The endless assortment of messages, feelings, and attitudes we bring from our past into our present influences how we see ourselves. It also directly impacts our ability to relate to others. While growing up, we learned to judge ourselves and our capabilities based on how others saw us. Whether their judgments were complimentary or condemning…
DetailsAre your employees clear about what you expect from their performance this year? I should be able to come in as a consultant, sit down one-on-one with any individual who reports to you and ask him or her, “What will constitute ‘fully satisfactory’ and ‘outstanding’ performance by you over the current year? Please describe it…
DetailsIn my new book Leading at Light Speed I talk about the concept of leading through others to relieve pressure in the workplace. What do I mean? Think of flying on an airplane with an open seating plan such as Southwest. You’ve come across an aisle seat. The middle and window seats are open next…
DetailsThe times they are-a-changin’! Programmers with great ideas are becoming billionaires, the internet is streamlining small business ownership, and those who seek job stability are being questioned for their lack of ambition. The once normative corporation culture is becoming leaner. We travel (and even talk on the phone) less than we used to. Our conversations…
DetailsBack in the 90’s the Royal Bank of Canada had a series of TV commercials touting the theme, “Building a Better Bank, One Customer at a Time.” The message, as I recall, was that RBC treats each customer as a unique individual and strives to win them over, one-at-a-time. I frequently refer to this ad…
DetailsGreat networkers are givers, not takers. That’s a key insight to mastering the art of connection. Too often, when we think we are ‘networking’, we are actually trolling for assistance in one of our ventures. We are screening people to see if they have use to us, and if we might possess currency we can…
DetailsRemember those first-day of school jitters? You were nervous with anticipation and, as a result, probably slept very little wondering where your classes were and what your new teachers were like (stickler for rules or laid-back and fun)? That’s not even considering all the social issues that arise such as who would be in your…
DetailsGetting your new salesperson started off on the right foot is an important part of them having fun and you making even more profit. I recently did another of my gems of wisdom titled The New Hire – Doing It Right where I provided an outline of the sales-related items that a new hire needs…
DetailsI have been working lately with an organization that serves the homeless population by first finding them a place to live and then attending to their many needs. As with many non-profit enterprises these days, they have their share of frustrations that can tip staff morale down a notch or three: lack of adequate funding,…
DetailsThe late great expert on mythology, Joseph Campbell, used to tell a tale from the days of King Arthur. One day during a feast, the Holy Grail appears high in the great room but draped in a veil. Then it disappears. The bold Sir Gawain proposes that the knights all go off to find the…
DetailsThis October, I’m reminded of a company effort to battle breast cancer, started by a handful of passionate people in Canada. We focus so much on the power of one person, super-woman, but forget that more often than not it takes a core group to really move the needle. This is why Margaret Mead once…
DetailsEmployee engagement is all the rage these days. It’s commonly touted as the key to transforming an organization from good to great. When a new organizational effectiveness ‘truth’ comes along there are two common responses.
Details“It’s difficult to connect with people while pursuing your selfish agenda. By nature, connecting is a giving experience.” –John C. Maxwell Have you ever been a victim of a network drive-by? Or been personally violated by people claiming to be networking but are just out for themselves and what you can do for them? If…
DetailsSince we all seem to be very preoccupied these days with conserving energy, focusing on recycling and using alternate resources, it seems fitting to remind you that creating goodwill within the relationships of your network, is never in limited supply.
Do you know that the number one reason members attend conferences is to expand and grow their network? An organization recently contacted me seeking a networking expert for their conference. In this competitive environment companies are eager to have their employees develop successful relationships with customers, co-workers, and colleagues.
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