My all-time favorite Christmas movies are A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life  — two stories about reflection on the past in order to transform perspectives, behaviors, and actions that impact the future.   Scrooge is confronted by The Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol (1951) In A Christmas Carol , Ebenezer Scrooge has settled into his hardened heart of stone, spreading his misery and stench of “bah humbug” wherever he goes. He is visited by the dead gho

“The person who cares the most about your career advancement is you.”  I remember the first time I heard those words, they were very direct and very piercing. I wanted to be told, “That’s really unfair. They  should have made sure you had everything you needed to be successful. They knew that the job would be available soon. What even was the point of them  giving you a performance review if they   weren’t using it to prepare you for what’s next?” I wanted sympathy, I wanted

It’s 4:30 on Friday. You're mentally halfway out the door, dreaming of dinner plans or a quiet evening in. Then your boss walks in with a...

One of the most powerful ways to bring out the best in your team is to recognize and utilize each member’s unique personality and strengths. In our sessions, we use Gary Smalley’s personality framework — Lions, Otters, Golden Retrievers, and Beavers (more explanation of animal behaviors below). It offers a simple way to spot and leverage different workstyles. Recognizing different work styles (including strengths and blind spots), along with regular touch base meetings, can h

When it comes to motivating people at work, most of us jump to the obvious answer: more money. And don’t get me wrong, money definitely matters.