“I need a better work/life balance.” Is this something you’ve heard someone say or perhaps you’ve said before? What does that mean for you? In our society, we have defined “work/life balance” as an ability to work well at work, take time for yourself to rest, take time for your family and friends, and take time to play and enjoy life. This mythical work/life balance … [Read more...]
Creator Mindset: Playing Your Hand
I used to work with a woman we will call Jane. That is not her real name, but the story I will tell you about Jane is as real as it gets. You see, Jane was born in abject poverty to a single mom and had four other brothers and sisters. Right from the start, she was dealt what you might call a bad hand. Pulled from school to school while her mother tried to find work, she … [Read more...]
Get Traction: Stop the Interruptions and Be in Control
Are you frustrated by the relentless onslaught of people interrupting you? Is your work suffering because of all the interruptions? Would you believe me when I say, “It’s your fault”? If your day is filled with people coming into your office, unscheduled, and asking for your help, consider this: In his book The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey, Kenneth Blanchard … [Read more...]
Get Traction: Data Doesn’t Lie
Most great companies have one thing in common: They manage their business by tracking a handful of key metrics. Managers use these metrics to forecast, identify trends, and improve decision-making. Larger companies tend to wait for the monthly, quarterly or annual P&L (profit and loss) report to review these metrics. However, as a small to mid-sized business owner, tracking … [Read more...]
Get Traction: So, I’m a Visionary. Now What?
Recently in a session with a new client, the executive leadership team wanted to place the owner of the company in the Visionary seat of the Accountability Chart (think of the Accountability Chart as an Organizational Chart on steroids). This excited the owner, but he found himself wondering if he was being put out to pasture. He wasn’t quite sure what his role would be if he … [Read more...]