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.
“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
“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.
“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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
“Let the lunar new year inspire you to embrace a fresh start.”
The Chinese New Year begins on February 10 and ends with the lantern festival on February 24. The year of the dragon will be ushered in, the fifth sign of the Chinese zodiac.