Recently I overheard someone say to another business colleague, “This isn’t about a relationship, per se. This is just a deal – we need to close the deal! Keep your eye on the prize.”

As I listened, I experienced what I can only describe as a visceral reaction.

Many of my clients have voiced concern relative to lack of accountability in their company, school or non-profit organizations. They lament to me about lack of ownership, true buy-in from their teams, and taking responsibility for the end game throughout the organization. What’s up with that?

The Academy Awards last week were full of amazing moments, as they almost always are. One interview from that evening particularly struck me. Tony Bennett, the very successful artist as measured by many standards, shared a perspective from which can all learn.

Many of us struggle with how to truly optimize our social media presence. The game continues to change, and it is hard to know where, when and how to post strong, compelling information to support our professional presence. Whether we are entrepreneurs, corporate executives or individuals in transition, the question continually comes up: how do I make my online presence and brand relevant and aligned to who I am, what I want, and what I want others to think, say or do when they run across information on me?

Are you finding yourself calling high and working with executives in the C-Suite? There are a few key basic observations which may benefit many who follow “A Fine Line”. In addition, those of you in the C-Suite who read my blogs will appreciate these tips to your employees and others, as well. Those with experience – weigh in!

A friend of mine recently wrote an interesting and compelling column revolving around her perspective on the role love plays in business. So, in light of the Valentine’s Day holiday, we explore the power of passion and love in the workplace – and what does this have to do with Alignment?!

It appears the infamous “coffee meeting” is one hot topic – no pun intended. Since we posted our take on manners relative to the casual coffee meeting, we have been bombarded with emails and comments about the relevance of the topic. We also have done considerable online research on blogs covering similar perspectives which differ dramatically, yet have one common denominator to ours.

To be in greatest service to our clients, we must listen and heed to their needs and wants. Thus, we want to thank our clients who participated in our annual Alignment, Inc. client satisfaction feedback survey. Your feedback is valued and will factor into our approach and ongoing services this year. In the spirit of transparency, we want to share the high-level results with each of you. We welcome additional feedback by simply commenting to this post.

Recently, a client and friend of mine shared something she read online. It reflected a topic she and I had discussed numerous times, revolving around the increasingly prevalent requests by anyone and everyone to “meet for coffee.” Sometimes I may know the person; most often I don’t. Yet, I have found it amazing and am often incredulous how these conversations actually take place, especially for a “first impression” meeting.

A few years ago I offered a similar article, and due to multiple client requests, I am reposting it. In this day and age, we are constantly being tested and challenged with every decision and judgment call. Doing the right thing is often the first casualty. When do we “go to the funeral,” even though the person we are honoring will never even know we are there?