Friday, December 30, 2016

So??? What Will YOU Resolve This Year?

This is the time of year where we all begin to feel almost guilted in making New Year’s Resolutions. Recently I read an article by Lolly Daskal (@lollydaskal)which outlined 10 things likable people do constantly. As I read them, it occurred to me that these are qualities, not only in likable people but attributes found in great leaders as well. Perhaps you can draw a resolution or two from the following:

1. Listen without interrupting.
Become a great listener. That means no butting in, no rushing along, no asking questions until the speaker is done. Listen not to frame your own rebuttal but rather to genuinely understand. First seek to understand…

2. Smile without smirking.
Smiling and warmth make others around you feel good. It seems simplistic, but smiling is a lost skill of sorts. Master it and you'll stand out. Take some time…LOOK at yourself…literally in the mirror…practice “the smile”

3. Speak without dictating.
Speak and share your thoughts and ideas, but treat such conversations as a two-way street. Your voice and your wisdom have value, but set them forth in a way that respects the voice and wisdom of others in true dialogue. VALUE the person with whom you are speaking.

4. Give without receiving.
As the adage says, we make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give. Don't keep score; give with a genuine heart, because it makes you happy…servant leadership.

5. Enjoy without complaining.
Enjoy and be grateful for all that you have. It is gratitude that gives us the best reasons not to complain. A mindset of gratitude versus the greed of want pays dividends for the entire organization.

6. Trust without wavering.
Trust, someone once said, is like an eraser--it gets smaller and smaller every time you have to use it. When we can offer others our sincere word and they know they can trust us, that's no small thing. Consistently doing what you've said you would do, and not doing what you've said you won't do, earns you a huge amount of trust.

7. Promise without forgetting.
People with good intentions make promises; people with great character keep them. Keeping promises should be your highest priority--because when you give your word, there is no room to forget. Keep your promises.

8. Forgive without punishing.
I believe there are two kinds of forgiveness: the kind that also gives the other person a chance, and the kind that forgives but still compels you to move on without that person. Either should be used wisely, and neither should be about punishment. The healthy way to forgive is whatever works best for you without punishing the other person.

9. Be honest without deceiving.
The people we like the best are those who are honest, who follow their convictions and speak their truth. We like people who act on their beliefs. They may not always win, but you know what they stand for.

10. Be positive without reservation.
Negative, angry people drag down everyone around them. Work on maintaining a positive attitude at work and in life. Make an effort to look for opportunities and solutions instead of barriers and problems. Whatever the situation, focus on what can be done.

So my friends, are there any that resonate with you? Care to add to the list? Feel free…Happy New Year…

Be good to yourself…Happy New Year!




Friday, December 23, 2016

Merry Christmas

Have a blessed Christmas surrounded by those you love and those who love you in return. May your heart be opened to the joys and hopes the season has to offer, and may your New Year be filled with the fruits of your labor.

Peace and all good things...


Friday, December 16, 2016

We Can ALL Learn a Litlte From Ol' Santa

As Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick’s arrival is quickly approaching, I thought I’d share some of his beliefs I ran across a few years back…There’s a reason he continues to flourish…consider….

1. “Choose Your Reindeer Wisely” 
·        Hire tough so you can manage easy – Expend the effort to bring on the very best people. 
·        Promote the right ones … for the right reasons – Match the people with the responsibilities.  
·        Go for the diversity advantage – Bring on “different” people who will challenge the status quo.  
 
2. “Share the Milk and Cookies” 
 
·        Help them see the difference they make – Show employees their part of the “Big Picture.” 
·        Do right by those who do right – Recognize and reward those who meet or exceed expectations.  
·        Expand the reinforcement possibilities – Find new and creative ways to recognize your team.   
 
3. “Find Out
 
Who’s Naughty and Nice”  
·        Confront performance problems early – Address issues as soon as you become aware of them. 
·        Coach “the majority in the middle” – Work with your solid performers to help them get even better.  
·        Don’t forget “the super stars” – Don’t take your best people for granted. They need attention, too.  


Ol’ Santa has some pretty good ideas… 

Be good to yourself…BELIEVE 




Friday, December 9, 2016

Use Your Power Wisely

As a leader it is easy at times to forget the influence we have on people either by position, title, or by perception. We have the ability to be a positive force or a destructive element in the lives of so many by what we say or don’t say, do or don’t do.  It’s a responsibility we have, which we must ever be mindful.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe helps put things in perspective for me and the responsibilities that are inherent in being a leader. 


“I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.”
Be good to yourself and to those you lead…



Friday, December 2, 2016

$156,500.00!

$156,500.00! That’s what USA Today said it would cost to buy “The 12 Days of Christmas” this year. I was never quite clear if the recipient received just one new gift each day, or continued to receive all the gifts to that point in addition to the new gift…but that’s for a discussion some other day. The point is $156,500.00 is a lot of money no matter how you slice that partridge in a pear tree.

As leaders we’re all aware of the distractions the holiday season can bring an organization…some positive diversions and at times, some rather negative interruptions. As a result, I thought I’d offer up a different version of the 12 Days of Christmas for you to consider. The cost to you will be nothing, but the dividends may offset any “downside” to the holidays you may experience. Take a look, reflect…just don’t try to sing as the words don’t quit match the melody, but the message is well worth your time.

The 12 Days of Christmas: A Leader’s Version
By: Lisa Petrilli

On the 1st day of Christmas my leader gave to me - Inspiration sprinkled with clear vision of future Christmases

On the 2nd day of Christmas my leader gave to me – A roll in the organization that fits my strengths

On the 3rd day of Christmas my leader gave to me – A genuine interest in me and my ideas

On the 4th day of Christmas my leader gave to me – Genuine respect

On the 5th day of Christmas my leader gave to me – 5 CORE VALUES ( which were demonstrated daily)

On the 6th day of Christmas my leader gave to me – Evidence that they value the opportunity to lead

On the 7th day of Christmas my leader gave to me – Passionate engagement with my team

On the 8th day of Christmas my leader gave to me – Credit when and where credit was due


​On the 9th day of Christmas my leader gave to me - Recognition of my unique talents​


On the 10th day of Christmas my leader gave to me – Commitment to work and life BALANCE

On the 11th day of Christmas my leader gave to me – Honest feedback and support expressed eloquently

On the 12th day of Christmas my leader gave to me – Empowerment to succeed

No money can buy these things as they’re all priceless…

Be good to yourself…