False promises lead to nowhere other than to demise of your own credibility and respect across an organization. Follow the process and confirm whether something can or should be accomplished before you make any promises or commitments. Do not commit to people just to see them smile. As a leader, you are not in a “people pleasing” business and you …
Don’t sell yourself short
Don’t sell yourself short and know your value. Be flexible in your negotiations process and allow for an acceptable range to be considered whether it is a new job, consulting engagement or a speaking opportunity. However, don’t be desperate and set yourself back too far and always be aware of what you are worth and what you would be contributing …
Selecting the right opportunity
Selecting the right opportunity is a mix of science and art. You need to evaluate the future organization, your prospective boss, your colleagues, strategic priorities and so many other things. However, most importantly, make that decision in the context of of your life and your larger goals.
Don’t fall in love with your product, service or industry
Respect and value your mission, vision and values, stay true to who you are and what you stand for, but be flexible and innovative when it comes to your products and services. Consistently review and re-imagine what you are doing, redesign them, augment them with the right strategic partnerships and focus your effort, energy and actions on areas that you …
Constant complainers and how to deal with them
While there are many ways to address those who constantly complain (while not contributing nearly as much), this is one of many ways I have found valuable over the course of my career. Try it and let me know what you think. Also, share other ideas on how to contain and minimize negativity and constant complaints without any constructive ideas …
Customer experience matters, a lot!
The importance and value of exceptional customer experience should never be overlooked or underestimated. In addition to a quality product or a service, how you interact and treat your customers matters, a lot! In short, remove friction and respect people’s time and resources.
Walk the floor
Get out of your office and experience first-hand what your clients, customers and partners experience every day. Learn and stay up to date with what your team does and look for opportunities to recognize greatness as well as consider better ways forward.
Work for your future self
Focus on establishing your major goals and accomplishments in life and reverse engineer the steps you need to take to be able to get there one day. In my opinion, happiness should be front and center, not accumulation of financial resources and things. Take the steps needed so that you will be proud of this period of your life and …
Play your role
Play your part on your team and make sure your responsibilities are attended to accordingly. While you should be collaborative and helpful to others, you should not try to do their jobs for them. You win or lose together as a team and everyone has a role to play.
Circle of trust
Do you know who is in it (at the very core) and have you recently asked each of them individually to share what they truly think about you? It is important to go through this exercise at times in order to supplement your own self-awareness about your strengths and areas for improvement.