In the high-stakes world of business, happily not all professional interactions are confined to conference rooms or phone calls. Sometimes, the most transformative conversations happen during something as seemingly casual as...more
Ending the year well can mean different things to different people. For some, it might mean achieving a personal goal or completing a major project. For others, it might mean spending time with loved ones or taking some time...more
True greatness is based on our ability to unleash the potential of those around us. To do this you have to shift your focus from personal accomplishments to enabling others’ success. If you do so, your actions will have an...more
Every day is a good day to think about and set goals. These can be short or long-term goals. Many people write New Year’s Resolutions and view that as the time to set goals or challenges. A lot of those same people are the...more
This past weekend I was reading something and saw the phrase “be the change you want to see.” I’ve heard it before and have written about the benefits of change. It struck me as I believe change and trying new things is the...more
Success comes from constantly assessing the results from actions you take and adjusting, depending on what is or is not working. If something you’re doing is not successful, you need to change it or try something new. The...more
Each of us is a part of a group in relation to our work. You are a part of the company where you work. And you are probably part of smaller formal groups comprised of you and co-workers, as well as part of other...more
Many people sugarcoat what they say to save another’s feelings. I think this is because most people shy away from potentially confrontational conversations or don’t know how to effectively communicate something negative or...more
Elevating the performance of those around you versus solely focusing on your own results is a critical distinction in personal and professional development. When you prioritize lifting others, you contribute to a...more
It has now been a few days since Thanksgiving. And, in 2023, it seems like it will be celebrated in a world gone crazy. When I was thinking about writing about being thankful or expressing gratitude, I looked back to my posts...more
Happiness is a deeply fulfilling and enriching emotion that can be attained through various means, but one of the most profound sources of happiness is found in giving of yourself. When you extend your kindness, generosity,...more
This goes for all personal and professional relationships in your life. I heard a woman on a podcast say this, and it struck me. She was speaking about meeting her husband and when things clicked versus when they first met,...more
I recently read this good piece of advice. It’s easy to jump to conclusions or make judgments about people without knowing all the facts. Making assumptions isn’t a good idea, as pointed out in old movies and television...more
Is this you? To honestly answer this question requires self-awareness, which many people lack. We all know that person, the one you meet in a business or personal setting who cannot stop themselves from dominating a...more
Networking is the base on which your business development efforts sit. Who you know matters. The broader your network and reach the better chance it will lift you up towards success....more
Being respectful isn’t just good manners. It’s a way to connect with others and try to understand their position or opinion. It may be about differences in how to approach the strategy in a case, a workflow process with those...more
Are you the workaholic each of us knows? You know the one. Checking email from the moment they wake up, when they are at lunch with you (rude, by the way), and checking it right before they go to sleep. Every social...more
Networking is about knowing more people. Connecting is about knowing people more. The distinction is obvious. You know a lot of people professionally and personally, but you actually are connected to only a fraction of those...more
We all have a pitch to make and the need to do so comes up all of the time. Many times, you are making a pitch unconsciously because it can be second nature for some. Think about how good your pitch could be if you actually...more
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. We are nearing the end of another odd year. In thinking about writing this post, I contemplated thankfulness and gratitude. I can’t say it better, so here is my annual blog for the week of...more
Thinking about celebrating is inspired by my wife, who has a big birthday tomorrow. We have made special plans with people we care about. In these times it would have been easy to not do so, have a quiet moment with immediate...more
We live in a world of entrenched people and positions. Right now, you may be thinking of politics and similar high-level issues, but I am not. I’m considering this on a day-to-day level in relation to your work and personal...more
Whether in your personal or professional life, this seems obvious if you think about it. Relationships make life interesting. They can lift you up, but can drag you down (if you let them). You want to invest in healthy...more