Monthly Archives: October 2013

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How To Test The Waters

I’d always wanted to start a blog but was scared of putting my words out there. To share what I know. To be vulnerable with others.

The pressure of choosing a topic, finding an audience, and writing every day was overwhelming.

Creating a blog took me almost a year before I dove in. Why?

Because I wasn’t ready to get my feet wet. I didn’t start until I knew how to test the waters.

Off target shot

Image by Dan DeChiaro

How To Test The Waters

While my example is of starting a blog, your challenge may be going for the promotion you’ve always wanted, becoming an entrepreneur, or some other big, hairy, audacious goal (BHAG for short). Going for the big goals can be intimidating. But this method of testing the waters is tried and true. And I know it can help you obtain your goals.  Read more...

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How Are You Investing In The Next Generation Of Leaders?

The vision of a leader is important. Our vision guides us and creates a sense of direction. Once we’ve established this, we’ve got to move on.

Move on to investing in the next generation of leaders. They’re the ones coming up behind you. Ready to take your place.

Don’t worry though. This is normal in leadership. There’s always going to be a replacement for you. Your job is to invest in them.

Puzzle pieces saying Invest In Me

Image by Darcy McMarcy

Why Invest In The Next Generation Of Leaders?

This may sound crazy to you if you’ve been raised in the old-school of leadership. Where everyone is out for themselves or the company only.

Leadership is changing. Leadership is moving towards creating new leaders and giving them the tools to take the reigns. Get ready to pass the leadership baton.  Read more...

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5 Ways Leaders Can Build Trust

Trust is essential for any leader. Without trust, you can’t lead anyone willingly.

I started my new job July 29th, 2013. I was nervous, excited, fearful, but most of all, ready for the challenge. I was scared because it’s something new. Anxiety and worries follow fear with any new endeavor. The combination of fear, anxiety, worries is a great recipe for mistakes and missed opportunities at a new job.

Trust standing at the edge

Image via NASA

What kills my fears, worries, and anxiety about a new job is my solid plan. I have a “money-back guarantee” strategy that will not fail. This strategy is based on the wisdom I’ve gathered in my career, excellent books like 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and How to Win Friends and Influence People.  Read more...

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Why I Gave Up On Inbox Zero

So many bloggers have been promoting the idea of Inbox Zero. This is the feat of keeping your email inbox at zero.

Hearing my blogging friends talk about having their inbox at zero intrigued me. My email inbox was always filled with tons of emails. Over 100,000 emails at one point.

These bloggers talked about the feelings they had when they saw an empty inbox. They said it was liberating. It was freeing. It was calming.

So I decided to try it for myself. I wiped out those 100,000 emails and started my inbox at zero again. Just like starting a new email account.

At first I was thrilled with my inbox being empty. It did feel freeing.

I felt like I’d made a dent in something that mattered. After all, so many others were saying how great Inbox Zero was.  Read more...