Welcome to Lisa's blog!

Read about simple ways to change your vibe and intentionally improve your mindset, in this week’s issue of our e-zine, Executive Insight Tip of the Week.

Read about how to turn that “back to school” feeling into “back to business” action, in this week’s issue of our e-zine, Executive Insight Tip of the Week.

Read about the characteristics of entrepreneurs and how to fortify your own entrepreneurial spirit, in this week’s issue of our e-zine, Executive Insight Tip of the Week.

Read about how to identify and recapture lost interests, in this week’s issue of our e-zine, Executive Insight Tip of the Week.

An acquaintance is entering new territory. As CEO of a company that is being sold, he finds himself at what could be conflicting personal and professional crossroads. Although he’s a little foggy about the future, I was struck by how excited he is about exploring new opportunities.

He has been researching new businesses, where he can leverage what he did with his prior organization. He’s looked into auditing classes. He’s sort of thinking about taking a vacation, but doesn’t seem too excited about that.

The point is, he’s taking action. He’s not wallowing in the uncertainty of the transition.

If you feel like you’re wallowing right now, take some action. It will help you move forward.

Read about how to use this time to position yourself for the other side of the recession in this week’s issue of our e-zine, Executive Insight Tip of the Week.

I met with a friend who is struggling about whether to stay with his firm or start looking for another job. His fear is that his company is going to go out of business (a very reasonable thing to be afraid of!). On the other hand, his industry is tight-knit, and he doesn’t feel comfortable about a discreet job search staying confidential.

The situation is more complex because he is a key rainmaker, and has contributed substantially to the growth of the firm. Although he has no ownership in the company, he has pride in what he has accomplished and is loyal to the owners.

Ultimately, he knows that he needs to do what’s best for the future of his family. No one can advise him what to do; he needs to carefully weigh the pros and cons and make a decision.

What I did recommend, however, was that he make a decision – and stop second-guessing himself. If you’re in a situation like this, make the decision, and periodically reevaluate. Obsessing over indecisiveness is what causes the pain.

If the Irish believe they’re lucky, then they are.

If you believe you’re lucky, then you are.

If you add a little focus, there are even more possibilities.

A lot of companies have made the decision to avoid downsizing through a reduction in employee salaries or realignment of responsibilities. These situations can be just as difficult as downsizing, because the employees worry about the next shoe dropping.

Leaders can do several things to manage these situations:

• Be transparent. For example, telling your staff that revenue is too low will help everyone understand the justification for salary furloughs. They may be upset, but they’re likely to be more grateful about having jobs.
• Be honest. If the cuts aren’t over, don’t say that they are. Tell your people that for now things have stabilized, but xyz needs to happen in order to turn the tide.
• Be sensitive. When certain jobs are realigned and de facto demotions occur, do what you can to reassure these employees. These people are hurt and embarassed, and as the leader, you set the tone for dignity and respect.

The New York area was hit by a big snow storm on Monday, and it was interesting to observe people’s reactions around the workplace.

I spoke with a number of people who felt virtuous because they had actually come into work. Imagine!

When I came to the office, the streets were passable and most of the sidewalks had been cleared. But schools were closed, and I think many adults felt slighted. Why couldn’t they have a snow day too?

When people feel good about the work they do, they don’t let a little snow get in their way. Allowing snow – or any other temporary obstacle – to have power over you isn’t saying much for how you value your work.

Whether it’s a sense of purpose, a feeling of satisfaction, or a feeling of accomplishment – your attitude about your work permeates into other areas of your life.

Take control of it, instead of letting “the weather” take control of you.