While happiness, or other positive states, is important, it’s only part of the equation for success. Psychologist and scientist Todd Kashdan has researched the benefits of the dark sides of our moods and personalities. Todd believes we need to tap into both our positive and dark side to drive success and achieve greater fulfillment. It’s a compelling point…. Read More»
Being present is reflecting back and magnifying the desired wishes, wants and needs of each person in the room. Do all you can to speak positively and encourage those you meet with. Connect to the very soul, as you look each person in the eye. And whether a kind handshake or a gentle touch on the arm, make whatever physical connection is appropriate…. Read More»
In his book, Bret Ellis renames the Millennial Generation “Generation Wuss.” He claims that we respond to challenges by, “collapsing into sentimentality and creating victim narratives rather than acknowledging the realities of the world and grappling with them and processing them and then moving on, better prepared to navigate an often hostile or indifferent world that doesn’t care if you exist.”… Read More»
Brad Katsuyama was a trader at the Royal Bank of Canada when he discovered how high-frequency traders were front running the market and using milliseconds to take advantage of just about everyone. Brad’s response to this inequity was to start his own exchange called the Investor’s Exchange (IEX), which comes with “speed bumps” that eliminate the advantage of high-speed investors.
While I found this story as intriguing as the other topics Michael Lewis has brought to light, it was Brad’s final comments on 60 Minutes that really caused pause and reflection. He said…… Read More»
Intentionality of design is an important component of any successful project. It means understanding the customers’ needs to ensure the final product meets, or exceeds, those needs in the customers’ own context and constraints. Wouldn’t it be great if these were baked-in at the beginning? If we intentionally designed products, services, and processes not only to be useful, but preferred? We are great at designing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, STEM, into products, but not as great with design from the actual users’ perspective. Design Thinking is not new, but through “STEAM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Design and Math), its gaining recognition and validation in more aspects of our lives – in the things we use and how we use them – next iPhone, Golden Gate Bridge, pacemaker, insulin pump, etc…. Read More»
YEC (Young Entrepreneur Council) surveyed some folks about who they are most influenced by. Here are the top 8 responses. Q: Which thought leader influences you the most? 1. Gary Vaynerchuk I love Vaynerchuk’s systematic approach to how marketers should actually be marketing in 2014. He’s brutally honest about the strategies he recommends, while also practicing […] Read more… Read More»
Many organizations seek to be bigger, to go farther than the competition, and do it faster. But there’s a heavy price to pay unless you redefine those three words to match today’s reality with what we look for in our work. Consider this new manifesto:
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Earlier this month, I got the opportunity to interview Shannon McFayden, a former Senior Executive Vice President at Wachovia. Shannon is Wachovia’s former Head of Human Resources and Corporate Relations. Once named one of the “25 Most Powerful Women in Banking” by US Banker, Shannon now works as an executive consultant and leadership coach.
Shannon had some fascinating insights about workplace culture, worker motivation, and more. One of the most interesting – and surprising? She believes that the goal of every HR professional should be to work themselves out of a job…. Read More»
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