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o you know that it only takes one obstacle in an otherwise perfect day to make you feel less-than-best? Especially in these hectic times, when every employee is pressed to achieve more in less time with fewer resources, a single hiccup can make you feel like everything is in upheaval. Let’s face it: Instability or chaos of one form or another is everywhere.
We cannot control what happens. But we can control our attitudes. We can control how we choose to respond to a negative situation. It’s easy to respond negatively to a problem, of course. The key to success (and the challenge for top performers) is to see the positive in every troublesome issue and turn obstacles on their head so we benefit in some way. [Read more…]
While I believe myself to be a savvy traveler and know pretty much what to tip and when to tip staff, lately I have been questioning some of my tipping habits – wondering, “Am I tipping too much?” or “Do I tip the maid if she brings extra towels to my room?”
Why do I say this? There are many reasons but I’ll start with my main point. Today’s leader is fairly tech savvy and acts independently. I talk with many managers and high-level executives who tell me they are very proud that they can manage many tasks on their own without their assistant’s help. That is fine and dandy except they are spending time on things they should not be doing. It’s not that they aren’t capable… They are very capable but that is not what they are getting paid the big bucks to do! 
I recently attended a leadership workshop with Michelle Crosby, Ph.D. of Crosby Consulting and enjoyed her presentation including interaction from the room ultimately finding that managers and leaders have two completely different styles – yet we need them both. Attendees were asked to shout out some qualities they see in managers. Some of their contributions were task-oriented, follow-up, delegate, reporting, manager of day-to-day and so on. For leader our group came up with vision, strategic, inspire, provide direction, guide and more along these lines. 
by Joanne Linden…