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There are times when blinders actually work
I almost always advocate that you take action in a troublesome situation. But there are times when it is advantageous to put on your blinders. Grace reminded me of that advice the other night, along with offering clues to the appropriate time to take cover. This past week in New Hampshire, we’ve had some thunderstorms…
Read MoreAre you going above and beyond in your work?
With crazy workloads and busy schedules, it’s probably hard to imagine going above and beyond your own job responsibilities. Finding time for all the things on your own ‘to-do’ list is hard enough. But if you want to leave a memorable impression, that’s precisely what you need to do. And it doesn’t always have to…
Read MoreRobin interviews friend and colleague Brandie Hinen
In this short interview, Robin talks with Brandie Hinen, founder of PowerHouse Learning about her work, including how she helps business leaders improve inefficiencies, her ideal customer(s), lessons learned, and motivators. Robin and Brandie are long-time friends and colleagues; we collaborate with clients whenever we can. During this fun conversation, Brandie sprinkles in practical leadership tips, such as how…
Read MoreGetting Results from a Dreamer Worker
Which is better? Having innovative new ideas or putting those concepts in action? It’s a logical conclusion that ideas and implementation have equal importance. What good would brilliant ideas be if they go no where? And where would we be without the creative thinkers who dream beyond existing limitations? Yet I can bet that we’ve…
Read MoreDodging work assignments can be caused by the weather (or whatever else you are trying to avoid)
Do you have an employee or colleague that has a tendency to dodge particular tasks? Or perhaps have lackluster outcomes from an assignment? Grace’s behavior during this week’s snowstorm gave a clear indication of why that could be happening in your workplace. How a snowstorm can shed light on a common management problem On Tuesday, we…
Read MoreYour ability to persuade depends on the quality of your relationship
There are lots of times in the course of a normal day when we need to persuade a co-worker. Sometimes it is as simple as asking a teammate to cover during a lunch break or as challenging as implementing a new policy that presents unwanted changes. No matter the degree of difficulty, there is one…
Read MoreAre you making this common leadership mistake that erodes your trust and competence?
Sometimes this mistake happens behind closed doors. Other times within earshot of others. It often happens nonchalantly, like when two colleagues are having a casual chat that develops into a full-blown venting session. It might seem like a valid stress-relieving technique at the time, or at least innocent without ramifications. But never will this mistake…
Read MoreMoving fast doesn’t guarantee fast (or effective) results
With never-ending pressure to get results out of yourself and your team, it’s tempting to move fast. Why shouldn’t you forge ahead like a steam roller? The more you do, the more you can achieve. Right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Moving fast does not guarantee fast results, nor effective outcomes. There is a…
Read MoreTake Stock of Your Achievements
It’s December and the end of the calendar year, so it’s a natural time to reflect on the past 12 months and think about all the things that occurred. Far too often we get stuck in thinking about what we didn’t accomplish, which leads to disappointment or frustration. In the video, I’m going to share…
Read MoreFinding appreciation in a partially decorated tree offers management lesson
My holiday greeting this year was planned with a backdrop of a fully decorated tree. I added the beautiful white lights and cranberry strings, but time got away from me and here we are, weeks into December, and I’m still not finished. After walking by the tree for several days in that incomplete state, I…
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