Even the Best Team Members Benefit from Basic Skills Training Some leaders believe that because they manage their time well and prioritize with ease that doing so comes naturally to everyone. For these managers, any employee who procrastinates, misses deadlines or is disorganized is a source of frustration. Leaders have a responsibility for developing employees, […]
Read More →The earlier we begin building relationships in the workplace, the easier it is to do our job well. So, when bringing on new hires, after you’ve shown them their work space, the lunchroom and restrooms, and introduced them to the team, try this. Give the new hire a list of key stakeholders to meet with to […]
Read More →Sometimes opportunities that we weren’t expecting come our way – something that seems like such an unlikely fit, it wasn’t even on our radar. It may even be something we think we didn’t even want. Your first instinct may be to say thanks, but no thanks. But, before you do, hear the person out. Allow them to explain […]
Read More →Here’s a piece of good, practical advice from the late entrepreneur Jim Rohn. He said, “Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people.” We’ve become more relaxed and informal […]
Read More →To be viewed as more valuable to a current or future employer, be proactive about increasing your skills portfolio. If you’re seeking a salary increase, a promotion or a new job, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re not afraid to challenge your own growth potential. Do so by being on a constant lookout for your […]
Read More →Today’s leaders need a keen understanding of the people who report to them, and the unique obstacles they must overcome to be successful. Marion Anderson once said, “Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it.” Her message provides clear encouragement to seek to understand […]
Read More → We’ve all encountered people who are quick to say “No” to suggestions or new ideas. Before any apparent consideration occurs, they instantly shoot down most, if not all people, who come to them with their ideas. Here’s what I recommend if you have a person like that in your life. Ask your question and […]
Read More →The Buddhist and Stephen Covey agree. “To know and not do, is really not to know.” In other words, when learning something new, never underestimate the importance of doing it. For example, if your favorite tennis player told you her secret to hitting a slice backhand, could you do it consistently? Not likely. The same […]
Read More →Effective Way to Boost Your Skills Inventory Are you looking for a proven way to boost your skills? Do you want to understand a concept or process more deeply, or demonstrate competency in a new area? If so, put yourself on the spot by offering or accepting an opportunity to teach others about the topic. […]
Read More →Did you know that personal and professional development are free? That’s right. All it costs is a little time. My website, spiritofpurpose.com, has dozens of videos, and hundreds of podcasts – all created for the sole purpose of helping you live and lead from a place of purpose and fulfillment. You’ll find a huge variety […]
Read More →A recent study by researchers at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, INSEAD and Columbia looked at how power dynamics affect one’s ability to persuade. They found that successful persuasion depends on how powerful or powerless the speaker’s audience feels. The researchers measured responses to “high power” communication that focused on competency and skillfulness, and “Low […]
Read More →Think about something you’ve learned. For example, how to manage meetings, make effective presentations, write well, play tennis or golf. How to be a good listener, a great salesperson, teacher, parent or surfer. Whatever you know how to do today, you’ve learned it by degrees. I call it learning in layers. The first layer of […]
Read More →Successful managers understand that they must adapt their leadership style to the situation at hand. In their book, Primal Leadership, Daniel Goleman, and his coauthors identify six effective and emotionally intelligent ways to lead. The Affiliative & the Democratic Leader The Affiliative Leader puts people first, focuses on harmony and emotional connection, and encourages inclusion. […]
Read More →There May Be No Such Thing As A Selfless Act Many people see volunteering as an act that benefits the people and programs they serve. But, ironically, what appears to be selfless giving has proven to be beneficial to the giver. Several research projects have shown that volunteers themselves exhibit improved psychological well-being as a […]
Read More →Summer is the perfect time to add books on leadership to your reading list. Here are some of my favorite books for emerging and existing leaders. Tom Rath and Barry Conchie’s Strengths Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams And Why People Follow builds on their bestseller, “Strengths Finders.” Rooted in extensive research, the book identifies three […]
Read More →Networking for Newbies or Refresher for Workforce Returnees If you just graduated, or are returning to the job market after an extended leave, networking is likely part of your strategy. But with little or no experience, how can you impress those with whom you’re meeting? Fast Company offers these five tips: Draft a list of […]
Read More →When Layoffs Happen, How Do You Manage The Team that Remains? Headlines say the economy is doing great. Yet, in our ever-changing business landscape, the reality is downsizing and layoffs still happen. If you’ve suddenly found yourself leading a smaller team, Mindtools.com offers these suggestions for moving forward. Don’t preach that people are lucky to […]
Read More →Why It Doesn’t Work and How to Avoid the Pitfalls A recent Wall Street Journal article reported on the growing phenomena of talent hoarding at large companies. A 4.5% unemployment rate is making it harder to find good employees, so some keep a tight grip on their superstars. But when people eager to grow feel […]
Read More →I enjoy ads and commercials. The good ones stick with me. I’m impacted by their images, sounds and words. The best ones have a dramatic tagline or slogan – a succinct, repeatable core message about the product or service that conveys the essence of what the company wants you to believe and remember. They’re designed […]
Read More →Experts say the reason people throw temper tantrums into adulthood is because they work. This frightening behavior gets the tantrum thrower exactly what they want – even if it is at the cost of co-workers or workplace civility. The first step to taking the sting out of another’s workplace tantrum – whether it’s your […]
Read More →
