You have amazing resources!
March 9th, 2010I previously wrote about the process of becoming grounded and mentioned that you probably have hundreds of resources at your disposal. Let’s explore that a bit further.
You Can’t Change Others — How to Use Influence to Your Advantage
March 5th, 2010I can think of a million ways to “fix” other people around me. They’re just all so messed up, aren’t they?
Here’s the brutal truth: That’s not the way the universe works. You don’t get to “fix” them.
Who are you, anyway?
February 27th, 2010Check out my latest blog post on Workbloom.net entitled Who are you, anyway? – Tips on How to Build a Fulfilling Career. I talk about the importance of getting grounded in who you are.
I’ve started posting over there as a way to increase the reach of the value I can bring to people who are struggling with career issues.
Do you need a MasterMind group?
February 26th, 2010
Here’s a useful concept that might come in handy at some point: A MasterMind group can help you to achieve your goals through support, ideas, and motivation. So what is it?
Gimme a break!
February 20th, 2010
I’ve been a bit under the weather for the last week, recovering from an unpleasant bout of stomach flu. Now that I’m back up to 98% again, I was thinking about the value of taking a break from the intensity and stress.
One of the nice things about getting sick – if you permit me to say something might be “nice” here – is that it gave me a great excuse to let things slide a little bit. I had a great reason to blow off some the less important meetings and to reset expectations. After all, everyone has first-hand experience with being ill.
Balancing choice versus constraint
February 12th, 2010
It’s an interesting balancing act that many come to in their careers: In some ways you feel very constrained, while simultaneously enjoying a multitude of options. It feels weird.
Why do people give?
February 5th, 2010Peter Bregman, in the Harvard Business Review, wrote an interesting article this week about what motivates people to help. If you haven’t seen it yet, follow that link and have a look. Peter raises an interesting question about why people are motivated to give to others, to help.
In general, people like to be helpful. I suppose part of it is an expectation of getting something in return, but that’s not the core.
The fact is, you get a rush just from knowing you’ve done good. It actually physically feels good to you, and in many cases that may be enough reward in itself.
Of course, we get rather cynical about all this. Many charitable organizations prey on our need to be loved and to feel like we’re making a difference. After a while we get the sense that maybe we’re not actually making the difference that we’d hoped, and that some of the unscrupulous types might be taking advantage of us.
That’s why Peter’s example is so powerful. It’s about making a difference to someone here and now, in a way that makes a difference that you can actually see.
Here’s what we learn about giving:
- Let people see the difference they’re making, in as immediate a way as possible, and in the way that person values.
- Entering payment into the equation introduces a whole different dynamic – it becomes about the money rather than about the value delivered.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People like helping.
As I said before, the act of giving has great value. Remember that in your own life, and those of people who you work with.
Giving to get
January 29th, 2010
How do you convince people to like you and give you a break?
Here’s a core principle of human behavior, so simple: When people receive something they value, they’re more inclined to give back in return. Pretty obvious, right? But it’s absolutely true, and is one of the reasons why those charities send you small gifts in the mail. They’re hoping you’ll find some value in them, and give back in return.
Rebounding with contract employees
January 22nd, 2010
I heard a great presentation by Edward Hernandez in Denver last week which was quite interesting. He was talking about one of my hot topics at the moment, employee engagement. I thought I’d share with you an additional observation which I believe is much more important than it first seems:
As the economy rebounds, companies will be reluctant to hire full-time employees. Fairly obvious, right? But this has broad implications.
Just take the plunge
January 16th, 2010
This has been an eventful week for me and my business – a key turning point. This is the week I moved from planning to doing.
It’s scary, but it’s so wonderful to be doing what feels to be such useful activity.
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