Bullying in the Workplace: Fear, Loathing and Lawsuits
In sociology, you learn that all small groups function similarly and that includes the opportunistic behavior of bullying. This learning is one of many reasons I encourage students to get something more than a vocational education, since simply studying finance, engineering or another skill-based major leaves you without the requisite knowledge for understanding behavior at …
The Right Questions to Ensure “Training” Gets An ROI
Last summer I received this email inquiry:
Hi Skip –
My boss would like to train our entire IT department (36 people) on Communication.
We are trying to improve the way we manage projects and we are finding that communication is our biggest weakness.
We would like to have training that would focus on the …
Personal Branding Weekly – Stop Ranting, Mobile Phones and Meetings
I know. I know. It’s rude to talk on your phone in a meeting or a workshop. That’s just common sense and we all know how uncommon that is. But how much must the ranting go on?
Ever thought that there’s a different way to look at it?
This week a well-known networking guru who’s …
Getting Perks At Work
In a world in which job security is scarce, you may not want to approach your employer asking for perks such as a flexible schedule, telecommuting, extra days of leave or educational opportunities. Nevertheless, many employers are opting to give perks over raises to attract and retain valuable employees. Obtaining these perks requires more than …
How To Turn On Your Top Employees At Work?
“Simplifying organizations is the groundwork for competitive advantage”-–Yves Morieux, senior partner and managing director in BCG’s Paris office. (He is an expert in corporate transformation)
Despite breathtaking advances in communication technology, many people still feel miserable and disengaged at work. Companies try many things to remedy this situation by sponsoring affiliation events, celebrations and leadership …
6 Ways to Handle Irritating Colleagues
We’ve probably all been there when it comes to having an annoying co-worker. You know — that one co-worker who is either overly arrogant, lazy, or talks your ear off? Even if you consider yourself an easy-going person to work with, you’ve probably encountered that one colleague who drives you up your cubicle walls.
After …
Your Personal Brand and the 5 Languages of Appreciation
For many of us, feeling a sense of belonging in the places we work, homes, and with the people we love and care about is satisfying. We work hard to make sure that what we do counts, and that we are able to support ourselves. But more to our need to survive and make every …
Three Common Leadership Disconnection Phrases
Coaching ability is a leadership skill that almost everyone can benefit from. Whether you are managing a large organization of employees or you are a solopreneur that spends all day talking to potential clients – we can’t understand the power of the words we use during “coaching” opportunities. The last thing leaders want to do …
Hoarders At Work: Get Help Before It’s Too Late
When you have to separate a very talented person from your company, it hurts. As my partner often repeated, “Nice beats genius every time.” That means playing nice – whatever else you do, make sure you fit into the culture and connect with people at work in a polite and congenial way. Respect for others …
How Solo-Entrepeneurs Can Take Guilt Free Vacations
You are reading this while I am with my wife on a beach in Belize.
It’s our first vacation (or “holiday” as the Europeans call it) of 2014.
As a solo entrepreneur vacations stress me out.
If I’m not connecting with clients and prospects I’m losing touch with my business and may not have one …