How to Overcome Us Versus Them At Work

Two red buttons sitting side by side with one marked Us and the other Them

“Us” versus “Them” — that’s the challenge many organizations may face as we lurch toward a new normal.  Here’s why:  During the pandemic, many organizations lost business. Senior leaders had to make tough decisions to stay afloat. Through no fault of their own, many people lost jobs as a result.  Meanwhile, remaining employees dealt with …

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Thank You Health Care Workers

The words thank you written in cursive over decorative background

After a prolonged period of strife and turmoil, I’d like to offer a few words of deep appreciation to all those who work in health care: To the scientists who unlocked the secrets which gave birth to the vaccines, To the legions of sanitation workers who labored through hazardous conditions,  To the cafeteria workers, patient …

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The Problem With Beliefs is We Believe Them

Image iof Rodins sculpture The Thinker

The problem with our beliefs is we tend to believe them. So I was taught by a mentor long ago. Experience reveals the wisdom of his words.  For example, I have known executives who believe they need to hide their kind nature for fear of being taken advantage of by others. I’ve seen other leaders believe …

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You Always Get What You Give

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A mentor taught me a long time ago that you always get what you give.  Now, that does not mean that if you choose to show kindness to someone, they will necessarily show kindness toward you in turn. We have no control over what someone else may do. But at one level, it doesn’t matter.  …

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Thoughts on Mental Health and Business

Mental health in business is important. This image symbolizes that with the words focus on what matters most written in yellow on dark pavement

Here’s something to keep in mind as we emerge from the throes of the pandemic.  Imagine two groups of executives. One group can’t wait to “get back to business.” They feel the need to turn around lagging numbers and see many opportunities to do so. They may understand the need for nurturing people at an …

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How to Rewire for a Successful Retirement

Picture of a smiling man dressed casually to signify retirement

Successful Retirement Means Successful Rewirement A successful retirement requires a successful rewirement. For example, a friend of mine was struggling with her retirement. For her, the concept conjured up feelings of being past her prime. The very word raised uncomfortable feelings and a sense of loss. Yet, my friend recognized it was time to move on. …

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Thoughts On Life Lessons

Recently, the site http://www.worldclassperformer.com asked me some questions about business and life. Below are my answers. What would your answers be? Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life? I grew up in Fairfax, Virginia, a suburb of Washington DC. My …

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A Tip For Training Your Brain For Happiness

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Our minds have the unique ability to time travel. Why not put that capacity to work by training your brain for happiness? Wandering Minds How many times have you found your mind wandering away from the present moment? For most of us, the answer is often. And too often, stress is the result. For example, …

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With People, The Little Things Are The Big Things

Striped box with popcorn on red background

Recently I heard a middle school principal cite one of the best things to happen for her Covid-stressed staff in a long time: popcorn.  Yep. A volunteer wanted to do something to support the school. So they went out and bought popcorn to share with everyone at the school- teachers, custodians, cafeteria workers, etc.  “When …

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Our Greatest Underutilized Superpower

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Our greatest underutilized superpower is the ability to make a choice. For example, a client may say to me, “I hate my job.” “Why don’t you quit?” I ask. “Because I have to work,” they say.   “No, you don’t,” I reply, and they look at me like I’m nuts. (Which may be accurate but is …

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