Humorist Dave Barry once remarked, “If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be meetings.” Most people have experienced team meetings where nobody seems to be on the same page. With executives admitting 71 percent of
It was a typical Tuesday morning at 8:30, and I was working with my personal trainer. What I love about my trainer is that she doesn’t yell or intimidate. Instead, she has this uncanny ability to see potential in me that I often miss in myself. She shows it by making requests of me. “I
As a small-business owner for the past 20 years, I have found one activity equally frustrating and fulfilling: following up with prospects and clients. "Hey there ... I'm just checking in." "I haven't heard from you in a while ... " "Are we in a fight?" It's frustrating because sometimes I don't hear back, leaving me
You already know that giving positive feedback is crucial to keeping your employees engaged and motivated. It helps them get clear about what's working so that they can do more of it. It contributes to their confidence so that they can engage in more self-directed, self-motivated work. Research shows that focusing on employees' strengths helps them learn faster, as well as produce
My twins, Jacob and Sophie, graduated from college last May and made a big shift from the world of full-time school to the world of work. This wasn't just a shift in how they spent time, it was a shift in behavioral expectations. Like so many early career professionals, they didn't know what the expectations
Mental health challenges in the workplace are getting worse, not better. Employees' mental well-being took a dramatic dip during the Covid pandemic and is still at risk due to ongoing stressors such as global political unrest, diversity and inclusion challenges, return to office initiatives, and economic uncertainty. Half of the global population will develop a mental
Positivity isn't just a mindset, it's a skillset. Everyone can cultivate positivity through the choices you make, the perspectives you choose, the behaviors you engage in, and the conversations you have, as well as those you avoid. While it's not always easy or practical to look for the silver lining in every situation, helping to create and maintain a positive workplace can increase engagement, motivation,
Over the weekend, I was speaking to the CEO of a small company who, like me, has friends and colleagues in Israel who are impacted by the war. I asked her if she was planning to talk about the events in Israel with her leadership team and staff. "I don't think so," she said. "Because
When I sat down on the couch a few nights ago with a bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats for dinner and a plan to watch the documentary WHAM!, I never expected that I would still be thinking about it days later. While most of the documentaries I watch are about things I will never do (like free climbing,
"Today's going to be a great day!" You brush your teeth, start the coffee maker or tea kettle, and check your emails. Then you shower, get dressed, have breakfast, and get yourself to work -- all before 9 a.m. If you're having that great day, all of this can feel like, well, nothing. It's a habit
