The Dichotomy of a Beloved Employee

One of my friends is the managing partner of a busy medical practice that has several doctors, a variety of specialists, and an often-hectic reception area. One of his employees has been a front desk icon to the patients.

This person, who I’ll call Greg, is the epitome of client service. He is exactly the kind of employee who makes a medical practice shine, especially during times of stress. He is warm, compassionate, efficient, and always has a good sense of humor.

Hurry Up and Wait

Let’s be honest: have you ever repeatedly pushed an elevator button magically expecting that the elevator will arrive faster?

All of us have done this. This week I observed several examples of this that reminded me how often people get stressed over things they have no control over. One happened on the subway platform when a passenger got extremely upset when the oncoming train wasn’t his line.

First Quarter: Look Back and Look Ahead

“The way to get started is to quit talking and start doing.”
– Walt Disney

The first quarter of 2024 is coming to an end and after you get your breath, it’s worthwhile to look back and review the past three months. Here is a brief checklist to use as a guide and to set yourself up for a strong year

A Burst of Spring Cleaning

“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want – oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”
– Mark Twain

Spring is here, and with it comes the annual ritual of spring cleaning. I don’t know how many people go through this rite the way our grandmothers did, but the concept resonates: Think fresh air, daffodils, and a fresh start after the winter.

Prepare and Practice

“Repetition of the same thought or physical action develops into a habit which, repeated frequently enough, becomes an automatic reflex.”
– Norman Vincent Peale

Earlier this year I conducted a management development program for a client. Last week, we had a follow up video call to answer questions, reinforce the content, and celebrate successes.

Leading the Way – Celebrating Women on International Women’s Day

Every March 8th, International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women around the world. This year’s theme is inspire inclusion, encouraging people to eliminate stereotypes and to value and respect women.

Your organization may be excellent in terms of inspiring inclusion, and for that you should be commended! Others, however, have some work to do, particularly in women’s leadership.

The Obstacle Course

Leaders are well versed in navigating their way through obstacles. Usually these are fairly easy to accomplish, but every once in a while, you face a doozy.

Many people panic, especially if they are on a deadline. Most of their thoughts are around “how did this happen” or “what did we (I) do wrong?” or “I’m never going to make it on time.”

“I’ll Get Back to You…”

Famous last words. How many times has someone said that they would get back to you, complete a task, follow up on a lead, or get some information to you. . . and you feel like you’re getting old as you wait to hear back?

Now, in fairness, no one is perfect and certainly there have been times when you’ve not followed up on things, so before you start ranting about everyone else, you might want to look in the mirror.

Random Acts of Kindness

It was recently Random Acts of Kindness week, February 11-17, where people celebrate the simple power of kindness. This isn’t about “grand gestures,” rather it’s about the small things we do in a spirit of compassion.

The Ripple Effect of Change

A couple of my clients have shared concerns about dealing with key vendors due to major changes occurring in the vendors’ companies. One vendor is going through a substantial reorganization, and another has experienced the firing of its most senior officers without any apparent succession plan in place. Both vendors are swimming in chaos.

My clients are continuing to do business as they always have, but their situations have been fraught with challenges. Even though they have no control over either situation, they are receiving the residual runoff of their vendors’ discontent and fears.