We think of "chunky" as it relates to weight, which isn't a nice thing to call someone. But let me give you a new, positive connotation for the word. Recognize that you're healthiest when you're "chunky" in time management. We all need starts and finishes, even if we are on one long road that […]
Who runs this show? I enter every business with that question in mind. Sometimes, I want to shake that person's hand and congratulate them on their remarkable organizational skills. But sometimes, I'm struck by all the bad notes, like an orchestra with failing instruments or untrained members. The place is off-key, disjointed. I […]
It’s April, and it’s time for some spring cleaning. So, here’s a bit of useless debris to wipe out of your office — the “blame game.” Nothing shuts down a talk like defensiveness — the conversation killer and the assassin of achievement. So many roadblocks in life and business come from people threatened by […]
We live in Plan A. We survive in Plan B. If the fire happens, the massive storm, or any form of the big "Oh No!" arrives, what's your plan? Not every catastrophe involves 911. A "Mayday!" moment can be staffing turmoil. What, Tom quit? Who'll do his job? When Tom Quits, Consider […]
I'm not a particularly fast typist, and this lack of speed proved a blessing in my life. In one of my first jobs, I was chosen for a front-desk position instead of the clerical spot I wanted because I couldn't meet the required word count per minute. This role assignment helped set […]
I always have fresh flowers. Yes, I'm bragging about my husband, who set up regular deliveries for me. I welcome the weekly arrival of fresh arrangements. He knows I love flowers, and he's that kind of guy. Yes, I'm lucky! When Planning Clicks, You Know It's Right I'm thinking of April, the blooming […]
My husband keeps up with the tech of the day, but he still loves his papers and color-coded filing system, which is always neat and orderly. But in an increasingly paperless business world, our files are accessed through a search bar, not a file cabinet, and keeping track of everything takes time and effort. […]
"You just got lucky!" Have you ever admired the person saying that? It's not a great look, is it? That's a jealous phrase. It's ugly and unimaginative. I vowed long ago not to be a person who says such things. That's a waste of time. Instead, I say, "Good for you!" And I […]
A business filled with “yes men” or “yes women” who are scared to upset the boss will stagnate and die. That’s why I never want fear to be the prime motivator in my company. Do you? If one of my employees makes a mistake, I simply want a conversation, not a scolding. What happened? […]
The "get-rich-quick" mentality is the source of so many crazy stories, right? It's the realm of bankruptcies, heartbreak, and so much drama. The "quick" part is what does people in. Everyone wants to "get rich," but many people lack patience and take terrible risks in hopes of easy riches, then pay a steep price. […]