General Advice
How to Get Your Boss to Take You Seriously
A common complaint among young professionals is that their bosses don’t take them seriously. While some deal with this by denigrating their bosses and trying to ignore them, others truly want to find ways to be heard and valued. Here are some facts and suggestions for building credibility. Fact: Your energy creates a reaction. Some […]
Continue ReadingThe Notion of Thinking Globally and Acting Locally
I had the privilege today of listening to knowledgeable and accomplished business leaders talk about the opportunities and challenges of regional economic development in southeast Wisconsin. As is probably true for most economic regions around the globe, the story was one of terrific potential and knotty problems. Most of the problems are related to an […]
Continue ReadingPortray Your Best to Boost Your Reputation
I received a forwarded ‘quote for the day’ this morning from a friend who said it made him think of me. The quote reflected my attitude about life (it might not be the party we hoped for, but while we’re here we may as well dance), and in that sense it was both touching and […]
Continue ReadingIn a High Tech World We Are Globally Connected, but Locally Estranged
I’m troubled. I wonder how much time you spend each day with your computer, iPod, BlackBerry or cell phone? By contrast, I wonder how much time you spend in face-to-face conversation each day? I wonder if you remember the color or your spouse or significant other’s eyes? Silly questions? Maybe. But maybe not. The power […]
Continue ReadingTo Ease a Crisis You Need to Suspend the Drama
Have you noticed the hysteria in our headlines lately? Everything is a crisis. Not only is the sky falling, it’s emitting catastrophic earth-warming waves as it does so. People are stabbing, robbing, chasing, kidnapping, torturing, mangling, and pummeling each other. And when caught, they demand their rights. Others, less violent but no less hysterical, lie, […]
Continue ReadingWant to See Results? Ask Yourself “What do you bring?”
Do you get tired of hearing about, and maybe dealing with, all the schmucks at work? People with bad attitudes, smart mouths, cynical minds and sour faces? I sure do. And maybe because it was a full moon week, I’ve heard a lot of people complaining about what a pain they are and how ugly […]
Continue ReadingTips for Dealing with Hotheads in Life
One of the greatest tests of one’s confidence and composure is dealing with someone who has come unglued with anger. Hotheads make everyone edgy and they can, depending on the age and experience of your workforce, become disruptive opinion leaders. How to deal with a hothead? First, if you are the object of their anger, […]
Continue ReadingThe Wisconsin Business & Technology Expo is an Event Worth Going to
One of the best things a businessperson can do for self and career is make a conscious effort to be around positive energy. The Wisconsin Business & Technology Expo, held over the past two days at State Fair Park in West Allis, was a congress of such energy. I had the good sense and wonderful […]
Continue ReadingLessons Learned Thanksgiving 2005
Today is a special day set aside to give thanks and I’d like to share something I wrote a short while ago to encourage everyone I know to think about how lucky they are. No matter your circumstances, there are so many things to be grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving! IF YOU’RE LUCKY Every once in […]
Continue ReadingFinding the Courage to Forge a New Career Path
It’s a fascinating time to be involved with business. So many companies are struggling to understand what about their histories made them successful and what about the future will demand that they change. Our leadership, for example, is quite different today than it was when the barons of business called the shots. Big men (not […]
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