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 […]
Read More →Whether you’re going to your own company’s holiday party, your significant other’s, or something thrown by a client or colleague, remember these important survival tips: 1) Dress appropriately. The parts of you that shouldn’t be shown at work also shouldn’t be shown at the company parties, even if the party is on Saturday night. […]
Read More →On a recent trip to my bank, I encountered an employee who had more excuses for not helping me than solutions to my problem. She simply apologized, over and over and over again. It became clear that she wasn’t open to identifying a solution for a valued customer. She didn’t offer to call […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →This is the season for office parties. I hope you’re planning to attend yours. Here are a couple to tips to help you get through the event , your reputation and career unscathed. No embarrassing or unprofessional poses. Yes…that’s an old one that conjures up images of butts on Xerox machines. But this […]
Read More →Ever wake up in a foul mood, feeling blah, grumpy, frustrated. You feel off your game, off balance, just not quite your usual self. Such feelings can and do grab hold of the best of us. Here are a few techniques to try when you need to shake off the nastys: For one […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →When leaders accept a new role, or move to a new company, they enter with the intention of having measurable impact; to deliver on the promise their unique portfolio of experiences, skills and potential holds. As a coach, I’m often in the position of encouraging them to take the long view: First, get […]
Read More →Coaching the senior team as they prepared for a department-wide meeting about recent employee survey results, I listened as they talked about sharing the findings. When they began discussing a timeline for getting back to employees with solutions to the problems raised, I had to put the brakes on. “This idea,” I said […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →A senior leader asked me to work with him on several challenges, one of which is to how to get his team to be more participative during staff meetings. Of course, he invited me to a staff meeting to witness him in action. Within ten minutes, the problem became crystal clear. He […]
Read More →To exude personal power and executive presence, insure that your spoken and unspoken messages are congruent. Nonverbal behavior is powerful, so be aware of the story your body tells! Here’s how: First, breath deeply, in a relaxed manner. You’ll feel and look calm and in control. Practice your posture in the mirror. Stand […]
Read More →Many leaders labor under LIES that limit their effectiveness. One of which is the illusion that you’re either born with executive presence or you’re out of luck. In truth, executive presence can be developed and refined. Here’s a list of key elements. Identify which are current strengths. And, select one element for stretch, […]
Read More →Did you know that many of the limitations in your life are self-imposed? I call them LIES. LIES are false ideas that limit freedom. And, L-I-E-S is an acronym for the Labels, Illusions, Excuses and Stories we allow to define our lives, professionally and personally. You know you’ve bumped into LIES in your life when: […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →We tend to use the labels manager and leader interchangeably. Yet, each points to a specific role and set of competencies. Based on the work of John Kotter, here’s a quick way discern with which space – manager or leader – you identify most? Managers feel fulfilled accomplishing finite, specific tasks. Their focus […]
Read More →In the workplace and at home, we often worry about how things are going to turn out. Playing golf I’m often reminded of how difficult it is, despite expert planning and execution, to consistently control outcomes. For example, on hole #10, I hit a beautiful drive. On #11, I perform the same ritual, […]
Read More →Every organization needs a vision – a vivid description of an irresistible tomorrow that provides a sense of direction and sparks forward momentum. Vision is an inspiring, compelling statement of aspiration. Short, succinct, bold, forwarding-looking, the statement imbues your business, with a higher sense of purpose that makes work more meaningful and fulfilling. […]
Read More →You impact the experience of inclusion in your workplace. So, don’t wait for a training program, a new company policy or for an expert to share best practices. With the positive intention of fostering constructive connection, take the initiative to reach out to others. Take simple steps like showing a new person around […]
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