When relationships are unhealthy, avoidance becomes the drug of choice. But avoidance has some hefty side affects. Avoidance breeds ambiguity. Avoidance feeds paranoia. Avoidance wastes precious resources – as examples: Sending emails to the person, or calling them knowing you’ll get voice mail, instead of meeting face to face Steering clear of the person in… Read more »
Reflecting on July 4th: Are we declining our independence? Being independent can be defined as not being influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion or conduct. Stated another way, being independent is thinking or acting for oneself. But if thinking for oneself is the acid test of independence, it is fair to ask:… Read more »
Many of us are uncomfortable asking for what we want. We either fear rejection or want to avoid being viewed as incapable of doing something by ourselves. But I believe that “making an ask” is a powerful way for us to connect with people. The connection we create makes room for a cycle of giving… Read more »
All things being equal, people will do business with and refer business to those people whom they know, like, and trust. If you’ve been in business for any length of time you’ve probably heard this saying before. And if you’ve been in business for any length of time, you also know that it’s true. As… Read more »
Storytelling is a powerful business tool. I was reminded of this during my visit to a meeting of the Ohio State Council of SHRM. Although I was there as an invited guest speaker, I certainly feel like I learned much from others. The stories being conveyed cover the range of good Human Resources tales. As… Read more »
Uncertainty invites ideas and ideas invite debate. I once read that “when everything is uncertain anything is possible.” Stated another way, when everything is uncertain all ideas possess a spark of possibility. Despite the discomfort it often causes, uncertainty reveals opportunity’s door and an idea is the key that unlocks it. The statement above may… Read more »
I have the pleasure of facilitating strategic planning sessions, process improvement events, team building activities, etc. I always start with the vision, mission and values of the organization. Why? Because if the discussion isn’t aligned, if the goals aren’t aligned, if the changes aren’t aligned, if the commitments aren’t aligned, etc., the time, as I see it,… Read more »
Entitlement – it rears its ugly head from time to time at work. The term “entitlement” refers to the belief that we deserve some particular reward or benefit. Not because we met or exceeded a goal, not because we have expended exceptional effort, but because we believe someone “owes” us something simply because we exist. I… Read more »
My mentor told me years ago that I could increase my value at work by having a strong focus on my purpose. This bit of advice resonated with me because my mother used to tell me that once I identified my purpose in life, I would be better able to eliminate items and issues that… Read more »