Have you ever been stung by someone else taking credit for your work? It doesn’t feel very good, does it? In fact, it can feel downright crappy. Similarly, have you ever taken credit for someone else’s or your team’s work? Did you do it because you thought it was “no big deal”? What may seem like such a trivial matter, is, in fact, a big deal…stage hogs take note.
I find it fitting that I am writing this from a tiny cafe deep in the labyrinth of Hong Kong’s SoHo District. I arrived a few days ago as part of my recent push to expand my business into China. Ironically, it just dawned on me that I am doing exactly that which I am writing about – taking a risk and consciously tempting failure. It also struck me how these two former enemies of mine have become such good companions over the years. Like many leaders and entrepreneurs, I have learned that risk and failure are the progenitors of success.
How did you start your day today? Did you rise and shine? Or rise and whine? Did you leap or drag yourself out of bed? Were you ready and alert for all the opportunities of the day? In that first hour of the day, the choices you make can set you up for a stellar day…or a stinker.
While the thought of an early morning workout may send chills down your spine, for many, it’s the only time possible. If you’ve tried to make it work at every other time with little success then maybe the morning is for you too. Here are 9 tips to get you up and running first thing.
Tired of shuffling along bumper to bumper or sitting on transit for 2 hours a day? Frustrated with not getting enough uninterrupted time at the office to even string two thoughts together? Feeling the heat as deadlines approach? Needing a reprieve from the daily grind of office politics? Then telecommuting could be for you!
Frustrated? Tired of not getting what you’ve wanted or hoped for? Welcome to a crowded space. If you’re like many of us, some goals or desires just seem to elude you. And, if like many, a surprising amount of what you’re bummed about not getting is due to a pretty simple concept – a lack of actual followup.
All too often I see new hires and those recently promoted thrown to the wolves, so to speak. Beyond a perfunctory introduction to their new office or responsibilities, frequently, little else is provided. As a result, many are left dazed and confused, don’t feel welcome, and may even start looking for a new job. While the reasons underlying this sad scenario can be many, I see it happening all too often because of a lack of time.
It is fairly common these days to see corporations participating in highly publicized and externally facing campaigns that show them doing a lot of good. But, it seems that these efforts are overlooking something blatantly obvious…
Just because you’re stuck on an airplane doesn’t mean you can’t practice your tennis swing or that guitar virtuoso. Or prep for that upcoming presentation to your board of directors.
Athletes have long used mental imagery to complement physical practice, and recent research backs up that going through the motions in your head can give a substantial boost to your performance at work too.
It’s not necessarily Mensa intelligence or great ideas that underlie achievement. All things being equal, success in life or career comes as a result of persistent, consistent, action. There is really no magic here at all. I’ve seen it time and again.