“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” No doubt, you heard this phrase from your parents growing up. You may even have shared it with your own children in an attempt to sooth the pain caused by hurtful comments. It’s meant as a declaration of mental strength, a statement … Continue reading How Language Affects Your Performance
Get Fired Up!
Sometimes, you just run out of steam. One day, you’re on fire; ready to tackle the world. These are the days when you get so much work done, and make so much forward progress, it feels like nothing can get in your way. The wins start stacking up. Your confidence swells. You end the day … Continue reading Get Fired Up!
What Are You Afraid Of?
In the 1991 film Defending Your Life, Albert Brooks plays a man named Daniel Miller. Daniel dies in a car accident and finds himself in Judgement City, a way-station for the recently departed. It is here that souls are assigned a defender and, through a series of interviews, must demonstrate they have overcome the fears … Continue reading What Are You Afraid Of?
Are You a Former Performer?
Just about every workplace has one; that guy or gal who never delivers, but always has an excuse. It’s never their fault. There’s always some external reason that explains why the project wasn’t completed on time or the sales goal wasn’t met or customer satisfaction is down. Despite their best efforts, someone or something got … Continue reading Are You a Former Performer?
5 Tricks to Regain Your Motivation
I’d lost it. My mojo, my desire to achieve, my motivation to move forward… was gone. I had started running in May, a natural progression of the workout routine I’d started a month earlier. I had caught the bug and was going for a run at least every other day. Things were going well – … Continue reading 5 Tricks to Regain Your Motivation
Are You Still Hungry?
Christmas is right around the corner. The New Year is less than two weeks away. And as you prepare to close the books on 2015, I have just one question for you… Are you still hungry? Remember the excitement you felt when you first started this job? Remember the fire that burned deep inside – … Continue reading Are You Still Hungry?
Circle Up! Lead From the Huddle
Paul looked across the line of scrimmage at the other team. He glanced at the scoreboard and then at the stands; full of friends and family, all anxiously awaiting the next play. Then he scanned the faces of his teammates. Each one stared intently at Paul, eager to receive his instructions. It was 1892 and, … Continue reading Circle Up! Lead From the Huddle
Knowing When Not To Quit
Earlier this year, social media lit up for a few days after a University of Oregon runner, Tonguy Pepiot, narrowly lost the men's steeplechase event at the Pepsi Team Invitational. It was back in April and Pepiot, well ahead as he approached the finish line, slowed down and raised his arms in celebration of his … Continue reading Knowing When Not To Quit
Celebrate!
This week, I'm traveling to Bryan/College Station, TX. I’m joining bankers from the area for their mid-year Sales & Service Rally, a celebration of the individual and team accomplishments attained through the first half of the year. I’m anticipating a festive atmosphere as employees from a variety of roles come together to recognize each … Continue reading Celebrate!
Stop Motivating Your Team! (Do This Instead)
Over the years, I’ve been asked a lot of questions by managers in a variety of roles across numerous organizations. By far, the most frequently asked question is “How do I motivate my team?” Some are looking to increase sales performance. Others want to improve customer service or productivity. In many cases, managers seem frustrated … Continue reading Stop Motivating Your Team! (Do This Instead)
