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 […]
Read More →As part of its Diversity and Inclusion program, does your organization celebrate the many social changes and achievements spurred by the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? If so, join in! If not, here are a few ideas to consider…many of which are utilized by some of the country’s largest […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →Many times, a simple shift, consistently implemented, can make a world of difference. So, instead of feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by the thought of resolutions and goals, this year, choose one simple change you care about and are willing to make. Search yourself and opt for something that’s important to you…maybe it’s to […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →I bet you still have parties, dinners, drinks and drop-bys on your holiday social calendar. Whether it’s a company-sponsored event, a colleague-hosted gathering, or a party with family and friends, put your best foot forward. Steer clear of “too many” and “too much:”…too many bad jokes, too much heated political debate, too many […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →Do you sometimes find yourself in a high stakes situation, and every thought that comes to mind is about exactly the outcome you DO NOT want? For example, preparing for an important presentation, you begin imaging the audience asking questions you can’t answer. Or you’re planning to ask for a raise you know you deserve, […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →A certified user of Benchmarks, a 360 instrument developed by the Center for Creative Leadership, I find it an effective tool for helping leaders understand how they’re experienced and perceived along 16 competencies, rated by a range of stakeholders. Another important section of the report describes five problems that can stall your career. […]
Read More →I enjoy this time of year. And, it’s seems many others do, as well. It’s a season of fun-filled gatherings and sharing good wishes. During this time of year, kindness, warm smiles and generosity are legitimized in all dimensions of life. Perhaps you and your co-workers are making plans for a luncheon at […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →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 […]
Read More →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 […]
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