New Year's Resolutions... Again?

Resolutions... Again?

Consider The Alternative

(Just get real about what you want.)

Another new year and another fresh start. 

Client:  "This is the year. I'm telling you. This is the year that I get it done."

Me:       "Awesome. Why is this the year? What's different?"

Client:  "I'm totally committed. I mean, I HAVE to be. It's time. This is IT."

That was two years ago. Turns out, it wasn't the year. 

For my client and a lot of other people.

The lure of New Year's resolutions is incredible. Some people dive in and construct an entirely new vision for their life. Others stand defiant against the tradition to make a point. Unfortunately, by mid-January very few people are on a path to creating positive changes in their lives.

How can you break the cycle this year... and finally get what you really want?

Ignorance Is (NOT) Bliss

Ignorance At Work:

Up, Down and Around

They say ignorance is bliss.  

For those who have to work up, down, and around

ignorance in the workplace... not so much.

Today I'm re-posting some key concepts from a reader favorite article on managing ignorance in the workplace. If you've ever worked with someone and been frustrated that they just don't "get it"... this article might help. Ignorance is bliss? Not so much.

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When you walk into the office today, you may not feel like the smartest person in the room.  Chances are, though, you're smarter than someone else. Sometimes, a LOT smarter. You're good at what you do.  You make informed decisions.  You behave in ways that make sense to others.  You earn respect.  What could be bad about that?

We interact with people continuously at work. Many of them impact our ability to be successful.  What do you do if one of those people is incapable of delivering on their responsibilities? On more than one occasion, you'll be faced with ignorance in the workplace, from a co-worker, or worse yet, your boss.  

How do you handle ignorance in others with professionalism?  

How do you pick the right battles?  

How do you ensure your success, despite others who are ignorant?

How do you keep perceptions of ignorance about your colleagues from tarnishing your reputation?

Congruence

How Living With "Congruence"
Changes The Game

You can be successful without congruence.  
But you can't be satisfied.
What is it and how do you get it?

Congruence is one of those words that just sounds complicated. You probably paused at the title and thought "Meh" about whether to read this article. I hope you keep reading. 

Here's why:

"How we think of ourselves (our self-image) and how we behave in accordance with that image in the real world is the stuff of congruence. It's one of the most profoundly powerful drives we have as humans - to live in consistent alignment with who we think we are, how we want others to perceive us, and who we want to become. When we don't behave as the person we believe ourselves to be, we feel 'off'...'          

Brendon Burchard, in his NY Times Bestseller The Charge

Our level of congruence is never more challenged than at work. We're surrounded by a diverse group of people we haven't chosen to have in our lives, and we have to interact with them every day. Being true to ourselves while accommodating the personalities and preferences of others is tough. Over time, we can lose our sense of alignment between who we are and how we are in the workplace. 

The biggest challenge is that we don't see trouble coming. We feel "off" and we don't know why. It's because we aren't living and working with congruence.

So... what is congruence and how do you get it?

Meetings That Matter

Business Meetings:

Make Them Matter

I'm pretty sure business meetings were created (by cavemen?) to get stuff done. Develop plans. Make decisions. Assign responsibility. Celebrate victories. 

Who knows when, but at some point, business meetings became almost as much about not getting stuff done. 

Does this sound familiar?

Too many people. Not the right people. People checking their phones. Others showing up late. The wrong agenda. No agenda. Random discussion. No discussion. All talk. Little action. Lack of accountable people or timeframes. About 45 minutes too long...?

In today's expert opinion, I share insights that could change the way you think about meetings at work. On "The Story Of Telling" website, brand strategist Bernadette Jiwa recently recommended five questions you should ask yourself before scheduling or attending a meeting. Today, I help you answer those questions.

Whether you're someone who schedules meetings, or is invited by others to attend them, these tips will make your meetings more effective. 

With any luck, you may have a lot more meetings that actually matter.