Taking Toddler Steps

Parents are excited when their baby takes their first steps.  For the child, it is a time for them to be more independent in their movements versus being carried around all the time. In the workplace when goal setting is discussed, we talk about the importance of taking “baby steps” which is much more sustainable … Read more

Define Your Year

Many people make New Year’s Resolutions but find it hard to achieve those goals. Some of the reasons are that they are either too vague or unrealistic, but usually it is because it is hard to stick with it. Motivation takes a lot of discipline, and some may realize that it just isn’t worth the … Read more

Weeding Out

I love to garden so I find this time of year a bit sad.  Although many of my plants and bushes have turned into pretty shades of brown, yellow, orange, and rust color, it still is upsetting that winter will soon be here. I also can’t stand pulling out my vegetable plants that are all … Read more

Ditto Data

I recently completed a series of trainings for a trade association centered around effective leadership practices.  When we were working on the communications module, it became clear that these individuals were being asked for information multiple times which was taking them away from more important responsibilities. Collectively we discussed why this occurs so frequently. Was … Read more

Lunchbox Mentality

Forget what Hallmark and others say that January 1st kicks off the new year. I always feel that the new year for me starts the Tuesday after Labor Day. This view started even before I became an Adjunct Professor but obviously it means even more now. It is a time for a fresh start with … Read more

So What?

When my parents had parties, my father used to joke that my mother cleaned so much that she even cleaned the third-floor silver.  My mother took great pride in our home so if someone told her that the house was immaculate, she was thrilled. I admit that when I have company over, I only clean … Read more

Insecurity and Jealousy

It seems that there is an uptick in the number of employees complaining that their bosses are micromanaging more, or at least trying to be a bit more controlling than they used to be.  I used to think that it was this way because leaders’ roles are multi-faceted so trying to minimize mistakes and reduce … Read more

Toxic People are Like Moldy Fruit

Think about this – you have a piece of fruit that has been sitting on your counter for a while.  On the outside, it looks “perfectly fine”. No brown spots or blemishes. You bite into it and you think it is OK but on the second (or third) bite you encounter mold. You immediately get … Read more

Kick Ass, Break Glass

I have seen this expression in a few places, mostly talking about breaking through the glass ceiling.  The issue is that no two people will do it the same way, so it is challenging for leaders to develop their people in order for them to be promoted. In other words, we all have our unique … Read more

I’m Tired of Repeating Myself

I have been thinking lately that more and more people are hard of hearing, maybe due to listening to loud music or noise pollution.  However, I realized that the real issue is that many people just are not listening. In fairness, educators especially in elementary, middle, and high school focus on what used to be … Read more