It’s a time of the year meant for joy and celebration. But what do we really mean when we ask, “Are you ready for the holidays?” When visiting family, frantic shopping and financial pressures extend our to-do lists during the holiday season, it seems that more people spend time bracing for impact, rather than kicking back and enjoying. The anticipation of holidays is now … [Read more...] about True Joy for the Holidays
inspiration
Your Purpose Promise
Two young twenty-somethings were talking with me about their jobs not so long ago. They were each working for good firms and felt they were well compensated. However, neither felt very inspired by the “purpose” of the company. I have heard the same thing from people of a wide variety of ages. How can organizations establish and communicate “purpose” effectively? Many … [Read more...] about Your Purpose Promise
Keeping the Organization Soul Vibrant
Many years ago when I was CEO of the non-profit, LeaderShape, Inc., we were a very young entity going through a tremendous growth cycle. I remember telling my brother that I just wanted to make sure we didn’t end up as a Harvard case study on “The Nonprofit That Grew Too Fast.” Fortunately, we were able to stay on a productive growth path without spinning out of control. … [Read more...] about Keeping the Organization Soul Vibrant
Adaptation vs Revolution
Adapting to changes in the environment can be a very important thing to do. In fact, after having recently spent a week in The Galapagos Islands – where Charles Darwin did extensive research – the importance of a species adapting to their environment was stressed by the nature guides there. The same is true for organizations. Organizations which are unable to adapt to … [Read more...] about Adaptation vs Revolution
Learning Charisma?
Charisma is usually thought of as presence, charm, and/or having a personality that inspires others. It has always seemed to me that when someone is inspired – themselves – by something and then shares that in a sincere, authentic way that they appear to be “charismatic” and inspirational. My advice has always been “If you want to inspire others, first be inspired … [Read more...] about Learning Charisma?