In the U.S., we are finishing up a three day holiday weekend for Labor Day. It's a day created to honor American workers and the contributions they make to our great nation. You're one of those workers, and while I hope you've done something special to honor your employees and the contributions they've made, I also don't want you to forget yourself. Take advantage of your … [Read more...]
Make Everyone Feel Acknowledged and Respected
Few people get as much positive feedback as they need or deserve, especially at work. So if you see morale taking a nose-dive (or even if you just want to do something nice for your employees), complete this super simple activity to give everyone a big morale boost. Create an envelope with each team member’s name on it. Inside, include a piece of paper that also has that … [Read more...]
4 Steps to Making Complex Decisons
When you're faced with an extremely difficult or complex decision, what should you do? Our parents, best friends and mentors always offer the sage advice: "Sleep on it." After all, a good night's sleep can allow you see things in a new light, think more reasonably and logically, and set your emotions aside. It's great advice. But what if you are smack dab in the middle of a … [Read more...]
4 Really Great Reasons to Write Positive Feedback Down
Every leader has been told that offering positive feedback is one of the most valuable things you can do. You've heard of all the benefits. You may have heard that you don’t do it enough. If you’ve been reading this blog, you've likely learned the basics of giving positive feedback successfully, such as: Make it timely Make it meaningful. Make it about the behavior, … [Read more...]
It is Necessary to Like Your Coworkers?
"I have to work with them, but do I have to like them?" That question pops into most people's heads from time to time. After all, you aren't going to like everyone, all the time. Nor do you have to. People don’t have to like each other to work together successfully and productively. While liking is preferable, it shouldn’t be a goal. Rather the goal for both you and your … [Read more...]
Is Your Focus Too Narrow?
Focus. It is one of those words everyone says is a good thing and something most people would like to be better at. Yet, focus alone, isn't enough. What you focus on is what really matters. Take some time to think: What are you focused on right now? What are your priorities? To become the best leader you can be, and to best serve both your team members and your … [Read more...]
Working Long Hours Doesn’t Mean Dedication
Why do you hire new employees? Ok, this seems like an obvious question, and no, it isn’t a trick. We hire people because we have assignments that need to be completed, sales to be made, and products to be created, manufactured, shipped and billed. We hire people because we're growing and because other people leave. We hire people to be productive and to get work done. … [Read more...]
You Can’t Control Everything, So Focus More on This
There is a difference between what we can control and what we can merely influence. Sometimes we get the two mixed up, and it leads to major headaches. Take elections, for example. There's no question that voting is a civic responsibility, but your vote doesn't control who gets elected. It does influence who represents you, however. The same applies to every election. So … [Read more...]
6 Tips for a Super Successful Summer
Summer is the season of “school’s out,” cook outs and vacations. Summer is also the season of warmth, longer days and the period of greatest growth in the natural world around us. As leaders, we must navigate all those truths to create a successful summer for our teams, both at work and in the rest of their lives. The challenge, as is often the case in life, is about seeking … [Read more...]
The Power of 1 Minute
Do you think you don't have a minute to spare? You should think again. In one short minute, you can accomplish so much: Identify something you are grateful for Encourage someone Smile Do some stretching Listen to someone Observe what is going on around you Reflect on what you have learned today Say “thank you" Notice someone’s strength Take a … [Read more...]