February, 2011 | It's Worth Noting

Leadership

You ready to become a communication chameleon?

February 4, 2011

How often do you find yourself saying, “You misunderstood me”, and getting caught up in a prolonged conversation to explain what you really meant? At best, the frustrating exercise costs you time. At worst, the repeated misfires erode relationships. What if you focused all that time and energy on becoming a communication chameleon? A chameleon always changes its color to adapt to its environment, not the other way around. You can immediately become a more effective and others centered communicator by doing the same. Instead of assuming other people need to understand you better, what if you assumed you need to understand them better? Although it will take some time and effort to study your audience and you have to believe they’re worth it, the impact can be significant. The effort alone will help establish a healthier connection that will serve as a conduit for better communication. As you master the…

Leadership

Leaders need a hairpin trigger for resolving conflict

February 22, 2011

What happens when conflict emerges around you? Do you avoid or ignore it or do you lean in? Regardless of the source or catalyst, the most effective leaders know that healthy acknowledgement and resolution of conflict is critical for them and their team to keep moving forward. When conflict emerges around you, have a hairpin trigger for acknowledgement and resolution. Lean in to understand the issues and seek to restore genuine peace. Do not let conflict fester or spread. Dealing with it may cost you some time and emotional energy, but both are less costly on the front end than the back.

Leadership

Thank a customer today

February 24, 2011

Saying thank you only takes a few minutes of consideration and then following through. Think of one customer today that you really appreciate. How could you express your thanks? Deliver something early? Send a note or call to share how they’ve helped your business grow or improve? Send a gift for a referral, whether from yesterday or years past? Whatever the idea, just make sure it’s unexpected, thoughtful and reflective of how important they are to you. How do you say thank you?

Leadership

Do you have a family bucket list?

February 16, 2011

A movie entitled “The Bucket List” popularized the idea of creating a bucket list of things to do before you die. Do you have a bucket list? Reflect upon what’s on it. If it’s like a lot of the lists I’ve seen, it includes individual accomplishments like running a marathon or maybe visiting a beautiful place or landmark. An individual bucket list can be a great motivator. It can influence some decisions and provide certain direction in your life. Have you considered a similar list for your family? What about sitting down tonight for dinner and asking everyone what they would like to pursue or accomplish as a family during your years together? Depending on whether you have children and their ages, you may have to revisit this conversation several times over the years to capture everyone’s input, Maybe your family’s list includes visiting Disney World, hosting an exchange student,…

Productivity

5 simple steps for a more productive day

February 8, 2011

1. Set a 15 timer and work on those lingering tasks or emails that only need a few minutes of your time. 2. Take a couple minutes to unsubcribe or create rules for five emails that routinely clutter your inbox. 3. Start with end in mind. When you head home, what accomplishment would make you smile? 4. Drop something. Identify one thing you need to stop doing, but that you know is tempting and will hurt your productivity. 5. Answer the question why. What’s the benefit of being productive for you? Keep that in mind as you strive to maintain discipline.

Leadership

The power of unprompted giving

February 2, 2011

Want to have an immediate impact on a few people today? Anyone can give when they’re prompted or a need is staring them in the face. What about giving without being prompted or without a need being known? What about doing this at work? Here’s a three step beginner’s guide: Think of 2-3 people in your sphere of influence, whether colleagues, vendors or customers. Take a moment to reflect on their unique interests, needs or impact on your life. Identify one thing you can do or say today to give to them, whether that means supporting their interests, meeting their needs or affirming their impact on your life. Regular, unprompted giving might happen in a healthy home or church, but it’s too rarely seen in the workplace. While prompted giving is great, unprompted giving is even better because you are the sole catalyst. This makes the thought more meaningful and the…

February 2011