I hate networking. There, I said it. When I hear the word “networking” or someone mentions a “networking event” I have visions of vultures circling a dead carcass on the side of the road. I don’t like feeling like I’m being “sold to,” nor have I ever liked, probably to my detriment, “selling myself.” Rather, […]
As today is Veteran’s Day, I’ve been reflecting on the many benefits I gained in the form of skills I learned while serving in the military. For one thing, I owe the Air Force my master’s degree in communication, which was the foundation for building my speaking and training business and the basis upon which […]
I was facilitating a meeting of supervisors last week when one supervisor shared that an employee actually said, “Is that in my job description?” when she was assigned a new task to complete. This situation got me thinking about the things people say at work that can have a lasting, negative impression on those around […]
“I’m sorry,” is one of the first things we’re taught to say when we’re children. However, something happens to us as we grow up that makes it harder and harder to apologize for our actions. Whether it’s an unwillingness to admit we’re wrong, or a dislike of taking responsibility for their actions, these people instead […]
When customers are unhappy, they’re generally not on their best behavior. Unfortunately, no matter how much customers “push your buttons” as a professional customer service provider, you have to remain on yours. It’s not easy, but you can keep your cool when customers heat up by using these five techniques: 1. Take responsibility for your […]
Would you fly on a plane knowing that the maintenance crew and pilots were “sort of” trained, didn’t use checklists, and were allowed to do things whatever way they wanted? Would you want a surgeon operating on you who was “told” how to operate by someone a few years back, but didn’t have a clear […]
“So . . . how’s it going?” “Fine.” Most leaders know how important it is to regularly check in with their employees to see how things are going, but many of them don’t know WHAT to ask to get more than just a monosyllabic response. Below are some great questions you should be asking […]
Great leaders know that discipline is just one of those things that comes with the job. However, most people who find themselves in leadership positions don’t receive the training needed to make their discipline efforts effective. Learning on-the-job works, but only if you have great leadership examples to follow. Therefore, here are five discipline practices […]
This week has been a very hectic week for me, and it’s only Wednesday as I write this post. I’ve had many competing priorities and others’ priorities have worked their way into my life as well. To make it through, I’ve had to say “no” a lot. I’ve told myself “no” when I’ve been tempted […]
When you accept the title of leader, manager, supervisor, or any other title that puts you in charge of a group of people, you also accept the responsibility of providing feedback to those people. Great leaders accept this and take steps to learn to do it well. Cowardly leaders find all types of ways to avoid […]
