Annual performance reviews. We can do better in most instances, I am certain of it. First, they should be more frequent in order to provide guidance for any needed corrections and they should be multi-directional at the very least.
Do it already
When you read the title of this post, what came to mind? You don’t need to answer, but you know what you have been putting off for way too long. Just do it already, what are you waiting for, an invitation? Remember, that all the planning in the world without actually doing it doesn’t mean a thing. Doing beats planning, …
Ask. Don’t say “NO” for others
Whether a scope of a project needs to be changed, or a smaller overlooked item need to be accounted for, don’t assume that the other side, whether a partner or a client, is not willing to help. When in doubt, always ask other people what their thoughts are on a particular need that you and your organization may have and …
How to build high performing teams
While there are many things to focus on and do, I believe that these four general areas are of great value on this journey. 1. Learn what your customers and market want and need (you may not use all of it). Also, to a smaller degree, be aware of what your competition is doing. 2. Evaluate all strengths across your …
Stop hiding failures
First of all, we all have them and we will experience even more of them in years to come. Now, that we got that out of the way, it should be easier for each of us to internalize that truth and act accordingly. While I strongly believe that we should all focus on our strengths, I also believe that acknowledging …
Random learning opportunities
Learn from everyone, expand your perspectives and listen to what those you work with have to say about your organizational leadership, culture, performance, product, services, outcomes…your present and your future. Invite folks to be truthful and share what they have observed along the way, both across the industry and your organization.
Share what you know
Share what you know, what you have experienced, what you have done before, what you have studied, share freely with others. As long as you are not sharing confidential, private or proprietary information, share what you know in service of helping other people. While many see hoarding information as a chip they may want to cash in at a later …
Lunch with a friend
Get out of your office or your cubicle, step away from your desk and invest time in building relationships and partnerships with people. This thing, the entire life and our careers and businesses within it is a people game first. Everything always starts with people so look for ways to build partnerships, synergies and proactively resolve any difficulties or challenges …
Greatness does not tolerate laziness
If you aspire to go beyond mediocrity and dream of greatness, you will need to act accordingly and work hard each day. During this (possibly never ending) journey, you will need to prioritize and sacrifice some of the activities that are not as productive and valuable towards realization of those massive goals. There will be weeks, months, even years where …
Sabotaging your job interview
Have you ever intentionally sabotaged your job interview? And I don’t mean you could have been a bit less lazy with your resume or a cover letter, I mean, intentionally, half way through the process decided that that opportunity wasn’t it and you have found ways to “throw” the interview and the entire search process? Well, I did, twice and …