Monday, December 5, 2011
Role Model for Leadership To Retire
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The Art of the Interview
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
It's your career - come up with a plan!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
High School Reunion
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Technology waits for no one!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Try a pilot test
Friday, June 24, 2011
Building Support Carefully
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Picking your battles
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Yet she has certain well-honed political skills...
"Yet she has certain well-honed political skills: she knows whom to consult; she chooses her battles; and she carefully builds support."
This was how the author of a New Yorker profile of Ruth Simmons, President of Brown University, summed up her key skills for getting things done in a complex and high-stakes environment. Let's examine each of the three skills, starting today with consultation.
"She knows whom to consult." This is all about "soft power" - using diplomacy, shared values, and effective communication to get input from key stakeholders and to ensure that your objectives are aligned with their interests. Identifying the people to consult can be trickier than it might seem at first. Seek out people with influence, not just organization-chart power. Don't limit yourself to people within your company or department. Trusted former colleagues and third-parties may offer an invaluable objective perspective.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Headwaters - a poem about taking risks
Headwaters
I made a large mistake I left my house I went into the world it was not
the most perilous hostile part but I couldn't tell among the people there
who needed what no tracks in the snow no boot pointed
toward me or away no snow as in my dooryard I clung
to my own life-raft I had room on it for only me you're not surprised
it grew smaller and smaller or maybe I grew larger and heavier
but don't you think I'm doing better in this regard I try to do better
Thursday, June 16, 2011
You Have To Do What the Guys Do
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Do You Know What You Want To Be When You Grow Up?
Some of us are still trying to figure out what we want to be when we grow up. Our careers evolve as we gain experience and respond to opportunities. We develop a set of skills that can be applied in different settings. We learn that transformative leadership is transferable and that the ability to think strategically will solve a whole range of problems.
Try to figure out which group you belong to. There is value in either approach but only if it fits your personality. Look for role models for your career style. Then commit your energy and your abilities to make it work for you.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
When Change Backfires
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Baseball Hall of Fame Coach for the Mind
I often attribute my ability to persevere in the face of setbacks and outright defeat to my life-long loyalty to the Philadelphia Phillies. Yes, we have had our moments of glory; the 1980 pennant and World Series title come to mind. But the Phillies also hold the record for the most games lost in baseball history - 10,232 games lost from 1883 to 2010. Baseball can be hard on fans, but it is hard on players, too.
We can all hit a slump in our careers, creating a defeatist attitude that keeps us from moving forward. A good coach can help you work your way through the problems and come out a winner. By the way, the Phillies are leading their division this season, and I am extremely optimistic.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Coaching's Multiplier Effect
Friday, May 6, 2011
The Wisdom of Bruce Lee
Dealing with a difficult boss, a hostile work environment, or a setback in achieving our goals may cause us to lose touch with our strengths and accomplishments. We may let the negative feedback we are receiving define who we are and how we feel about ourselves. The first step in turning this situation around is restoring our faith in ourselves - attaining mastery over our self-doubt and frustration.
Start by writing down 10 - 12 things you have done that make you feel proud of yourself. Don't limit yourself to your professional life; include achievements from your personal life, volunteer work and so on. Go back to kindergarten or earlier if a memory from that time makes you smile at how amazing you are. When you have reminded yourself of your many talents and positive qualities, you will be ready to tackle your career challenges. Bruce Lee would be proud of you!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
What we can learn from C.E.O's
Monday, April 11, 2011
Too Busy To Blog!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Limitless - Not the Movie!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
There's Only One Way She Got That Job
That was more than 20 years ago. Women have made tremendous progress since then, right? Let me know what you think after reading this article on the efforts at M.I.T. to provide a level playing field for the recruitment and promotion of women in the School of Science. While the discussion may not involve sexual favors, there are allegations of preferential treatment for women faculty and students.
I see it another way. Removing bias and barriers allows women to rise to their full potential. When symphony orchestras began holding blind auditions (musicians playing behind a screen), the number of women selected rose significantly. So don't pay too much attention to people who cast doubt on your qualifications. Believe in yourself. Take the job, the promotion, or the award and do your absolute best. Your accomplishments will answer the only questions that count.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Do You Know What's Going On?
Make sure you venture out of the circle of your immediate business and professional interests. You may find a useful bit of information in a profile on the CEO from a different industry. Leadership skills are almost always transferable. Stories about business meltdowns offer lessons in how smart people can make bad decisions. Opening your mind and broadening your information base will help you connect ideas and promote creativity. To think out of the box, read out of the box.
What may be missing in your information-gathering approach is old-fashioned discipline. Yes, you are busy meeting deadlines and dealing with office politics. Think of the time you spend reading about market trends, new technology, and financial developments as an investment in your career. The ROI will exceed your expectations.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Google's People Skills - Not an Oxymoron
This finding has been validated for me time and again as I help coaching clients move into leadership roles in their organizations. Their professional skills and technical expertise get them the opportunity to lead. Their success in their new roles depends, however, on their ability to think strategically; to work collaboratively with superiors and, peers; and to inspire and support the people they manage.
Effective leaders at every organization level are people who score high on emotional intelligence indicators, aka "people skills." Now Google has given us a full database of evidence to support this conclusion.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Down with Annual Performance Reviews!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Social Network Wins Oscar!
Did it work? Many media critics and commentators on my Facebook page didn't think so. The consensus was that the effort came across as awkward and distracting rather than spontaneous and engaging.
What does this mean for how we use social media in our work? One lesson may be that adding new technology to old ideas will not create the desired excitement and freshness. Creative ideas for solving a problem or meeting a need come first. Technology must be an integral part of the solution, not a designer accessory flaunted on the Red Carpet.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Making Time for Networking
Nurturing our professional networks usually does not get the effort it deserves. We all lead busy lives. We often don't think about networking unless we have a specific need - a job, a consulting assignment, and introduction. That's too late. The payoff in specific benefits won't be there unless we have made the investment in the relationship over time. It really makes a difference if we have been helpful to the other party in the past. We are more willing to be generous with our time and professional capital for someone who has been generous to us.
Try to put aside some time each day or week to build and maintain relationships with colleagues - past, present and future. An hour's investment may produce amazing dividends.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
"Good Job!" The Power of Positive Feedback
As leaders and managers, we often stumble when we have to tell people they are not meeting expectations. We are advised to be direct and clear when giving feedback about shortfalls in performance. That is good advice. It is only one side of the story, however. People also need to be told what they are doing right.
Remember to say "Good Job!" to your colleagues and staff whenever they contribute to meeting your organization's goals. Don't wait for the big win or milestone. Each step forward is important in the process. With the power of positive feedback, people will push even harder to get the job done.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Being a Change Agent May Be Dangerous
Less than 6 months later, you are forced out, with top management putting all the blame on you. This is the story of the chief executive of Time Inc., as reported in a recent article. Until we have the case study from Harvard Business School, we can only guess at what really happened. There are a few general lessons we can take away even now, though.
Expectations need to be clear on all sides. How much disruption (top staff defections, for example) is top management willing to tolerate during the difficult early transformative period? Culture counts. What worked in your former company may cause strong resistance and even hostility in a company with a much different culture. Your words will have great impact, for better or worse. Everyone will be listening closely; their futures are at stake, after all. A few impolitic words - perhaps said in jest - will come back to hurt you. All this does not mean you should not be bold as a transformative leader. Be smart, too. Keep in mind that there are many landmines in the new territory you are entering. Being a change agent may be dangerous to the health of your career.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
What Google Knows About You
While I can't control Google's mysterious algorithms, I do what I can to shape my presence on the Web. I expect people to Google me or to visit my website. I am on LinkedIn and Facebook. I keep my profiles up to date and try to separate business from personal matters although that is becoming increasingly difficult in our wired world.
Have you Googled yourself lately? Are you using social media to advance your career or build your business? Take the initiative in telling the world who you are and what you can do. Don't default to a set of algorithms.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Your Other Job as Caregiver
With his life and business partner, Susan Baida, John founded eCare Diary, an interactive website designed to help individuals and families seeking and providing long-term care. The site offers comprehensive information, tools and resources to help navigate the complex long-term care system. A stand-out feature is Care Diary, a set of online tools to facilitate coordination of care and sharing of information among family members and other caregivers. The site is free.
Please take advantage of all the help that's out there as you strive to balance your many responsibilities. eCare Diary is a great resource.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Everybody Has a Boss
If your boss is an effective leader and communicator, you probably have a pretty good idea of where you fit in the big picture. The goals she sets for you are tied to the overall goals of your company or organization. What do you do, though, if the directions you get seem arbitrary or unclear?
You can begin by asking positive questions of your boss, mentors and other colleagues that show your desire to help get the job done. Make sure you stay informed about the competitive and financial forces affecting your organization. For example, pending cutbacks in government funding for health care programs are putting pressure on the health care delivery system. Armed with a clearer understanding of where the decision-makers in your organization want to go, you will be ready to adapt to changing priorities and to stand out as someone who exceeds expectations.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Rocky & Adrian - Great Partners
Is there a lesson in this story for the rest of us? For me, it means moving out of the comfort zone of being with people like ourselves to find colleagues who bring different ideas and skills to the table. You may be put off at first by someone who comes on strong when you like to take your time getting to know people. It may take awhile to discover how to work effectively with someone who seems to be your opposite. I know from experience, though, that great results can come from these "odd couple" pairings. Together, you can be smarter, more creative, and more effective than either of you can be alone.
Keep in mind what Rocky said to Adrian: "I got gaps; you got gaps; we fill each other's gaps."
Monday, February 7, 2011
Never Say "It's Not Fair"
Now there is independent support for this advice. Shaunti Feldhan wrote an article in last Sunday's New York Times about her research into the way men think in the workplace. She described how men view personal feelings at work. Basically, they don't think personal feelings have any place. They tend to view people who seem to take criticism personally or have personality conflicts as being less business like or less experienced. Feldhan also found that men hold these negative percpetions more often about women than about men.
These perceptions may be totally inaccurate. The bottom line is that they can still get in your way as you build your career. Understanding how your words and actions may be interpreted by your male colleagues is one more skill to be mastered. Remember, you are responsible for your career.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
I Am So Frustrated!
Get over it. There is only one part of the vast universe where we have the slightest possibility of exercising control. That is the part we occupy ourselves. We can do a better job managing the way we respond to difficult people and situations. The basic model of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) offers a guide: self-awareness; self-management; social awareness; and social management.
This is a message of hope, not helplessness. You can develop the resiliency and emotional tools for dealing more effectively with your career challenges. The key is to remake yourself as a force for positive change. You can do it!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Becoming Seth Godin
Role models are good to have. They inspire us to stretch professionally and personally. They guide us along a career path. They show us how to handle challenge and change. But they are not us, and we are not them. To find lasting fulfillment, we must be in touch with what makes us special. We must find what works for us.
I will not shave my head, and I will not commit to posting blogs on Memorial Day or even Groundhog Day. I will try to find my own voice and my own rhythm. I hope to reach a few readers with helpful ideas. I will work on becoming a better me. I believe Seth would approve.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
What's Worse Than Rejection?
How do we get beyond our fear of rejection to take chances that could make all the difference in our careers? One strategy is to build a network of supportive people you trust and value. Call them your "validation" group. Test options and ideas with them; they will give you honest feedback. Then make your move in the larger world.
Not everyone you reach out to will return your call or email. Not everyone will embrace your creative initiative. When that happens, tell yourself that the people who really appreciate your talents are behind you. Keep trying. The next time you pick up the phone, you may find an eager collaborator at the other end of the line. You will never know unless you try. There are worse things than the momentary sting of rejection.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Don't Swing at Every Pitch
If this description fits you. you may want to take a tip from Hall of Fame baseball players with great batting averages. These outstanding athletes combined discipline and patience at the plate with their superior physical abilities. They waited for the right pitches - the ones they felt confident they could hit to make a difference in the game.
The next time someone pitches you another project or you see another part of the world that needs fixing, take a minute before you commit. Think about how this initiative fits into your overall strategy and your schedule. Remember, you don't have to swing at every pitch to be a superstar!
Monday, January 17, 2011
What we can learn from Einstein
At our more mundane level, we also get trapped by our mental models: the way we see the world. We tailor the facts to fit our beliefs. We resist moving out of our comfort zones even though what we are doing is not working for us. We fail to question the basis for our actions and blame others or circumstances beyond our control when our plans don't bring the hoped-for results.
You can change the dynamics of your career and professional life. It takes motivation, focus and courage. The universe is expanding at a rapid rate. Don't be afraid to expand your own horizons.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Leave a Legacy: Be a Mentor
What kind of legacy are you creating? One way to have a long-lasting impact in your professional life is to be a mentor to your younger colleagues. Some companies have formal mentoring programs, where more seasoned staff are assigned to new members of the organization. You can mentor on an informal basis by signalling your willingness to provide guidance and constructive feedback to less experienced colleagues. Whichever way you approach this worthwhile endeavor, keep in mind that what you do is more important than what you say. Always aim to be a positive role model in deed and word.
Many years ago, I attended the wedding of the daughter of a former boss. At the reception dinner, I was seated with others who had worked with this extraordinary leader and mentor. We went around the table, with each of us offering a personal testimonial to how our mutual boss had done so much to further our careers. What a legacy!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Friends for Life!
Your career is more than the accomplishments on your resume. It is more than the number of connections on LinkedIn. Most of us devote so much time and energy to our careers. We may spend more time with our colleagues than with our families. Those work relationships can be so rewarding, though, if we nurture them for their own sake, not just for how they can advance our agenda. Your life will be immeasurably enriched when the people you work with become friends for life. Mine certainly has.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Empathy: Engine of Change
Empathy means identifying with the feelings of another person and being able to put yourself emotionally in that person's place. What does it mean to have empathy as a change agent? First, it means understanding that most people are resistant to change and the uncertainty it creates. Change is scary to them, and they will fight it.
As a change agent, you get excited by the challenge and opportunities presented by turning an organization around. If you want to bring people with you, you have to recognize and respect their concerns, feel their anxiety. You must then find ways to address these concerns constructively. A comprehensive communications program can be very powerful in this way. The CEO of a company undergoing major changes in a financial crisis sent an email to the entire staff every Friday afternoon. He reported on developments - positive and negative - during the past week and plans for the coming week. His empathy, signalled through his exceptional communications skills, was a crucial factor in the successful turnaround.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Dr. Peter Rhee - right man at right time
Sound familiar? These are my usual themes when talking about what makes a strong, effective leader in today's world. But what if you are Dr. Peter Rhee, chief of trauma at University Medical Center in Tucson? A former Navy surgeon who worked under combat conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan, Dr. Rhee was on the front lines this past weekend. In an article in today's New York Times, Dr. Rhee is quoted as saying, "I don't think I am naturally a nice person. When you are in battle you don't have time for a discussion." His "just do it" leadership style sometimes causes friction with medical center colleagues used to a different approach. It seems clear, though, that he gets the job done, and that job is saving lives under the most difficult conditions.
I am not pulling back from my firm commitment to transformative leadership, with this one caveat. If I ever have the misfortune to be wheeled into a trauma center in grave condition, I want Dr. Rhee or someone with his take-charge style waiting for me there.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
How To Pass the Baton
Many nonprofit board members are dealing with the critical job of recruiting an executive director or CEO to run the organization. As the baby boomers retire, turnover at the top of the nonprofit world is accelerating. In many cases, the current leader is also the founder of the organization. This makes for a high-risk transition.
Here is a resource that can help you and your fellow board members ensure that the baton is passed smoothly to the new leader. The Annie E. Casey Foundation has sponsored research in this executive transition process. The results have been published in a series of monographs available on their web site.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Today's Career Tip: Make the World a Better Place
Monday, January 10, 2011
Don't Get Burned by Flaming Emails
Relying on emails can cause real problems when discussions heat up and people feel their turf or reputations are at stake. We have all been caught up in strings of emails that begin to read like a shouting match. Each new message seems to confuse the issue, rather than move it to resolution. Tempers flare; misunderstanding grows; and third parties are drawn in.
This is not a good way to build solid relationships and get things done. If you are dealing with a sensitive topic, start with a visit or a call. You can then send an email to confirm the solution agreed to. If you receive an email that is smoldering or already in flames, don't respond by hitting the Send button. Reach out to your colleague in a more personal way; in many cases, you will be able to lower the temperature, improve the relationship, and resolve the issue at hand.
Check out this site for a primer on email etiquette.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Leaders Stay Calm in Crisis
You, too, have the opportunity to grow as a leader even if you are in the early stages of your career. You don't need a title or explicit organizational authority to provide leadership as you and your colleagues are challenged by economic stress. You can show leadership by being positive (but realistic about the problems), focusing on the welfare of the group (not just the effect on you), and offering creative solutions to deal with the problems. And, always, stay calm.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
When you come to a fork in the road...
We must make these decisions based on incomplete information. There is no way to know for sure how things will turn out if we travel the path on the right or the one on the left. There are too many variables. Make the best decision you can and then focus on using your talents and expertise to get results. Don't get stuck at the crossroads.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Boosting Your EQ with Personality Insight
Gaining insight into personality type - yours and those of the people in your personal and professional life - can help boost your Emotional Intelligence ("EQ"). EQ is based on understanding yourself and others and then using that knowledge to form positive and mutually rewarding relationships.
Click here to take a free personality assessment based on MBTI. Share the link with friends, family and colleagues. It will be a fun - and smart way - to start the new year.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Resiliency Is My Favorite Word
A great story about the power of resiliency can be found on the blog of Elisa Balabram, author of Ask Others, Trust Yourself and a successful business coach specializing in entrepreneurship.
Disclosure: Every coach needs a coach, and Elisa is mine. I go to her for advice on developing my own business and for guidance on my work with clients. She is a wonderful resource and, more importantly, a good friend.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Give Yourself Some Breathing Room
Giving yourself time to refresh your thinking and explore new options may seem an out-of-reach luxury in today's difficult economy. I know several people who are doing just that - leaving a long-term position to make room for other interests or working to turn a passion into a business.
You may start with clearing space in your head - tossing out stale mental models and attitudes and putting yourself and the possibilities in a new light. Whether you are ready for a big change or a more modest transition, give yourself some breathing room. Buddha knows best.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
You Want To Get Things Done
You may not even have direct authority over the change process. You have to rely on "soft power," using collaboration, shared interests and negotiation to move your organization forward.
You can still be successful in this demanding environment by increasing your political and organizational savvy and raising your Emotional and Social Intelligence. One skill to work on is getting the right balance between perseverance and patience - knowing when to push hard and when to step back to give people time to process or deal with other priorities.
A great description of this type of leadership comes from a profile of Ruth Simmons, President of Brown University, in The New Yorker about 5 years ago:
"Yet she has certain well-honed political skills: she knows whom to consult; she chooses her battles; and she carefully builds support."
A role model for us all!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Resolved: To strengthen my brain
Sacks describes the plasticity of the adult brain - its ability to create new neurons and form new connections. While his examples describe major impairments, the general concepts apply to making changes in your everyday life as well. In fact, effective coaching builds on the links between brain physiology and the process for changing the way we think and behave. There are three steps in the process: Insight, to discover the course you want to take; Focus, to concentrate your attention on the new perceptions and actions you want to adopt; and Practice, to repeat that concentrated attention to lay down and reinforce new neural pathways.
Change is hard, but you can make it happen. So resolve to strengthen your brain and take full advantage at its capacity to change at any age.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
You're Not That Good an Actor
No matter how much self-control you exercise, your "mirror neurons" are probably giving you away. I first read about mirror neurons in "Social Intelligence," by Daniel Goleman. According to Goleman, mirror neurons are brain cells that act like neural WiFi. They pick up on the emotions, movements and even intentions of the person we are with; the mirror neurons in our brain light up in sync with the neurons in the brain of the person we are interacting with. This is a powerful way to understand what is truly going on in our social environment. We can guess at the evolutionary advantage this ability conferred. We are social beings, down to the mirror neurons firing in our brain.
If you want to improve relationships at work, don't sign up for a course at the Actors Studio. Instead, try to get to the root causes of your dissatisfaction, which are probably partly in you and partly in the environment. Spend time trying to understand the pressures on the colleague who is putting pressure on you. Is there a way you can collaborate to meet your mutual goals? Review your expectations. Are they realistic? Are you too demanding of yourself and others? By increasing your understanding of yourself and others, you will be on your way to firing mirror neurons that will help create productive, respectful relationships with your colleagues. Then listen for the applause!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Follow Your Passion -- Or Not
So how is this blogging thing working out for me? Let's do the numbers: 23 posts; one follower; and a smattering of comments on my blog and Facebook page. Well, it's a start. I have sought the advice of those more savvy in the ways of social media. "How do I get people to read my blog?" I implored. The most frequent answer was "follow your passion!" There is the problem right there. "Passion" is not a word or emotion I throw around lightly, certainly not in daily posts (or whatever haphazard schedule I am on). I am more cerebral than emotional. In fact, I believe the power of passion - word and emotion - has been degraded by overuse in sometimes trivial ways. Where are the grand passions that drive real change? Joan of Arc was passionate about taking Charles VII to be crowned and freeing France from the grip of the English. Do today's passions always measure up? You be the judge.
Since I believe that success in life and work starts with a sound understanding and acceptance of our individual strengths and qualities, I am not about to force more "passion" into my blog. I will stay true to myself. So dear reader, I ask you to join me in my 2011 blogging quest to follow my curiosity and caring about people - how they grow and change and fulfill their dreams, even their passions. Happy New Year!