"What do you expect?" People say that all the time in an earnest or quizzical way, or sometimes with outright exasperation. However, more often than not, people simply think it without ever taking the extra step to clarify what is expected of them. That leads to mistakes, conflict, shoddy work and productivity losses, because your employees and coworkers ask or think of … [Read more...]
Being Thankful for Criticism
Thanksgiving is Thursday, and today I am asking you to choose to be grateful for something that you may have never said "Thanks" for: criticism. Especially criticism that comes from your employees. When you are a new leader, I know it's hard to hear that you aren't doing well or that your ideas are flawed. Hearing that from people who report to you can be infuriating. … [Read more...]
Making Goals Happen
This week's episode comes from a a listener's question about goal achievement. They asked: How do I make sure that my team reaches their goals? I think "making sure" that someone reaches their goals isn't necessarily possible but as leaders, we can "help" them and "hold them accountable" - all leading them to be more successful at goal achievement. Check out the video … [Read more...]
5 New Habits to Help You Reach Your Goals Faster
It's that time of year when we all set personal and professional goals for ourselves. Have you set your resolutions for next year? I know I have. The problem is, too often we put the time into setting the goals, and then we expect to magically reach them during the year, even if we don’t change our behavior or effort. That's why we spend so much time at the end of the … [Read more...]
Cure Employees’ “Holiday-itis” and Finish the Year Strong
If you are feeling a little less than motivated, you aren't alone. This time of year has a way of affecting people’s attitudes, energy, and productivity. Even if you are feeling especially productive, you may notice that your employees aren't. In fact, they could be suffering from a serious case of "holiday-itis." As with any ailment, the first step in treatment is to … [Read more...]
Make the Next 37 Days Count!
It is November 25. There are 37 days left in 2016. However, it seems that once Thanksgiving arrives, many people act as if the year is over. You know, there is the shopping, the parties, and the events. Many people have days off for the holidays, and others use up their remaining vacation time before they lose it.Even when we are at work on days like today, Christmas Eve and … [Read more...]
5 Lessons For Achieving a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Happiness
Personal happiness is an afterthought – if it’s a thought at all. But that’s the wrong way to look at things, says Scott MacDonald, a seasoned CEO and author of Saving Investa: How An Ex-Factory Worker Helped Save One of Australia's Iconic Companies. “Hard work absolutely is important, but I’ve met plenty of people who worked hard and never made much money or achieved … [Read more...]
Feeling Pressure? You Probably Aren’t Prepared
Football officially starts next week, folks. Today, I will share one of my favorite quotes from, undoubtedly, one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. Perhaps his quote "Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you are doing" tells us why that is. Prior to retiring this year, the two-time and reigning Super Bowl Champion had broken … [Read more...]
Eradicate Your Obstacles With This Thinking Game
Would you like a way to get better ideas, faster? Would you like to nearly automatically tap into your subconscious brain to help you solve your vexing problems? Would you like a tool that would help your team think more clearly? What if I told you that tool was free, except for the five minutes of time you had to invest? But rather than thinking about it like a … [Read more...]
The Power and Pitfalls of Competition
Admittedly, I am a competitive person in just about every facet of life. Ask those who’ve known me my whole life and you might even hear some stories of competitive board and card game play that I’d prefer not be repeated. While I was taught to be (and think I mostly am) a good sport, my focus was most always on winning. And looking back, I can point to both the power and the … [Read more...]