Monday Morning Coffee

Many people let their personal relationships fall by the wayside as they focus on their careers and start a family. Yet research shows that we are more successful in our careers when we’re supported by a foundation of strong, stable friendships. Don’t run the risk of losing touch with your closest social connections. Career and friendships can reinforce each other — friends can share big-picture career insights and even inspire…

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We all want to find meaning in what we do. You can foster this inner sense of purpose by asking yourself a few simple questions: What are you good at? What do you take on because you believe you’re the best person to do it? What have you gotten noticed for throughout your career? This will help you identify your strengths. What do you enjoy? In a typical workweek, what…

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As a leader, admitting failure is critical. Many people try to shrug off missteps as things that happen to everyone. Although doing so might seem harmless, there are many good reasons why you should admit you’ve messed up. Here are three: To connect with your employees. While it’s true that employees won’t want to discuss their own failures, they are more likely to connect with leaders who admit to theirs….

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I have been doing a lot of cleaning lately, actually it is one of my goal’s this year – clean out the clutter in my life.  While doing so, I came across this “Simple Formula For Living.”  I’m not sure how long I’ve had it, or where I originally got it, but it is worth sharing. Live beneath your means. Return everything you borrow. Stop blaming other people. Admit it…

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I discovered that waking up early was the best way to start my day. Apparently, I’m not alone in this realization, as there are many stories about Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, and many others that believe in welcoming the sun. Why? It’s a very productive time with the ability to determine priorities before someone or something dictates them for you. And you can own your day. Everybody needs personal time…

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Even if you think annual performance reviews should be abolished, it’s unlikely that you can overhaul your organization’s approach to appraisals. Fortunately, you’re in control of the way you manage the performance of your team. If your organization requires reviews — whether they are annual, semiannual, or quarterly — you should, of course, do them. But take additional steps throughout the review period to ensure that your employees are meeting…

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Olympians draw their inspiration from a set of core values that prepare them to do their best as they compete, and to respond gracefully to whatever happens as a result of their best efforts. Each of those Olympic values relates to the timeless values of leadership that we fuel by well being. No matter what type of work you do, you can grow stronger and excel at it by learning…

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All too often, managers behave as if relationships are built at the office holiday party and other social events and are hindered by actually working. If the only way you build connections with your employees is by chitchatting, you’ll either spend valuable time not working or overbook your calendar with social obligations. Instead of relying on long lunches or happy-hour drinks, build good relationships with your employees by making sure…

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Let’s face it: Conference calls can be boring. That’s why so many people call in, press the mute button, and spend time getting other work done. If you want your team to be engaged during your next virtual meeting, try helping them establish a connection from the start. Open the conference line a couple minutes ahead of schedule, and stay on the line while people join. If it’s a small…

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Good morning, It has been said that change is the only real constant. Generally, most people don’t take too kindly to change, especially when it is thrust upon them without their input. While most people in leadership want to move full steam ahead at any cost, it is important to stop and appreciate those who are cautious or even fearful about the change being imposed upon them. People react to change in many different…

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Leadership skills aren’t magically transferred when an employee gets promoted to a management position. When you’re trying to cultivate the next generation of leaders, you need to start at entry-level, long before you dole out new titles and raises. The good news is, many young employees and junior-level staff are eager to give their input and make a difference in the organization. But if they don’t feel like current leadership…

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My good friend Paula, sent me this article she found on LinkedIn, by Deborah Riegal, sharing that it would make a good MMC.  She was right, and I thank her for sharing. Deborah says, every presentation is an opportunity to make an impression. You can either use your pitch to build credibility, engagement and buy-in, or blow the chance to share your story in a way that sells. No matter…

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