For the last 15 years I have worked as a content creator and copywriter, first for (what was then) the world’s leading ecommerce software provider and later for myself as a business owner. And today, I considered walking away from that to work for minimum wage at McDonald’s. Let me explain what happened...
If you have ever shied away from cold water, jumping into a freezing lake might not be top-of-mind when building new leadership muscles. If it weren’t for Dee Hein and her recent new interest in cold water swimming for many health benefits, Matt Fioretti, an accomplished outdoor leader, would have never tried it. Something pushed her to try it, and ultimately it inspired him to try it.
Lots of feedback can equal more confusion if someone wants to control something that isn’t their domain. Kind of like me letting go of pretending that I know what I’m doing going to the Everest region. Eventually, I said, “stop it.”
I didn’t know the Sherpa, but he had been climbing up these mountains several times a day, so maybe I should follow him. So that’s what I did.
I didn’t love the experience, in fact I couldn’t even imagine why I was doing it, but I was happy that I did follow him because that is HOW I made it to 16,000 feet even though the goal was 17,600 feet.
Any parent with young kids knows Daniel Tiger is the ultimate authority on every lesson you need in life. The PBS successor to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood features a young tiger (unsurprisingly named Daniel) and his family. He confronts life’s difficult challenges with emotional maturity, self-awareness, and singing.
So
Much
Singing!
But, unlike most children’s TV, you won’t end up hating it. In fact, you’ll end up loving it because the songs are so catchy and soothing that you can draw on Daniel Tiger’s extensive catalog of compositions to guide your child through basically any daily struggle.
I am not a big sports fan and I am certainly not a fan of athletes as heroes. But I have been intrigued by Pete Carroll of the Seahawks. I read that he views his job as making everyone in the Seahawks organization the best they can be. That is how I view the job of any business manager. Which led me to wanting to know more about Carroll’s management style.
Which led me to this book.
Recent events have reminded us how divisive unresolved conflict of any kind can be. Regardless of the scale of the conflict, whether it is a board room or a city street, all division is rooted in the same human need for compassion, acceptance, understanding, and respect. Without this we cannot feel seen, heard, and appreciated, which are essential emotional needs that are fundamental for our existence.
Simply put, we all need to know that we have value.
While unresolved conflict between teams at an organization is in no way on par with institutionalized racism or any other wide-scale marginalization or multi-generational repression, it stirs the same basic human responses of fear, distrust, anger, and helplessness. Of course, this fear may be over losing your job instead of your life, but it is a form of fear nonetheless and fear tears people and entities apart.
Workplace conflict is no exception.
What makes those famous Silicon Valley companies attract and keep top talent? Given a choice, the talent went to work for Google, Facebook or Apple. What made them do that? Most people will argue that it's the competitive pay or extra benefits (such as free meals), but I have to disagree. These businesses all have the factor of innovation on side, allowing their staff to think big and to perform in fresh and new areas.
The result is ‘belonging,” the knowledge that they are part of something and their opinions matter. I am a firm believer that innovation is undeniably effective as a motivator. Maybe you are thinking you can't possibly afford to have a workplace powered by innovation, but that's where you would be wrong. I'll go through five ways you can bring innovation to your workplace, attracting and keeping the best local talent, however big or small your company is.
Considering there is a growing abundance of ‘older people’, does dementia, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and other health issues increase risks when hiring them? Is it worth the risk?
According to the CDC, only 21.6% of people over 65 say their health is fair or poor which leaves a majority with average, good or excellent health.
Does the experience, wisdom and maturity they bring outweigh the risk of potential health issues? Sandra has a few thoughts!
Dr. Oz has talked about it and Wikipedia offers information about Chronotype and Circadian Rhythms. You can find a quiz here to learn about your specific Chronotype. While you have heard people say they are a "night owl", there are actually four different Chronotypes:
Dolphin, Lion, Wolf and Bear.
Which are you?
By understanding your chronotype (or the chronotype of your staff), you can adapt and improve your energy levels, improve relationships and 'get more done'.
According to clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Michael Breus, your genetics can tell you when it’s the perfect time to do just about anything.
Try using some of the tips and techniques listed below to power through your energy lows and come back out on top. (though I am unsure about a giggle break and watching kitten videos.)
A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective.
The technique is credited to Albert Humphrey, who led a convention at Stanford University in the 1960s and 1970s using data from Fortune 500 companies.
A SWOT analysis must first start with defining a desired end state or objective. A SWOT analysis may be incorporated into the strategic planning model. Strategic Planning, has been the subject of much research.
Guru is a buzzword in business and internet marketing you may use to describe someone. Or maybe it is a term you use to describe yourself.
Interestingly, the word guru originates in Sanskrit.
- Gu indicates darkness.
- Ru indicates destruction.
A guru is considered "a dispeller of darkness".
Anyone able to shed light (dispel the darkness) on a topic for another might be considered a guru.
With The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Managers top of mind, make a commitment yourself and to others:
