Everyone implores you to THINK BIG. Go big or go home. Be audacious. Don’t settle. Be all you can be (if not more). Set BHAGs (big, hairy, audacious goals). Shoot for the moon – or is it the stars? It’s exhausting. And often demoralizing. Because let’s face it, when we set those BHAGs, we’re likely to miss the mark at …
What HAVE you done?
No, seriously. What have you done? Usually at the end of the year, we look at what we want to do in the next year. Go ahead. Feel free. But first, consider what you’ve done THIS year. I’ll guarantee it’s more than you think. Because we’re all very quick to put completed projects and successful endeavors behind us and hurry on …
The dangers of over-delivering
“Under-promise and over-deliver.” It’s a common principle, especially in consulting and other service businesses. But – as we discussed in last week’s Empowered Leadership group meeting – sometimes over-delivering isn’t such a great idea. As a prime example, I recently had a conversation with a woman who routinely got middle-of-the-night phone calls because she had become the go-to person for …
Got control?
This isn’t an article about the perils of being a control freak. Quite the opposite, actually. It’s an article in which I beg you to take control. Take control of your career. Please. Don’t let your career wander around according to the whims of your managers, your employers, and perhaps your family. Let’s start here. Got a plan? Actually, let’s not start here. …
Did you ASK?
When was the last time you asked for something you really wanted? Not something you kinda-sorta wanted. Not your kid to take out the trash, or your partner to empty the dishwasher. Not your co-worker to pick up a pumpkin-spice latte for you on their way in to the office. Something you REALLY wanted. That can be hard and it can …
Where are you going?
Is what you’re doing aligned with what you want? REALLY aligned? Of course, first you must know what you want. REALLY know, in detail. This isn’t about woo or the Law of Attraction. It’s about the clarity you need in order to know – REALLY know – if what you’re doing is, in fact, aligned with where you want to …
Where’s your power?
Power. It’s a tricksy concept, isn’t it? Kind of uncomfortable for a lot of people. As a leader, you have power. You might be a new manager with just one person reporting to you. You have power. Actually, you have power even if no one reports to you. We all have power. It’s how we use it that matters. Or …
Whatcha gonna do about that?
“I’d love to get a promotion.” Whatcha gonna do about that? “I want to change careers.” Whatcha gonna do about that? “I’d be a good team lead!” Whatcha gonna do about that? “I dream of a house in the country.” Whatcha gonna do about that? “I’d like to be CEO someday.” Whatcha gonna do about that? Wishes, dreams, wants, desires, …
Do you have Tall Poppy syndrome?
Tall Poppy syndrome is the desire to mow down those you feel are above you or head of you – those who seem more successful, wealthier, drive better cars, have nicer offices, and so forth. It comes with a desire to not be a Tall Poppy yourself. But there’s a big difference between arrogance and well-earned pride. And if you find …
Is leadership really your thing?
I’m a leadership geek. (My LinkedIn profile says so!) But that doesn’t mean I think everyone should be a leader. I’m a self-employed business owner, too. (My taxes tell me that! ha!) And I certainly don’t think everyone should be self-employed or own their own businesses. One of the things I emphasize over and over again, and have for pretty …