Your coworkers invite each other to lunch, but never suggest that you join them. You discover that you were the only person not invited to a colleague’s wedding. No matter how hard you work, your manager seems to minimize your accomplishments and focus on giving others credit. Are you a wallflower or the office underachiever? […]
Going Beyond Your Job Description: Why Do More?
All of our jobs come with a set of expectations. In many cases, we call those expectations our job description. We sign up for a job that requires that we do certain things, and, as we know, some people do those certain things better than others. We all know people who do only enough to […]
How Leaders Make Sure They Get the Real Story
No matter how hard you try to create a safe, egalitarian atmosphere in your workplace, you are still the boss or, at the very least, a major influencer. When people realize this fact, what they say to you becomes delivered through that lens. Surprised that you never hear bad news until it’s too late? Don’t […]
To Get What You Want, You Have to Know What You Want
In coaching situations, I always start with asking the person I’m coaching what he or she wants to accomplish. “Why are we here”? and “What are two goals you want to achieve as a result of the coaching experience?” I’m often amazed at the lack of precision in people’s answers. “I want to get ahead […]
Five Techniques for Successful Team Communication
as well as a variety of backgrounds, viewpoints, skill sets, and perspectives. Ideally, teams make everyone feel that he or she has a voice in outcomes, thereby democratizing organizations, enhancing the learning process, and inspiring commitment. However, we may have been on dysfunctional teams, and in many cases, we end up frustrated and wishing that […]
WebTalkRadio – Creating and Maintaining a Strong Personal Brand
Beverly Langford appearing on Connie Whitman’s Architect of Change. If you don’t have a clear idea about how you want others to perceive you, they will draw their own conclusions. Listen to get some suggestions about developing a strong “Brand You.” To listen and find out, you will be transferred to Connie’s web site. Once […]
WebTalkRadio – How To Speak so Your Boss will Listen
Beverly Langford appearing on Connie Whitman’s Architect of Change. Having trouble getting your manager’s attention and approval for your good ideas? Here are some guidelines for making sure that your message gets through. To listen and find out, you will be transferred to Connie’s web site. Once there, click on “Download Episode” to listen. Press […]
Three Critical Success Factors for Starting a New Job
You made it through the interviews and got a great job offer. The salary was more than you expected. Now it’s up to you to make this transition a success. We all know how critical first impressions can be, and you can be sure that everyone is sizing up the new employee and making an […]
Keep your promises, follow up, and follow through: #1 of Five Essential Leadership Behaviors
Leadership today is increasingly about leaders who serve and followers who empower that person to lead them. Once the leader stops serving, the followers may cease to empower or recognized that person as their leader. The result is wasted energy, lower productivity, and damaged morale. What a leader says carries more weight than she sometimes […]