They (whoever “they” are) say that “it’s lonely at the top.” Referring, of course, to CEOs and company founders. The thinking is that these people at the top of the company hierarchy have no one to talk with about their challenges. That may – or may not – be true. But what I’ve heard, over and over again, from my …
Tis the season for …
Goals. Plans. Intentions. Let’s hit the ground running – it’s a New Year, New You, New Opportunity! Right? Not so fast. Let’s rethink this whole new year thing. I’m fond of saying that the only New Year’s Resolution I ever kept was … wait for it … to never make another New Year’s Resolution. And I recently heard someone comment …
A tale of a dumped dog
“Have you seen that dog?” A fellow dog-walker asked me about her. A neighbor started feeding her. Another fellow dog-walker and I agreed that there’s a special hell reserved for people who mistreat animals. A very sweet-looking dog was roaming the area, crisscrossing the golf course, trotting down the street outside my office window, sleeping on another neighbor’s outdoor furniture. …
Do you know where you’re going?
I’ve often said that my career path wasn’t exactly a path, but more like, well, a meandering wander. It turned out well; it turned out that what I meandered into over the years was something I had a talent for: systems analysis and software development, to the point where I was able to observe, analyze, design, and develop a business …
How to learn leadership
I posted a question this morning on LinkedIn: “What’s the most successful thing you’ve done to develop your leadership?” The common denominator among all the answers? Choosing to own their leadership skill development. Whether that was accepting a reeeaaally stretchy promotion, taking a volunteer leadership role, or simply deciding to learn leadership skills, it was all about personal ownership and …
A podcast roundup
A few weeks ago, I asked my newsletter readers if they’d like a roundup of recommended podcasts, and the answer was, resoundingly, YES. I also asked them for their recommendations. Herewith, therefore, are my own suggestions and some of my readers’. Note: unless flagged as “only on Spotify,” you can find these on pretty much any podcast platform you prefer. …
What’s the cork in the bottle?
There’s something you want to do. But you’re not doing it. (How do I know? Because we all have that in our careers and lives!) It might even have become a source of serious – or at least mild – frustration. Why aren’t you doing it? Let’s ask a few questions. And bear in mind: this is relevant to anything in …
Are you a “lifelong learner”?
“I’m a lifelong learner!” If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard someone say that, or read it in a resume or on a LinkedIn profile, or saw it in some sort of social-media meme … I don’t know if I’d be set for life, but I’d certainly be richer than I am. The problem with feel-good sayings …
Why we don’t USE what we LEARN?
How does that work again? If you’ve been to a conference, workshop, or training program, or if you’ve read a book or article teaching something you wanted to learn, you’ve almost certainly had that thought. How does that work again? You were intrigued by what you’d learned. You were excited to put it into practice. And then you got back …
Standing out – virtually
If you’re not in the office with your manager, how do you stand out and get noticed? And if you’re not in the office with your team, how do you know who’s doing what – and how well? These questions are bouncing around all over the place right now. And I get it. Things have changed, and it feels weird and …