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Just One Thing-How Hard Are You Working at Connecting?

Jan 13, 2013

We live and work in a transactional world, where most of us experience a large number of low engagement sound-byte interactions in our professional and even our personal lives. It’s the rhythm of our age. Take a few moments and try and recall the last time you engaged in a high quality, interactive conversation with a peer, boss or direct report that led to a valued outcome, a new insight or a new direction. Here are some ideas to help you slow down and create some quality connections between you and your colleagues:

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Leadership Development Carnival-Best of 2012

Jan 8, 2013

Thanks to Dan McCarthy of Great Leadership by Dan fame, there’s a tremendous collection of favorite leadership blogger posts from last year at this month’s “Best of 2012 Leadership Development Carnival.” If you’re looking for some thought-starter ideas to help you succeed with your New Year’s Leadership resolutions, this is a great place to begin your search!

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7 Simple Ideas to Build Professional Muscle this Year

Jan 1, 2013

Professional development like physical fitness and weight loss is oft discussed, frequently initiated and rarely completed. Make this year different. Here are 7 ideas that like push-ups, build core strength, can be practiced anywhere, and are absolutely free:

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Management Excellence Holiday Book List-Part 2

Dec 17, 2012

Here are a few more of my favorite things when it comes to professional development. Part 1 focused on leadership, strategy, getting to the next level and cultural intelligence. In Part 2, I range a bit further afield with an eclectic suggestion list of biographies. And remember, the best books on leadership aren’t found in the business section!

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Management Excellence Holiday Reading List-Part 1

Dec 16, 2012

In case you’re looking for gift suggestions for the professional in your life or, you’re thinking of spending some holiday time on your own professional development, I’m offering a few thoughts in a series of posts this week. In this first part, I stick close to the leadership and management world. Parts 2 and 3 will offer suggestions from the world of biography, innovation and self-development.

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Just One Thing-A Lousy Boss is No Excuse to Let the Fires Burn

Oct 19, 2012

Some organizations seem to perpetuate a culture that generates talk and hand wringing and teeth gnashing on issues, but little constructive action. Instead of letting the heat from 1,000 smoldering fires melt away your spirit and initiative, take action, grab a hose and form a bucket brigade. Do something…just don’t stand around and watch things burn.

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New Leader Tuesday: Engage, Inform, Inspire

Sep 11, 2012

Those who look back and reflect upon the start-up period in their first leadership role will frequently describe this stage as having been awkward or uncomfortable. The transition from individual contributor to supervisor or manager is abrupt for many and lonely for most. Building your priorities and daily activities around the mantra, Engage, Inform, Inspire, can help you cultivate the good habits of effective leaders.

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