Popular culture has continually framed our idea of leadership to be something that is bigger than the individual. Because of this, we treat the title “leader” as something that one day we’ll deserve while giving little thought to the small things we do daily and how they are transformational to the lives around us. Leadership [...]

I can’t tell you how many executives I know that are content in their work who still interview with other organizations regularly. They don’t do it because they want to change employers, they do it because they want to ensure their interviewing skills are current. In an economy where 84% (according a recent Manpower survey) [...]

Prior to the start of the Great Recession, there was significant demand for labor, so individuals simply had to apply online to a company’s website to be considered for an interview. It’s no secret that the job search has evolved over the last two and one-half years. The changes to the labor market have forced [...]

“You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you.” - Eric Hoffer I have had my share of bosses that manage with fear. I’m sure you have to. The thing that irks me is how those individuals don’t see how destructive it is. Managing through fear rarely leads [...]

How many times have you, or someone you know, talked about not wanting to speak in public? Giving presentations in public can be a scary thing. In fact, it’s commonly referred to as glossophobia, the fear of public speaking. People experience anxiety prior to delivering their content, will attempt to avoid the event altogether, or [...]

While spending time at a friend’s house yesterday, I couldn’t help but to hear the cheers coming from the television in the living room. A few people were huddled watching the NCAA basketball tournament and after watching the end of one game and the beginning of another, I couldn’t help but wonder, how many Americans [...]

I got to thinking about legacy the other day. What am I going to be remembered for? The end of a human’s physical existence on earth is often wrought with grief as friends and family pay their respects and come to grips with life without the departed. But, if you think two or more generations [...]

Globalization, changes in technology, and short-term, shareholder focused mindset has made work-life balance nearly obsolete. As much as you say you want to use your PTO, I know you end up working most of your day off and then telling your administrative assistant not to charge you for the PTO. How do I know? I [...]

I spent much of last Saturday painting a Habitat for Humanity home in the northwest part of metro Phoenix. We’ve all donated our time, talent, and treasure at various times to one cause or another. Some give to their chosen religious institution, to get tax write-offs, and others for the sheer intrinsic joy of being [...]

When it comes to professional development, there are multitudes of ways to enhance your skills. Learning from other people, enduring hardships, structured training, off-the-job experiences, and challenging assignments are five impactful ways to prepare you for what’s next. Of the five, working on challenging assignments will be the skill builder that will steepen your learning [...]

How many times have you said to yourself; “I wish I knew then what I know now”? A handful? Or, so many times that you have lost count? I certainly fall into the latter category. I have been blessed to have many wonderful experiences in my life. Many of them have taught me very valuable [...]

I can’t tell you how often I talk to acquaintances that have leaders who are inconsistent in the delivery of their message and their actions. I’m sure you are thinking of a few right now. How did they make you feel? Confused. Underappreciated. Upset. Frustrated. All of the above, plus many more? Probably. You can [...]

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression” – Author Unknown As the old saying goes, first impressions are incredibly important. Princeton psychologists Janine Willis and Alexander Todorov conducted experiments that show that it only takes 1/10 of a second to form a judgment about someone else. That is an incredibly short [...]

You may say, “I’ve heard recruiters are so busy that they don’t have time to read cover letters.” For the initial screening of candidates, this statement may hold true. The true value of a cover letter becomes apparent when you have made it to the top of the candidate pile and the recruiter is doing [...]

Every relationship, personal or professional, requires significant investment. The investment includes our time, money, and talent. Those of you who are already great at building relationships know that the process doesn’t stop after you’ve collected the business card. In fact, the process never ends. It requires constant attention. For those of you who are still [...]

I read Malcom Gladwell’s book, Outliers, a few years back. It includes many memorable stories of The Beatles, Bill Gates, and Robert Oppenheimer, to name a few. A common theme that runs throughout the book is the “10,000-Hour Rule”, which claims that recognition and success come after an individual works in excess of that time [...]