In present day business, there’s more than one way to skin a cat. I’m not sure who the sicko was that coined the phrase, but I get the gist of it; not everyone needs/uses the same techniques to accomplish the same goal. Being a person who marches (and sometimes skips) to the beat of her own drummer, I totally get that concept. Not only do I want to do it my way, I want the … [Read more...]
Growing through the Red
If we operate 100% of our career in the black, we never get the growth opportunities that only occur in the red. I know that may be contrary to Wall Street or even your street, but there is something to be said about the valleys as well as the peaks. If the only training ground we have is at peak level, we’ll never be prepared for even the slightest of valleys. So why do … [Read more...]
Who’s the Boss of You?
Do you sometimes let conditions beyond your control dictate your day? Have you ever been a victim of someone else’s circumstance? I often catch myself in reactionary mode when I should be functioning in a more proactive role as an activist. I use the word activist because it might make you a little uncomfortable and possibly cause you to take notice...that, and I'm not sure … [Read more...]
The Religion of Sisterhood
Today is my best friend's birthday. She's my rock. She's my mentor, teacher, cheerleader and confidant. She is the example of femininity that every girl should aspire to be. She's my very own superhero! She's taught me a whole new religion called sisterhood! Sometimes we don't realize how valuable the women in our lives are until it's too late...but me, I was blessed … [Read more...]
Permission to Fail
As a child I remember asking for permission to speak. I’ve asked for permission to pee, permission to be excused, permission to paint an apartment in college and permission to borrow the family car. As a performer in the USO I remember asking a ships’ captain for permission to come aboard his vessel. I’ve asked permission of employers to take exotic vacations for longer than … [Read more...]
A Picture Perfect Business Model
Every day I meet people who are really good at what they do; and every day I remind myself what I am best at. It's not because I need the constant ego boost, but because I have to remind myself to stay focused...laser focused on the big picture instead of getting side-tracked when something sparkly catches my eye. Why is it that companies like Kodak, Xerox and Microsoft … [Read more...]
Trimming the Fat
This past week I realized that there CAN definitely be too many cooks in the kitchen. I don't cook very often so for me to even use that analogy, it is way too crowded! I believe in everyone having a role and everyone's role having value, but when the line gets fuzzy between the two, I find myself getting uncomfortable and having to trust my gut. Enough is enough, time to … [Read more...]
The Never-Ending Meeting
Last week I had six meetings over a nine hour work day. I also attended one single meeting that consumed the better part of my day. I spent more time meeting and less time actually doing. This is my plea for the "meeters" of the world to break from the pack and start becoming "doers." Many studies find that 70% or better surveyed said their meetings are very often … [Read more...]
You Have the Right to Remain Silent
Actually, you have an obligation to remain silent...the right is in the speech. On this day of celebration of our inalienable rights, I can't help but think about our freedoms. Unfortunately, speaking doesn't come with an owner's manual or license, so anyone, anywhere, anytime can say what's on their mind...therein lies the lesson. Just because we have the right, does not … [Read more...]
It’s a New Day
As Michael Buble' croons from my iPod, "It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me. And I'm feeling good," I smile! One because of my fantasy that Michael Buble' is personally serenading me and two because I've ended up with a Plan B that has outperformed Plan A by a mile! Yes! A new year, a new beginning and a new direction laced with old skills and … [Read more...]