One of the questions I am asked as a speaker who teaches the power of relationship building is this: How can I be more influential in the workplace? You already understand the benefits of being an influential person at your place of work. People look up to you, respect you, etc., and this…
If all your teachers walked, talked, thought and looked like you, your education would suffer greatly. What makes you think mentorship is any different? Whether protégé or mentor, when cultivating connections, diversity matters to maximize learning and growth. Talent takes many forms. As a leader, you may know this intellectually, yet still find yourself guiding…
As a professional speaker, I’m always stressing the value of mindful, genuine communication in building effective business relationships. So, it’s no wonder I get excited when I hear of companies ready to step outside their comfort zone to put this into practice. That’s especially true when corporate leaders show they’re willing to break out of…
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…
On a recent trip to Washington DC, I made it a point to visit the National Mall, specifically to visit the memorials. Seeing the reflection of a Korean War veteran as he observed the Korean War Veterans Memorial wall moved me to tears. As I turned to gain composure, my eyes caught the wall behind…
In this Halloween season, when witches and ghouls take center stage, maybe it’s time to ask yourself if you’re scary. No, I’m not referring to the costume you’re planning to wear this year. I mean, do others feel safe sharing their truth with you? After all, as a leader — at work or at home—you’re…
Dear Colette, A woman who works with me continually focuses on the negative. For example, she repeatedly complains about how she financially struggles to make ends meet. I offer advice, but she seems more interested in rehashing the same old gripes than actually doing something about her situation. It’s not that I lack compassion for…
After reading compelling research specific to women getting ahead in the workplace, I want to revisit why no is the password to the next level. No matter your position or career goals, I believe you can benefit from these findings by Lise Vesterlund, economics professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Her latest research reveals that…
If you’ve ever wondered why someone with similar skills seems to get ahead faster, it may be due to their level of confidence rather than competence, according to a recent article, “The Confidence Gap,” in The Atlantic Monthly. No matter how comfortable we are in our skin, we all find ourselves in situations where we…