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…
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…
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…
Many of us have heard that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Three weeks of conscious effort…no problem! Right? Well, not exactly. If this were true, all of us would be in better shape…financially, mentally and physically! Interested in the origin of this myth? Learn more here. Here’s the truth. A research…
Dear Colette, I’m determined to advance my career in 2016 which requires changing positions. Fortunately, I’m also attending numerous holiday parties and plan to use my network to get the word out. There will also be a few individuals in attendance I don’t know, but would like to approach. Any advice? -On the Move Dear…
When visiting my parents years ago, I watched my then 90-year-old father’s oversized, arthritic fingers carefully push the phone buttons to re-order medicine from the VA. I smiled and told him what a rock star he is for adapting to technology. A Baby Boomer friend, who reluctantly learned to use her bank’s mobile app for…
Dear Colette, I have been asked by my sister and her friend to help them launch the same type of business I own. They want me to share every last detail and best practice I’ve worked years to perfect. I am VERY conflicted because I do not want to be unhelpful, yet if I do,…