Hot Teams Support Top Executives

Hot Teams Support Top Executives

Q:  If it’s “lonely at the top” how I can get support as I grow in my career? A: Develop a “Hot Team” of people who advise, support and challenge. Before I sat down to write this column I had just finished a coaching session with a newly promoted mid-level manager. Julie started our conversation […]

High Stress Increases Risk to Business

In an average week I may interact with 10-20 clients in my role as an executive coach and strategic facilitator, and it seems that everyone has been experiencing the same thing; increasing levels of stress.   One person I talked to last week admitted being addicted to stress; and then followed by saying “what am […]

Good Negotiation Requires a Plan

Get past fear to create positive change.

To witness congress over the last several months, we might get the impression that negotiation is a passive aggressive slug match instead of an art form of elevated communication, or a series of compromises on the way to achieve a common goal. We might roll our eyes when see our elected officials play another game […]

Getting Work Done Seldom Happens at Work

Career Growth

Where do you go to get quality work done? If you’re like the people Jason Fried interviewed for his book “Rework” your answer might be a coffee shop or a special room in the house, or while traveling on a train or a plane. You wouldn’t mention the workplace being a good place to get […]

Getting Past fear to create positive change

Will Hope Help Us in 2010? The economy is supposedly slowing coming back. But we’re still facing high unemployment, record foreclosures and news of yet another unethical leader taking investors’ money.  As we head into 2010, we’re tentative in our optimism against a backdrop of fear. Yet, when it comes to making positive change, does […]

Financial Literacy Opens Doors

Speaking finance improves career opportunities After passing customs I walk into the main part of the Tianjin, China airport and enter a world of people speaking words I can’t understand and signs I can’t read. I must rely completely on my interpreters to help me make basic decisions.  (Asking for advice on where to site-see, […]

Executives Benefit from Versatility

The first question I was asked during my first day of college was “what’s your major?”  I thought the purpose of college was to explore ideas not limit options. I was given a college advisor who got the unenviable assignment of dealing with us misfits he labeled “undecided”. The pressure to specialize extends into business […]

For Career Growth, Be your own PR Agent

Setting Goals

The first question I was asked during my first day of college was “what’s your major?”  I thought the purpose of college was to explore ideas not limit options. I was given a college advisor who got the unenviable assignment of dealing with us misfits he labeled “undecided”. The pressure to specialize extends into business […]

Digital Influence Creates Career Edge

Employees with digital influence have a lot to offer. Since shifting from a manufacturing to information economy managers and leaders have seen their job descriptions and annual reviews include the phrase “The ability to influence others” – sometimes without authority.  Developing trusting relationships combined with good communication skills and a healthy amount of emotional intelligence […]

Communication Style Agility Produces Better Results

Holiday Challenge: Elevate the Quality of Each Conversation The holidays are great. But let’s face it. They can be a time of increased stress caused by a lot of poor communication. Why not use the next 30 days to elevate the quality of each conversation? Try this with Uncle Harry over dinner or your boss […]