A reputation for integrity and trustworthiness is worth whatever it may cost to build it. Integrity can make or break your career. Building trust at work makes you more likely to be promoted, motivates your peers and subordinates to follow you, and helps you stand out from the crowd. Conversely, break trust (even once) by … Read more
If you want to improve effectiveness at work, start by slowing down instead of speeding up. I was in a meeting with two executives discussing group training for some of their managers and department heads. Suddenly, a woman burst in to inform one of the executives about a change in appointments. With rapid-fire words, she … Read more
I wore a yellow dress to my mother’s funeral. It caused the wags of the relatives to whisper in disapproval but my mother had instructed me to wear it before she died. She knew I’d be sad and she wanted to remind me to be untroubled and lead a cheerful life like she had taught … Read more
Just as you owe it to people to praise them, you owe it to them to offer constructive feedback. When you have individuals directly assigned to you, it is essential to be a teacher, mentor, positive critic, and advocate for their personal and career growth. You can’t do this if you aren’t giving constructive feedback. … Read more
It’s exciting to once again be entering a new year and a fresh start (although I’m a little concerned about a year that sounds like “2020 Won”). A new year always feels like a chance for positive change. I’m not talking about grandiose New Year’s resolutions (although those are all well and good). Instead, I’m … Read more
As we (finally) approach the end of 2020, it’s safe to say that this has been an unprecedented year for many of us. “Normal” has changed dramatically and there have been a lot of opportunities for growth, or as they’re sometimes called “problems.” Despite a year of change and the changing year, there are some … Read more
If you rarely praise your employees, you are neglecting a key aspect of leadership. Praising your employees should be less of a “nicety” and more of an obligation. As a leader, it is your responsibility to uplift others around you and create an affirming and team-oriented culture. A key way to do this is through … Read more
The following is a brief excerpt from my new book, An Introvert’s Guide to Networking, available from Amazon and wherever books are sold. You Have a Lot to Offer You have a lot to offer, and it probably isn’t your style to toot your own horn. On the other hand, if people don’t know anything … Read more
Like any good leader, you know that smart employee recruiting is important. You want the right people for your company. And like many other leaders, you’ve come to realize that it’s just as important to spend time on employee retention. If you have the right people, you don’t want to lose them. It costs time … Read more
You probably like to hear your name favorably called out. This is not you having a big ego, it’s you being human. Studies show that hearing your name activates your brain differently than hearing someone else’s names. We are wired to enjoy positive recognition. Others feel the same way. People never forget that you remembered … Read more