Recently I was visiting with a longtime colleague, and the topic evolved into the question on the lips of many in the ‘mid-place’ in their careers … “What do I really want to do after I make all the money I need to make? I want to do something really extraordinary with my life.” Well, as…

Something came to me today as I was engaging in conversation with a colleague. In order for us to progress as human beings, organizations, and cultures, we often need to break the rules. Many individuals who have truly changed the world went against convention. These folks did indeed go against the current and often broke rules.…

For years I have watched with equal doses of horror and awe while many of the world’s most respected and successful companies continue to make interesting choices for the head job of CEO.  Specifically, today, I am referring to Hewlett-Packard, and their most recent choice to appoint another outsider to lead the company. This is…

As many of you know, the New York Times column, ‘Corner Office’ is a favorite of mine. This past week, Paul Maritz, president and C.E.O. of the software firm VMware, was interviewed by Adam Bryant. Does your team have the Four Essential Types? is meaty, yet almost misleading; as one of the most powerful statements Paul makes is relative…

One word can make all the difference. Have you ever had someone introduce you with the phrase: “He works for me?” How does it make you feel? Smaller? Subordinate? As if you are their pawn? Then think about a time when someone introduced you with: “He works with me.”  How does that make you feel? On a…

Who directs our life? I am working with so many individuals who are in limbo, uncertain of the direction they want to take, and ultimately where they want to go.  What can we do? On this Friday, a notion to ponder: If we don’t consciously select where we want to go, we will go where our…

I have grown to admire a woman with whom I work on several charitable committees.  Recently, I have begun to study her uncanny ability to win individuals over when in discussions, negotiations, or just in ‘small talk’ scenarios. I have picked up two traits which have clearly been of benefit to her. 1. She practices…

What is in a smile? Next to the eyes, to me, a smile says everything. And, yes, a smile can melt everything: anger, impatience, insecurity, fear, aloofness.  However, the observation I want to investigate are those that offer ‘quick smiles’ when they see anyone. You know what I mean – the politician’s smile, the red carpet smile,…

In this podcast, we explore more fully ideas to become “aligned as an individual.” It’s really quite simple. We must know ourselves, then have the courage to be ourselves, which opens the pathway to give of ourselves.

Recently I have been working with a client who has a hard time giving out compliments. He believes that when his employees do a good job – it is just that: their job. He has been reluctant to hand our ‘atta boys’ for what he considers their daily responsibilities. The feedback from his team was less…