Leaders: are they born or are they made? Here are my thoughts on this “age-old” question. What are yours?
Are you ready for change?
Whether it is health, career or the overall business growth and success, the answer is always the same, we need to change. We need to make certain changes and sustain them for a period of time in order to realize the benefits and potential opportunities. While we should respect and learn from history we shouldn’t live there. Furthermore, we need …
Be yourself and speak the truth
Be yourself. Always and in every exchange. Even if something doesn’t work out long-term it is always better (especially in retrospect) to have spoken the truth and said what you believe and think then to have faked to be something or someone you’re not.
Working with professional sales people
It is a true pleasure when you speak with people who are aware of your challenges and competing priorities, who have deep understanding of your industry and who do not try to pressure you or your team into further engagements via additional calls, meetings or demos. Those true professionals demonstrate the value of their product or a service, share pricing …
5 things to improve in meetings
While the list could certainly be longer, here are 5 things that I believe should be improved (or fixed) with respect to the majority of meetings we all attend each day. 1. Should this be a meeting? 2. Do we have the right people in the room? 3. Are we making decisions and taking actions? 4. Was agenda shared ahead …
False promises and their downfall
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 …