Have you ever felt that there’s just not enough time in the day? Most often, when we run out of time for projects or pursuits, the reason is that we’ve spent a lot of time lost in ambiguity. When you’re supremely clear about where you’re going and what you want to do, there’s no time … Read more
Happy, engaged employees are good for an organization. Research from every conceivable angle consistently shows they are more creative, make better decisions, produce more at higher levels of quality and service, and bring more heart to their jobs. As a bonus, happiness is contagious; it spreads like a virus that leads to deeper engagement … Read more
One of my coaching clients is looking for a new job. The client’s company is paying for coaching services while the client’s boss is simultaneously doing everything he can to confuse, disconnect and disengage his staff. The client did not intend to use coaching as a career change. Once I introduced language about boundaries and … Read more
Have you ever felt that you had nothing to offer…no gifts to share whatsoever? During spells of frustration or despair, it’s common to feel worthless. It can seem that everyone else is far more brilliant, beautiful and worthy of consideration. In times like these, take solace in the one thing that you can offer that … Read more
When I was a young supervisor fresh from college I was thrown into a turbulent division experiencing 400% growth. The lead underwriter took me under her wing and taught me valuable lessons for dealing with that kind of chaos. “Never leave a problem file sitting on your desk over a weekend,” Jackie taught me. “Problems … Read more
Just as you hold a story about yourself, you hold assessments about others. This is a human thing – to create assessments about others as a shortcut to interaction. Notice that when you are in a leadership role, your assessments matter a great deal more than if you are merely a coworker. The theory of … Read more
When you are in charge (and whether you like it or not) everyone looks to you for a “mood reading” every day. What you bring into work flows down to everyone in your reporting stream. If you’re having a toxic day, that affects your team – the same is true when you’re having a good … Read more
{Rant warning – only read this post if you want to risk being needlessly ticked off at me.} Are you a Responsive Leader? If not, get out. Now. Get off the bus. I mean it. You are killing the rest of us! One of the ways I describe my work is this: My passion is … Read more
For ten years I have issued an annual reminder to leaders regarding performance feedback and relationship-building. The reminder always shows up in December or January.
You know what? That’s too late!
Today’s is a guest post by my LA-based colleague, Sharon Rich, who captures beautifully the danger of making decisions based in fear. AND REMEMBER TO VOTE ON TUESDAY! Quote from Sharon: “The best thing for us all in politics, business or life, regardless of whether you lean toward conservative, independent or liberal views, is to reject fear-based thinking (which can come from either side) get the facts and make the best decisions we can, based on our values.”