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.
Tag: Leadership Advice
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.
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
“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.
Pile It On!
During the last few weeks, people have seemed busier. New business opportunities are cropping up and people are responding with appropriate enthusiasm. One of my colleagues commented that work is flowing her way and she’s delighted with the influx.
Although leaders are thrilled with the inflow, the challenging aspect is managing it. This obviously flows downstream in the organization. Managers are complaining about their grouchy team members who are balking at the increase in work.
The Dangers of Settling
Do you settle for less? It doesn’t matter what you settle for or when you do it, it can begin a pattern where your expectations and standards slip, and you’re not even aware that it’s happening.
This is an observable pattern. If your employees see you settling, the behavior can be contagious. I know managers who say, “just this time” and before they know it, they’re doing it all the time.
Keep in Touch – It Matters
I had coffee with a former colleague a few weeks ago. We worked together years ago and have stayed in touch occasionally.
I was startled when I saw him, because he had aged beyond his years and appeared gaunt and frail. I don’t know what’s wrong, but he’s not well. I was glad that we got together, and we have tentatively set another time to connect several months from now.
Change Your Greeting
Happy New Year! What’s exciting you as this new year begins?
Many people greet other by asking perfunctory questions, such as, “How’s it going?” or “What’s happening?” These questions aren’t very interesting and people tend to respond automatically, such as, “not much” or “same as usual.”
Wrapping up the Year
Have you taken time to pause and reflect on your accomplishments in 2023? As usual, it seems like the year zoomed by in a flash, and in a few short days it will be 2024.
Busy executives often don’t take enough time to acknowledge their achievements. You need to savor these moments because once they’re gone, you’re on to the next thing and it’s harder to recall un-savored moments.
“I Heard You Twice the First Time”
Don’t you just love that expression? I learned it from Joanne, who participated in a management offsite that I facilitated. We had been discussing the need to “over communicate,” especially given enormous information overload. Her comment made a great impression on everyone around the table.
People become frustrated when their colleagues or co-workers don’t recall what they said. The fact is, people cram in so much information that some things just don’t get processed.
Connect the Dots
Your employees go through a maze of “dots” every day that are directly related to how they can and will perform on the job. Unfortunately, rarely are they equipped to find the answers on their own. To set the stage, here are some examples:
+ People begin a new job and it’s up to them to figure out how to navigate through the firm’s unique culture.