Workplace basics reviewed—the toughest—take feedback
Asking for and taking unsolicited feedback is the most important and underused professional growth tool available.
Few have acquired the skill of providing helpful feedback. So it is going to fall on you to learn to ask for or listen to feedback poorly delivered and learn from it. (more…)
When a new strategy, hard work, diligence and focus DON’T work
If you watched the Wimbledon match between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick on July 5th you saw an example of two people, both working unbelievably hard in a focused and determined way. They played for 4 hours and 18 minutes—at full speed. They were neck and neck—they kept competing. Eventually, Andy Roddick missed a shot and Roger Federer won. Mr. Roddick looked like he was crying while holding himself together and speaking graciously to the crowds.
This is a perfect example of how doing everything right can still not work in a given situation. Something we hate to think about, but something that does happen—to the best, the brightest, the hardest working and most prepared. Andy Roddick had hired a new coach—the gold standard of performance excellence. He took his coach’s advice, lost weight, developed a spot on strategy and worked consistently and with extreme discipline and precision.
But when he got to the finals—a triumph in itself, he failed to win the championship trophy. (more…)
Manners are not out of style and contribute to good work
I had a situation today that reminds me why it pays never to act the way you feel in a business situation. Or, to totally cut yourself off from people, who may not be “your best friend” but is still a fellow traveler in the world of work. Several weeks ago a fellow consultant who I have known for a long time and I had a misunderstanding. She was very upset—too upset in my view. But, although we had a few harsh words, we moved on in the conversation and both let it go. Neither of us, although we each thought we were “right”, crossed the line to obnoxious and rude behavior. We kept our cool even in a hot situation. (more…)
Most of us start the morning with challenges, and tough stuff on our plates—and in many instances too many priorities and not enough time to do them all well. If you are working you are likely exhausted and stressed. If you are not working and looking for work, you are also exhausted and stressed. If you are a leader/manager not only are you exhausted and stressed but additionally you have other people’s stress to deal with daily. Take 5 minutes and breathe. (more…)
