We hear it often…it’s better to play to your strengths rather than trying to fix your weaknesses. While that may seem like a “no-brainer,” especially when it comes to work and career, it’s surprising how many of us continue to work against our own proverbial grain. We’ve all heard about the challenges of trying to fit square pegs in round holes. If you’re in a job where you find...

Have you ever watched a toddler over the course of several hours? They’re amazing! After taking their very first step, they plow forward with such intensity you might think they’re going to break into a run. Instead, they stumble and drop to their seat. Without crying or skipping a beat, they try it again. No overthinking or blaming. Fall down? Get up! Simple. Why then, when faced with obstacles, do adults of...

You might believe your benefits package is top-notch, but would your employees agree? Possibly not: A surprising 36% of respondents to Capital One’s 2019 Work Environment Survey say that their company offers none of the benefits they expect. This, of course, can have a major impact on your workplace morale and productivity. I promise this is not an article about wooing Millennial employees by offering back rubs, b...

It’s the fourth quarter of the year. That means that salespeople are scrambling to get deals signed, finance people are getting ready to close out the year, and that the dreaded self-appraisal is upon us. The self-appraisal is a common performance management practice. Ostensibly, an employee’s self-appraisal and rating should give the manager valuable data on the quality of an individual’s performance. It...

“What’s your biggest weakness?” You’ve probably heard that it’s no longer considered a wise move to respond to this common interview question by saying, “Well, I’m a bit of a perfectionist”. Being organized and self-disciplined—once considered a desirable quality—has become somewhat of an insult, even a warning sign to employers. But while it’s true tha...

One month into my new job, I’m incredibly excited thinking about the positive inroads I’ll be able to make for my organization. To say that I’m energized, and ready-to-go is an understatement. At the same time – as a Type-A personality and recovering workaholic – I’m also doing my level best to calm the racehorse wanting to burst full-speed out the gate – knowing that my desire to &...

Here is a quotation that I share in my training programs on generational diversity: “I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on the frivolous youth of today.” In what era do you think this was written? This week’s Economist? A political speech from the 1960s? The Roaring Twenties? The late eighteenth century? In fact, these words are attributed to the poet Hesiod, all the...

Leaders are encouraged to develop their strengths and sharpen their skills to maximize their effectiveness. Many resources are available, including books, seminars, conferences and qualified executive coaches. A coach, of course, can address your specific needs, and customize an approach that perfectly fits your personality, circumstances and goals. Most leaders understand that all their beliefs and behaviors are exposed...

Even if you love your job, an occasional bad day is par for the course. Everyone has those days where no matter how many happiness hacks or positive mantras you try, you just can’t shake a glass-half-empty attitude. A bad mood can ruin your productivity, putting the kibosh on your motivation and draining you of your creative energy. The secret to recovering from a bad day is learning how to move forward despite it....

A leader can make the difference between success and failure. A good leader has a futuristic vision and knows how to turn ideas into real-world success stories. Unfortunately, there are many managers out there who are poor leaders. This is largely because of the time-honored practice of promoting people into management solely on the basis of their technical knowledge and ability, rather than because they are effective manag...