. Your people need you! Make time to lead and grow your biggest asset. Meet one-on-one with your reports, regularly, to discuss the specifics of their role, major projects and their current performance. […]

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    We’ve all heard the expression, “In life, it’s not what happens to you that counts most, it’s how you respond.” Amy Morin, in her new book titled 13 Things Mentally Strong People Do says the mentally resilient have core beliefs that help them cope with challenges, thrive in the face of conflict and […]

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Are your current business goals big, more challenging than ever? Do they feel unrealistic, impractical, unattainable? What if the goal is not the issue, but you are…you and your limiting beliefs? I call them LIES – the Labels, Illusions, Excuses and Stories…self-talk that stops you from thinking creatively and keeps you stuck in fear-based, unproductive […]

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    Here are the 5 practices to integrate into the way you think and behave, when you want to enhance the level of trust on your team, feel more connected to the people you work with, day-to-day, convey expectations with clarity, confidence and compassion and be seen as a competent leader: First, recognize your […]

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Do you labor under the Illusion that IQ drives effectiveness? For most roles, IQ and technical skills are important threshold capabilities – entry-level requirements. Once you rise to the levels of managing and leading, Emotional Intelligence is what sets you apart. No doubt, IQ may predict whether you’re capable of handling the cognitive challenges associated […]

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  Differentiate yourself from the masses – that large group of average performers – and stand out like a star. First step: strengthen your emotional intelligence – a set of personal skills identified as key drivers of outstanding performance. Research says, at all job levels, Emotional Intelligence is twice as important as your technical and […]

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  Ever find yourself complaining about what’s wrong in your organization; saying to yourself and anyone who’ll listen, “Can’t they see this is a problem?  Why don’t they do something about it?”  Whether you know it or not, you’re disempowering yourself.  You’re sounding and acting helpless. Instead, adopt the point of view that says, “I’m […]

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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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    If you’re a current member of the workforce, whether you’re the CEO, a middle manager, administrative assistant, or the security guard, continual learning and growth are key to your success. Today, all workers and and their jobs are impacted by rapid changes in technology, as well as market forces that are often unpredictable […]

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      Like any classic, Bernard Bass’s book, Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations, remains relevant 30 years post-publication. He said leaders who transform their environment, and the people around them: -Demonstrates integrity and fairness. -Sets clear goals that require stretch. -Has high expectations of herself and others. -Encourages others to perform well – to […]

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  Here’s an activity that can get your next staff meeting off to a positive start. Ask participants to share one thing that’s working well, and aligns with your 2015 strategic focus. Allow them the latitude to mention something they’ve done, personally; share an accomplishment by the team or a specific team member; talk about […]

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    Does other people’s resistance to new ideas or important process changes frustrate you? Don’t dig your heels in and debate. Instead of resisting their resistance, consider their “NO,” whether stated or demonstrated through their behavior, as a call for conversation – an opportunity to more fully understand all aspects of their perspective. Ask […]

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    Leaders often face dilemmas – situations wherein there is no clear solution, no definitive right or wrong answer. It becomes easy to bounce between what can be defined as opposing alternatives. For example, do we set team or individual goals? Do we want stability or change? Do we give priority to task and […]

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    From Thanksgiving until the New Year, appreciation, acknowledgement, gratitude, rededication, celebration, joy, peace and hope are prevalent in the awareness of many people. The meaning and energy of these kinds of words stimulate good feelings. Good feelings cause us to think more positive thoughts, and smile more. They even help us behave in […]

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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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    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 […]

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    As one who has committed her professional pursuits to helping others become more self-aware – more attuned to the degree to which their intentions and impact align, hear me out: if you’re a boss who tends to be moody, it’s hard for your reports and colleagues to relax and feel safe in your […]

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