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

Reinforcement

As a corporate trainer and an adjunct professor, one of the things I stress is applying what you learn. I tell my participants/students that if they “throw their notes up on a shelf and never look at them,” then it has been a waste of time – both theirs and mine. I then suggest that … Read more

Respect, Reflect, and Reject

As we know, there are many stubborn people in this world.  At times, I admit I can be stubborn as well; however, I realized over time that my stubbornness was holding me back. In other words, I was missing out on things because I was so set on doing it one way only. I also … Read more

When Can an Employee Become a Manager?

I am a foodie so I watch a lot of cooking shows.  One show is a competition amongst private chefs and those who either own a restaurant or work at one. Some of the challenges consist of the group being broken into two teams and a team leader is designated. This is extremely difficult for … Read more

ABC’s of Team Building – Z is for Comfort Zone

How often do you get out of your comfort zone?  For many people, getting comfortable with being uncomfortable can cause a great deal of anxiety.  However, the more you push yourself to get out of your comfort zone, the easier it becomes to do it.  The end result is being able to take on new … Read more