Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason so few engage in it. ~Henry Ford Propped on my bedroom shelf, directly above my white laminate desk, rested the iconic, orange “THINK” sign my mother gifted me. Being eleven years old, the accompanying story about some company named IBM using the slogan…
It’s that time of year again! Caught between candy bars and cranberries, we might overlook the true theme of this month: gratitude. Gratitude not only transforms how we see ourselves, but the way we view and interact with people around us. For those of us in business who are constantly relating to others-fellow employees and…
If you view office politics as a dirty, slimy way to get ahead, I’m here to suggest playing this game doesn’t have to be manipulative or sleazy. In fact, it’s one of the most direct, smart and savvy ways to make your mark and build connections with those that count. Yet, who can blame you…
Leaders unknowingly destroy trust, undermine productivity, increase employee stress, and decrease engagement through inconsistent behaviors and practices. Substitute the word “leader” for salesperson, administrator, teacher, coach or parent, and the statement still rings true. Recent research even suggests employees prefer a supervisor who consistently acts like a jerk rather than an unpredictable one who wavers…
No, this article is not about setting aside your judgement and becoming more compassionate towards those you lead to create better connections. In fact, it’s just the opposite. I’m proposing that to maximize your relationships with others, you must first boldly accept yourself…flaws and all. Let me explain. Acceptance requires reflection and ownership of your…
Research shows that stressed Americans aren’t taking the breaks they have earned despite noting the benefits of downtime. Ninety percent say time off helps them relax and recharge, but forty percent won’t go to avoid a “mountain of work” upon return. Others may physically leave the office, but end up on a work-cation, constantly checking…
Be honest, now. Are you seriously and selflessly dedicated to your job? Are you willing to always be there for your employer, even if that means working after hours, on weekends, or being on-call 24/7? If you are, you are not in the minority. According to research published in this month’s Harvard Business Review, the…
“Did you do your homework?” my militant mother, a teacher by trade, would respond to my request to hang out with friends. Without a “yes” you did not pass go, nor collect $200. Rather you went directly to homework jail as work preceded reward. At the time, I despised her ridiculous rituals that restricted my…
What can a leader learn about connecting from both a classical music competition and a TED Talk? According to research, visual presence dramatically impacts and influences listeners’ opinions without ever hearing one note or word. Although it seems counterintuitive, researcher Chia-Jung-Tsay, discovered both novices and musical experts were most likely to identify competition winners by…