I was given two minutes’ worth of advice nearly twelve years ago, and I repeated that same advice to colleague last week. It’s proof that it’s still relevant, regardless of time. My goal for this article is to be simple, quick, and for readers to come away with the simplest advice to absorb and ultimately share with others. To cut …
Here’s to the Crazy Ones: And Why You Don’t Deserve Them
I’ve been doing a lot of performance work for some client companies lately. As you might expect, I’m trying to push the companies to get out of the mindset that the performance review transaction is the reason for the process. Repeat after me: The reason you do any type of coaching or performance management is to migrate employees. If you’re …
Institutionalized: Working for the Corporate Version of Obi-Wan Kenobi/Bill Belichick
There’s a dirty little secret about great companies. Some of them are so great, the experience you pick up actually doesn’t transfer easily to other opportunities. Here’s how this phenomenon plays out: 1– You join a great company early in your career. 2–You are fortunate to work for a master, think the Obi-Wan Kenobi or Bill Belichick of your industry. …
Ageism is Real – And It’s Your Fault
“But Paul, you’re different. You like that technology stuff.” That’s what I get when I bring up a new way to manage a process with a new project management tool. Or when I try to introduce a web-based collaboration platform. Or even when I suggest we use group collaboration in Office 365. Real truth? I don’t always like “that technology …
HR CAREER ADVICE: Never Let Your Boss Tell You How Other People Feel About You Without Forcing These 2 Questions…
Dateline: Somewhere in Corporate America. The Scene: A C-Level is telling the HR pro who reports to him what another C-level thinks about her performance (hint: it’s not glowing). The Mistake: The HR pro in question thinks that since the C-Level reporting the feedback is supportive of her (it’s the other guy with the problem, right?), and she doesn’t have …
Of Resolutions and Resumes…Share my Shame
I have done something I tell others not to do, and I feel some HR shame about it. I’ve avoided updating my resume. I mean really, why should I? I’ve got a great gig, and I am a solid performer. Why bother? I’ve had it on my New Year’s resolution list since 2016, and I continue to mentally add it every year. And …
Seize the Day
Over the holidays we went back to my husband’s childhood home, where we tackled the project of cleaning out a few remaining items in his closet. Amid scrapbooks, photo albums, and well-loved toys was a box of trophies. He pulled out two that were special and moved the rest to the trash pile. Our 8-year-old daughter was visibly dismayed. How …
A Smart Start to Your New Work Year? Determining What To End.
Does this sound familiar? It’s the first month of the work year. You’re a little happy to be back (you love your kids but…). Although your inbox is overwhelming, you’re ready to start fresh in the new year. You’re working on your yearly kickoff meeting, excited about your new strategy, and have resolved to manage your time better. You’re starting to feel, dare …
You Worked Really Hard in 2018.
It’s 2019 and it’s already time for everyone to start implementing New Year’s goals. But before you jump in and make good on your 2019 resolutions, let’s acknowledge that you worked really hard in 2018. Like really hard. You may not have met all of your 2018 personal goals, and maybe missed the mark on one or two objectives, but …
If You’re Not Creating, You’re Waiting
Let’s talk about you for a second. Let’s not make small talk or dig into things I really can’t relate to because I don’t know you – your friends, your family, your fantasy football league – whatever. Instead, let’s talk about your career. How’s THAT Going? For some of you, it’s going great. Others have careers that are a dumpster fire …