The recent showdown in the oval office between the President of the United States and the leaders of the Democratic party was a reminder of the importance of civility. Why? When our goal is to accomplish as much as we can and be as effective as possible, incivility rarely improves the situation. While politics is…
When you can’t stop moving then you’ve stopped living. My mind did a full stop when I first read these words in Brian Brett’s book Trauma Farm. Yes, I thought, as counter-intuitive as it may sound, learning how to slow down does allow you to experience more. The message struck me as both poignant and…
You’ve worked hard all year. And what a year it’s been. The economy warming and cooling, increased competition and longer hours. So why not reward yourself with some really cool tools to help you optimize your life? Here’s a top 10 list of fresh and leading edge gift ideas to help you be at the…
I just came from a restaurant where I was powerfully reminded of the importance of an often elusive piece of business success – great customer service. For me, it’s like the elephant in the middle of the room. So many companies flout their extraordinary customer service yet deliver the opposite. I’m particularly puzzled about this,…
What would it be like to have a neighborhood ‘feel’ at work? Would it add or take away from your ability to get things done or for your company to be profitable? In a refreshing take on corporate culture, business psychologist Art Markman argues that creating a sense of neighborhood at work can only help it succeed.
Showing meaningful appreciation to your staff does not have to cost money. I would argue that the most important elements of creating a positive culture have less to do with the benefit plan and more with the ‘softer’ sides of the equation. Certainly fair pay, vacation and health benefits are important, and necessary. However, often…
In spite of traditional corporate values or practice, I’ve always held that all aspects of your life are interconnected, for better or worse. If my clients were thriving outside of work that served to propel their performance at work, and vice versa. Overtime, this common sense philosophy has garnered much attention in the scientific community and is increasingly gaining street cred in the corridors of business.
Where does innovation come from and how do you grow it? Does it simply fall from the sky or are there things your company can do to promote it? The answers to these questions may surprise you. Simply, the best way to promote creativity and innovation in your company is through an environment that serves…
When I’m working with leaders to identify their most important development needs, issues like “lack of confidence” or “low self-esteem” are surprisingly common. Typically these come to the fore when new challenges or transitions are faced. By putting a stop to negative thinking and learning to view things from a positive perspective, many of these men and women have experienced profound impacts on both their health and work life.
Despite all the rhetoric, books, resources and money thrown at organizational change efforts, most fall flat. Studies show us that about 70% fail. This stat is both shocking and depressing, especially given the human costs. In my business, I have witnessed the wreckage and body bags of many a haphazard change process.