When you lose perspective, you lose margin. When you lose margin, you lose impact. As leaders, somewhere in our youth, we were told that, when things are not going well or when they are going well, “You need to work harder, work more hours, put your nose to the grindstone,” or a dozen other clichés. The reality is most leaders spend so much time and effort digging that we dig ourselves into a ditch. Soon, we begin to think that the edge of the ditch is the skyline. Gretchen Rubin, who appeared … [Read more...]
How to Build a Better Network
The truth is, I hate networking. Or at least traditional networking. And I would be willing to bet you do too. Making myself go to professional events just to shake hands and trade business cards is not how I would like to spend an evening. I believe that if we're being honest, everyone is a bit creeped out by these events; forced interactions and fully transactional relationships just aren’t natural. However, this is not an excuse to hide in your office and never speak to anyone again! The … [Read more...]
Three Strategies to Build Better Working Relationships
Relationship building can sound like something everybody naturally knows how to do. However, it’s important not to take it for granted! Just like you have to take care to maintain good relationships with your spouse and kids, if you neglect to pay attention to the interactions you have every day with your team, your ability to lead may suffer. Even the most naturally charismatic and outgoing people need to put in the effort! If that wasn’t enough to convince you that relationships matter: … [Read more...]
Your Survival Guide for Having Scary Conversations
Whether you need to ask for a raise, break some bad news, or ask the person a few desks over to stop chewing so loudly, we are all faced with conversations that we would rather avoid—especially in the workplace, and especially as a leader. What I want leaders to understand is that candor can be delivered without being mean. In today’s world, there is a level of fear that keeps people from being authentic. Leaders have got to lead with love and clearly understand that we all have a … [Read more...]
What You Need to Build Your Blogging Platform
On September 17, I was lucky enough to talk with my good friend Chad Allen on my podcast to discuss how to tackle writing a book for the first time. Chad is a former acquisition agent and helped me secure my most recent book deal for "Uniquely You" that will hit the shelves in 2019. He now works as a coach, helping people from all different walks of life reach their goal of getting published. Because so many people ask me how to write a book, this week, I would like to follow up on what was said … [Read more...]