“Small steps to create urgency have a massive impact.”  This statement really caught my eye in a recent blog post from Piper Harris, an Atlanta, GA based leadership coach. As someone who is naturally action oriented, I have a radar that flashes when I observe a lack of urgency to fix critical problems or to make changes that can have a large and positive impact. It can very frustrating to deal with these delays in action, whether it be with a boss, a colleague, a customer or even with a close friend. How should we define the phrase “sense of urgency”? In his recent book,Read More →

As a leader do you feel like you are “on” all the time while at work, or interacting with employees or customers? You should. Leaders must operate as if he or she are living in a fish bowl. Everyone on the outside can look in and watch you. Every interaction with every colleague, employee and customer, matters and has a spill over effect.  Whether you leave a positive impression or a negative impression, that effect will be shared with others…verbally, electronically or even on social media. Being “on” means that you are consciously thinking about your words, behaviors and body language. When you are “on”,Read More →

I recently tweeted, “Being a great leader is not always about doing, it is also about restraint. Take the time to pause, consider thoughts and words, so that the way we express ourselves motivates and uplifts others.” I strongly believe in this statement. Earlier in my career I worked for a boss who held weekly, in person, team meetings. I often found these meetings frustrating, as it seemed like everyone was talking over each other. As soon as someone took a breath, another person inserted his or her thoughts. There was never a quiet moment and not a lot of listening took place. This wasRead More →