I’m in Week Two of a 3-week travel blitz. I’m not in Sales. But this happens once in a while when demand is high and everyone’s schedules are open for learning sessions. I love it once in a while. But I have respect and concern for those of you who do it constantly. I’ve had … Continue reading
Group Synergy is AWESOME.
I just had one of those days. I facilitate leadership programs and today’s class of folks was PURE SYNERGY. What makes me say that? They were diverse. Engineers and Salespeople. Learning pros and Developers. They were engaged, all open to upping their game, listening to tips from each other, and sharing their own best practices. … Continue reading
You Decide Your Fate. Only You.
When you think of where you are now, how do you think you got there? Personal accountability is freeing and scary at the same time. It’s the understanding that you, and only you, have the power to go where you want to go and be what you want to be. I dare you to identify … Continue reading
Find Your Advocates – and Hold On!
In our careers, and in our lives, we are sometimes fortunate to have advocates and sponsors who fight for us. These people use their influence to proactively pave a way for us, include us in new opportunities, and market us to others when we don’t yet have a seat at the table. THE DARE: If … Continue reading
Authenticity Trumps “Personal Branding”
In the corporate world, trends and catchphrases come and go. For the past three years, I’ve been inundated with messages about building a personal brand. I’ve even facilitated sessions on it. Here’s my question for you- is your brand about impressing people and creating a persona of success? Or is it the “culture of you,” … Continue reading
Today’s Leadership Dare 2/25/14
I dare you to… Get off of your high horse. Having a leadership title doesn’t equate to riding around wearing a crown, flaunting perks and poo-pooing those with lesser titles. Whether at work, in government, or at home. Leadership is a responsibility to listen to others, inspire them, represent them, and do the job that … Continue reading
Today’s Leadership Dare 2/24/14
I dare you to… Avoid ambiguity. Say what you mean, for goodness’ sake! Often, we try to soften our approach and lose our key expectations in the communication. Or we delegate some details to a variety of people with no one getting the complete picture. Or we hand off assignments to some unsuspecting person without … Continue reading
Today’s Leadership Dare 2/21/14
I dare you to… Focus on your image. Or, as one of my favorite leaders says, focus on your personal brand. If you feel that you aren’t able to be authentic at work, or that your authentic style is holding you back, take a moment today to think about the image you’re projecting. A long … Continue reading
Today’s Leadership Dare 2/4/14
I dare you to… Encourage growth. When others look to expand their responsibility or influence, it’s in our best interest as leaders to support them. When we see potential and capability in someone who is afraid to grow, sometimes we might have to push them to do so. As leaders, it’s our job to help … Continue reading
Today’s Leadership Dare 1/24/2014
I dare you to… Listen for cues. You shouldn’t be taken by surprise as a leader. Chances are, there are signals every day of good things that are coming and challenges about to surface. A team member is ready for more responsibility. Another team member has become disengaged and is searching for a job with … Continue reading