It’s that time of year. A time many dread. Will I get a raise? Will I get laid off? What does my boss really think of me? As leaders we should be able to empathize with those we write reviews for. Most likely we have lingering doubts as our review approaches. If we don’t, that probably means our boss is doing some of the right things. Make sure you are doing them as well to help relieve your team’s anxiety. Continue reading
Leadership
Opportunity in the Turbulence
We tend to like the calm. We like calm skies for our flights, calm waters when on a ship, and calm weather when traveling. The problem with calm is you always know what to expect. And while it makes it easier to fly, sail, or drive, it’s not necessarily the best thing in all areas of our lives.There is opportunity in turbulence. When industries are calm, it’s hard to get a foothold. The customers aren’t looking for someone new to buy from. There are no new differentiators between products. Things are pretty much status quo. If you are trying to get into the market or gain market share, it’s going to be tough. Why choose you over the industry leader? Continue reading
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Key Ingredient to Be the Best
Do you have an all-consuming passion? I recently had the pleasure of being in the audience to hear a CEO of a Fortune 500 company speak about the company’s future. I sat enraptured by his passion and realized the most successful people have an all-consuming passion and focus.
This type of passion keeps leaders ahead of the competition. Since these leaders are passionate about the industry, they never feel they know enough and are driven to keep learning. Staying on the edge of the latest information allows them to make strategic decisions, helping differentiate their company from the rest.
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Refined by the Fire
Picture a drill sergeant. Can you see that mean look and hear the yelling – are you cowering with fear? Cross that with a chicken with it’s head caught off, and you know exactly what I looked like on the day of my sister’s wedding. We were falling behind schedule, and a few things weren’t turning out as planned. As the ceremony time approached, my ability to see the bigger picture and what next steps or corrective actions were needed helped us get everything completed. However, my directive and impatient nature rose to the surface as I barked orders in abrupt (but efficient) ways.
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Why Are We Here: The Importance of Communicating Project and Team Purpose
“And we could be fined for over $200 million!” The bigger picture came after the project had been in flight for a year. Setting and clarifying team priorities and the vision should be done up front, not when the project is behind schedule and the team is exhausted and wondering what the point was anymore. Why do we have such a difficulty communicating purpose and vision?
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3 Reasons to Stop Shooting for the Moon
My philosophy has always been, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.” I’m a firm believer in Jim Collins’ BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals). Dreaming big builds excitement and enthusiasm that propels us into the future. It also allows the creativity to flow and generate new goals and ideas. However, there are times when big goals are simply unrealistic to the point they work against you.
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Who Moved the Bar?
“You’ve inspired me to do more.”
“When you stood up for what you believed, I knew I needed to as well.”
Nice compliments, right? For me, it was eye-opening. As a speaker and writer, I am always hoping someone is inspired by my words, that maybe, I have packaged information in just the right way to really connect with a person’s desire to improve. But these recent incidents had nothing to do with my blog or speaking events. These were people who I touched through mundane day-to-day events.
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The Cost of Doing What’s Right
A greater emphasis is being placed on transparency within our culture. Transparency within companies is being demanded, and with the increasing usage of social media, a company’s actions are magnified and communicated exponentially. People are not afraid to tweet, post, or blog about the experiences they have had with companies. What should we be doing to protect our companies from dissatisfied customers? Some react by withdrawing and attempting social media anonymity. Companies miss great opportunities when they do this!
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How Accountability Can Help Your Discipline
Why is it easier to have success in some areas of our lives but not all areas? I can easily hold myself accountable in learning and advancing myself as a leader, but I have zero discipline when it comes to exercising. My first instinct is to chastise myself and wonder why I so frequently fail in my resolve, especially when attaining my goals would result in high pay-offs. After reflection, I realized I have yet to meet a person who is disciplined in every area of their life.
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Guest Post: The Three Factors That Can Lead You to a Career You LOVE
How often have you taken the time to think about what really interests you at work, what has perhaps shaped the career choices you have made so far? Think about those times when you get really absorbed in something; the time flies by, doesn’t it? Why is this important? Because it’s all about bringing more of yourself to work. When you really enjoy what you do, you are more likely to perform well and be satisfied with your career. What comes to your mind when you think of career satisfaction? Continue reading
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