A number of years ago, I attended a workshop on management and supervision. The presenter started the session with this question, “A show of hands. How many of you think that you supervise people?” A lot of hands went up. The presenter then drew a large circle on the easel pad and responded, “No, you don’t supervise people. Your primary role is to create, maintain and foster a work environment that enables people to be a success. It’s your responsibility to identify what needs to be in the work environment (the circle) that will enable people to be a success. And, it all starts with YOU.” [Read more…]
What is Emotional Hospitality in Business?
Danny Meyer, who owns several top-rated restaurants in Manhattan, believes and hires employees whose skills are divided 51-49 between emotional hospitality and technical excellence. He refers to these employees as the “51 percenters.” [Read more…]
Non-dualistic Thinking: Both/and Approach for Business Solutions
In our western world, the predominant way of thinking is the “well-practiced pattern of knowing most things by comparison,” i.e., “either/or.”
Is it good or bad? Are you with me or against me? I’m right, you are wrong. [Read more…]
Questions that Matter: World Cafe Method Invites People to Explore Powerful Questions
I’m working with two clients this month using the World Café method.
What is it? It is “an intentional way to create living network conversations around questions that matter.” Okay, so what really happens and what is meant by “questions that matter?” [Read more…]
Stop Multitasking: Focus On One Thing at a Time
Feeling scattered? Pulled from here to there? Not enough time for…? Do things faster? “To do” list getting longer?
Why is it so difficult for us to focus on one thing at a time? This has been one of my biggest challenges in life. Anxiety sets in and I get sidetracked on projects.
“Being conscious of engaging fully in one task at a time” is a mindfulness practice. This takes practice, attentiveness, and a commitment to change. My way to deal with this was to try to do more, work longer hours, shorten lunch time or get up earlier. I realized this was delusional thinking. It was nothing more than a trap. I was fencing myself into a place that I did not enjoy.
What do I enjoy? Flow, space, acceptance, trust that all will work out, engagement, creativity, and clear mindedness. Now, I recognize these traits will not always be present for me. But, this is what I strive for in my daily life which creates space for me to be attentive to my family, friends, clients, and the work I’ve chosen to do.
So, how can one move to “being conscious of engaging fully in one task at a time?” [Read more…]
How to Avoid Thinking Traps: Boost your Resilience
Okay, let’s be honest. How many of us have jumped to conclusions or attempted to mind read another person’s thoughts? What was the result? We may have caused embarrassment, made an unwise decision, or damaged a working relationship. But, for some reason, we think we’ve got it all figured out when things happen to us.
In the book “The Resilience Factor: 7 Essential Skills for Overcoming Life’s Inevitable Obstacles,” the authors, Andrew Shatte and Karen Reivich, point out the one skill to boost your resilience (how we respond to what happens to us) is to avoid “thinking traps.” [Read more…]
The focus of your attention creates your experience
Leaders must choose where to focus their attention. José Ortega y Gasset, a Spanish philosopher and essayist, said, “Tell me to what you pay attention and I will tell you who you are.” What leaders focus on expands in opening up or shutting down possibilities.
If leaders focus on weaknesses, the weaknesses expand. When leaders focus on ideas and behaviors they value, they grow.
What do you want to expand in opening up possibilities? Here are two examples. [Read more…]
Lead by Listening, Coaching, Being Other-Focused
I thoroughly enjoy reading “Corner Office” by Adam Bryant in The Sunday New York Times. Recently, he interviewed Girish Navani, C.E.O. of eClincalWorks, a provider of clinical information systems. Three things caught my eye about how Mr. Navani views leadership.
Get Valuable Insights & Solutions to Address Difficult Workplace Situations
For more than 30 years, I have helped organizations identify and address their most difficult sexual harassment prevention, HR and training challenges.
I’ve worked as collaborative partner to assist them with: [Read more…]
Partner with the Midwest’s Pre-eminent Expert to Solve Your Toughest Workplace Challenge
As a small business owner, HR executive, or a leader within your organization you face challenges every day.
- Are you struggling to find the right strategy to meet your quarterly goals?
- Do you want to develop emerging leaders within your company but aren’t sure how to go about it?
- Are you looking for an objective outsider to facilitate difficult discussions?
I have more than 20 years of consulting expertise that can help!!
As a master trainer, curriculum designer, consultant, facilitator, moderator, speaker and coach, I have helped a wide variety of clients deftly handle sensitive situations.
The secret to my success is that I am much more than a vendor to my clients… [Read more…]
