Whether You Like it or Not #138 I love living in Minnesota. The transitions the seasons provide are something I look forward to. This is a telltale sign you’re a native. Most people, who are not native Minnesotans, only describe winter and the cold. Those of us who are born and raised, know better. Our summers are phenomenal, though this…
It’s up to You #137 Two lives well lived. This week we had the pleasure of celebrating my in-laws 55th wedding anniversary. We had the entire family together for a vacation and one of the highlights is their relationship. They are a wonderful, rare couple. They complement each other well, and have grounded, solid values at the center of their relationship and family. They visibly enjoy being with one another and are…
In the Quiet Spaces #136 When you have the gift of time, with no schedule and nothing pressing you to get ready, what do you do? For me, my mind can race with possibilities. I feel an urgency to do the things that I’ve been procrastinating, to be active and exercise, to cook and hang art, change the décor of…
Consider the Impact #135 It’s happening. The world of flexibility in the work we do and how we do it is happening. Some companies have embraced it fully and are adjusting to a freelance workforce, partnering, outsourcing, and automating coupled with their full-time workforce. How do you lead effectively with partners who are not employees? The autocratic way won’t work.…
When the Exceptions Happen #134 Thinking; sometimes it’s like a superpower. In our crazy, convenience based, fast-paced world if you don’t have a core set of processes for consistent delivery of your product or services, you won’t succeed for long. There’s a fine line between consistent delivery of excellence and documenting so much that those using the system don’t have…
Blame or Accountability #133 When things don’t work or go wrong, for many people, they blame. They look outside themselves (mentally or verbally) and reason their lack of results to someone or something outside themselves. This is an automatic reaction conditioned over years and practiced with others. This happens with my clients as they learn EOS or practice new leadership…
Adjust Accordingly #132 Small acts. These are the most significant things we do. Though we’d like to believe it’s the big, challenging, difficult things, it’s not. It’s the consistent small, thoughtful, kind gestures that matter most. When you receive the note, text or call that says, “I was just thinking of you.” When the flight attendant sees you’re cold and…
Slow Down. Find Out. #131 I’m an early riser. Barring a series of days where I’m without enough sleep, my natural timing is to wake early. It’s the same with my family. My husband is a night owl. Barring a series of days where he’s without enough sleep, his natural timing is to stay awake into the wee hours of…
Are You a Good Receiver? #130 One of the requests I make at the workshops I lead is to “be willing to receive as much as you give.” Believe it or not, this is a challenge for many leaders. Are you a good receiver? When people compliment you, do you immediately reciprocate with a compliment back out of habit, obligation or…
Look Forward to Being Stressed Out #129 Recently, I was working with clients about effectively managing employees. We discussed how their managers could boost productivity while enhancing relationships because research shows that happy people accomplish more. My clients asked, “Isn’t a certain amount of fear of accountability necessary (read desirable) to ensure performance?” This is not an uncommon assumption. We have…