Thinking

By Lori McNeill

How often do we go throughout our days without truly thinking about how we can create success that day? Many of us simply live our lives day-by-day, going through the motions, without really considering what we want to accomplish. It’s easy to do this, especially in a world that is moving nonstop. You may get to the end of the week, only to look back and think, “How is it Friday already?” with no clear idea of what you accomplished—or if you succeeded. It’s easy to get in the habit of being busy and not taking time to reflect.

Why is it that many of us simply shuffle through life? It’s almost as though we get into a routine and don’t consider that there’s any other way. I have a client whose calendar is absolutely packed with back-to-back meetings. He attends so many meetings that he has little time to manage his team, think strategically, or manage his own task list. Many busy professionals can relate. Often I hear leaders say they never have time to eat lunch or get any kind of break in their day. Read More

7 indications of a broken culture

By Lisa Aldisert

Culture is a common buzzword these days. Many articles tout the importance of a good culture. There are even awards that celebrate companies where employees love to work. Experts talk about defining, transforming, and fixing your culture. But how do you even know if your company’s culture needs help? Or what aspects to fix if it has some cracks?

It is possible for a culture to be mostly good and have only a few blemishes. In fact, that’s the way that most cultures are. Even idealized cultures you see showcased in the media, with inventive perks and fun break rooms, still have issues.

Every culture has its challenges. There is no Oz, nor any magic bullet. Because companies and people evolve, keeping a healthy culture in check requires constant maintenance before a variety of factors can throw it off.

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By Francis Eberle

How difficult is it to cross silos, departments or even organizations to accomplish a goal? I think I know your answer.

What if you were able to foresee how using expertise from another person, department or organization could create a product that was 50 times better than if you did it alone? Would you do it?

I am not a gambling person, but I did have an opportunity to do just this. Without going into the details, the result was indeed 50 times better than if my organization had pursued it alone.

This type of success happens through what is called reciprocal leadership. The skills needed include creating vision, building relationships and influencing others. These will help you move from the methods (extrinsic) to strategy and beliefs (the intrinsic). You will then garner commitment to ideas before tasks. Read More