In working with high level clients in Fortune 50 companies to rapidly growing venture-backed companies, it is truth that ‘office politics’ are no myth. They are painfully real and pervasive. In its worst form, I compare office politics to the mean girls from junior high school…..fed by jealousy, insecurity, and competitiveness. And yes, those mean…

We all know that everyone wants to be appreciated – in life and in work. Managers, employees, husbands, wives, children, coaches, players……we all want to be seen, heard, valued, and appreciated. We never outgrow this need – even if we appear to be confident, independent, and successful; the reality is that everyone needs (and wants)…

Recently, I had a colleague tell me a story which hit me square between the eyes. It shed light on a glaring realization and lesson which I feel compelled to offer, and from which we can all learn. Here is the story: His friend, with whom he was in business, betrayed him through omission to…

This weekend I happened to watch a recorded episode of Dan Rather’s ‘The Big Interview’. Dan was interviewing Lindsey Buckingham. For my younger readers, Lindsey Buckingham is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, who is best known as the lead guitarist and one of the vocalists of the musical group Fleetwood Mac from 1975…

In our professional life, and often in our personal life as well, leading by influence is often more important than leading by positional power alone. In fact, in my experience, I was (am) much more inclined to follow those I respect and for which I have an affinity, than those who have the perceived authoritarian…

Several years ago, during the heart of the economic downturn, many professionals embraced portfolio careers out of necessity. Yet, even as the job market has improved, this approach has become even more common. The traditional, single-track career pattern of the last century is less prevalent. Folks realize that the ‘Corporate ladder’ path is not the…

As most of you know, Hewlett-Packard was my first alma mater. In responding to your requests to outline key points and pointers relative to leadership, I began to craft my thoughts when I remembered an article I wrote several years ago which highlighted our founder’s wisdom relative to leadership. From my perspective, Bill Hewlett and Dave…

How many times have we had someone say to us or about us: “Oh, what you are facing is really not that big of a deal – you will be fine” or “Lots of people have faced situations like yours…it is not that big a deal”? I have been astonished at how calloused and unconcerned…

It seems like every time I turn around there is someone speaking or writing on how to develop, maintain, and foster a ‘personal brand’ in your career and life. In fact, I give talks on this myself – which have been enthusiastically received over the past few years. Yet, as with so many things, these…

Many of you shared with me the paradox you face when trying to say no (when you may actually want to say yes); however, due to resource constraints and other pressing priorities, the answer, at least at that point in time, must be ‘no’. So, how do we do this AND preserve relationships, keep a project…